Welcome

Our lab studies aging and dementia, with an emphasis on molecular genetics. Much of our research focuses on progranulin – a protein linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – and how its deficiency contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. We are currently investigating progranulin’s role in inflammation using a variety of molecular and cellular approaches. We are also testing strategies (including antisense oligonucleotides) for increasing progranulin levels as potential therapies for progranulin-deficient FTD. More recently, we have expanded our research to also address Alzheimer’s disease, aging-related cognitive decline, and aging itself. One particularly exciting project involves testing if pharmacologically targeting longevity-associated genes can enhance lifespan and increase lifespan in mouse models.