Progranulin function and regulation in the CNS.

Abstract

Dysregulated progranulin expression is robustly associated with diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research has been progressing toward a mechanistic understanding of the role of progranulin in CNS disease pathophysiology. In this review we describe the consequences of dysregulated progranulin expression in experimental and disease states. Collectively, these studies reveal that progranulin has diverse roles as a cell signaling molecule that regulates lysosomal function, immune processes, and growth. Given the functional and pathological implications of aberrant progranulin expression, we also summarize the mechanisms of progranulin regulation. We then highlight therapeutic strategies for progranulin upregulation. Ultimately, we explore the relationship between progranulin function and regulation with the goals of identifying key open questions and facilitating rational therapeutic development.