The Ward laboratory at the NIH, led by Dr. Michael E. Ward, investigates how specific mutations and protein misfolding contribute to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. By studying patient-derived cells and developing advanced cellular models of disease, their team aims to identify critical cellular pathways affected in neurodegenerative disorders and discover new therapeutic strategies. Their research has provided key insights into the role of protein trafficking and RNA-binding proteins in neurodegeneration. Supported by the Kissick Family Foundation, and in collaboration with the Petrucelli lab at Mayo, their current project focuses on how dysfunction of a lysosomal protein, TMEM106B, leads to its aggregation and cellular dysfunction in FTD.