It has been more than a decade since heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) were first identified as an important genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Due to the highly diverse biological functions of the progranulin (PGRN) protein, encoded by GRN, multiple possible disease mechanisms have been proposed. Early work focused on the neurotrophic properties of PGRN and its role in the inflammatory response. However, since the discovery of homozygous GRN mutations in patients with a lysosomal storage disorder, investigation into the possible roles of PGRN and its proteolytic cleavage products granulins, in lysosomal function and dysfunction, has taken center stage. In this chapter, we summarize the GRN mutational spectrum and its associated phenotypes followed by an in-depth discussion on the possible disease mechanisms implicated in FTLD-GRN. We conclude with key outstanding questions which urgently require answers to ensure safe and successful therapy development for GRN mutation carriers.
Keywords: Familial frontotemporal dementia; Genetic modifier; Granulins; Inflammation; Lysosomal dysfunction; Lysosome; Neurotrophic factor; Progranulin; TMEM106B.