Overview
The Scaglione lab is interested in the regulation of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in neurodegenerative diseases. We use a wide array of model systems including protein biochemistry, the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, human cell culture, and mouse models to understand cellular pathways that deal with misfolded proteins. The goal of our research is to understand pathways that deal with misfolded proteins and develop strategies to enchance these pathways. We hope this strategy will lead to the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and the polyglutamine diseases.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2025 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Cell Biology
·
2025 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Acute stress and multicellular development alter the solubility of the Dictyostelium Sup35 ortholog ERF3.
Journal Article Microbiol Spectr · November 5, 2024 Among sequenced organisms, the genome of Dictyostelium discoideum is unique in that it encodes for a massive amount of repeat-rich sequences in the coding region of genes. This results in the Dictyostelium proteome encoding for thousands of repeat-rich pro ... Full text Link to item CiteViral vector gene delivery of the novel chaperone protein SRCP1 to modify insoluble protein in in vitro and in vivo models of ALS.
Journal Article Gene therapy · June 2023 Protein misfolding and aggregation are shared features of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and protein quality control disruption contributes to neuronal toxicity. Therefore, reducing protein aggregation could hold ... Full text CiteMechanistic Insight into the Suppression of Polyglutamine Aggregation by SRCP1.
Journal Article ACS Chem Biol · March 17, 2023 Protein aggregation is a hallmark of the polyglutamine diseases. One potential treatment for these diseases is suppression of polyglutamine aggregation. Previous work identified the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum as being naturally resistant ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2001 - 2027Investigation into protein quality control pathways in Dictyostelium discoideum
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2021 - 2026View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Saint Louis University, School of Medicine ·
2001
Ph.D.