An Phu Tran Nguyen

An Phu Tran Nguyen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, affiliated with the College of Letters & Science. He holds the title of Greater Milwaukee Foundation Shaw Scientist. His research focuses on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, particularly the role of LRRK2 gene mutations in neurodegeneration.

Education: Postdoctoral Fellow at Van Andel Institute (2014–2018), PhD in Biology from the University of Tübingen (2015), MS and BS in Life Sciences from the University of Angers (2009, 2007).

Research Interests: Nguyen investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease, with emphasis on LRRK2's dual kinase/GTPase activities. He develops rodent models (e.g., viral-mediated gene transfer) to study neurodegeneration pathways. Recent work explores how LRRK2 mutations (e.g., G2019S) drive dopaminergic neuron death and tau protein transmission.

Key Findings: Demonstrated that G2019S LRRK2-induced pathology depends on kinase/GTPase activity, and identified LRRK2's role in enhancing tau transmission between neurons. His work bridges genetic mutations, protein dysfunction, and disease progression.

Awards: Recognized as a Greater Milwaukee Foundation Shaw Scientist, highlighting his impactful contributions to neurodegenerative research.