Paul Sampognaro, MD, is a neurologist and researcher specializing in the treatment and research of neurodegenerative diseases. As a faculty member in the Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center, he focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Sampognaro earned his undergraduate degree in neurobiology from Georgetown University, where he researched Eph/ephrin signaling in cortical development under the guidance of Dr. Maria Donoghue. He went on to earn his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. While there, he worked part-time in Dr. Charlotte Sumner’s laboratory, investigating SMN1 gene insufficiency in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.
During his neurology residency at UCSF, Dr. Sampognaro joined the Kao Lab as part of his flexible residency program, focusing on the role of TDP-43 mutations and their impact on lysosomal function in motor neurons. Building on this work, Dr. Sampognaro established his own independent research group in 2024. His lab now combines his clinical expertise with molecular neuroscience to address fundamental questions about disease mechanisms, aiming to uncover how molecular changes drive ALS progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.