Thomas Bugge, PhD

Vertebrate genomes encode hundreds of proteolytic enzymes that act on the surface of cells to regulate a range of biological processes. When missing or inappropriately regulated, these proteolytic enzymes also play a critical role in the development and progression of many important human diseases. The goal of Dr. Bugge’s research is to understand the biochemistry, biology, and pathology of cell-surface proteolytic enzymes. His team is particularly interested in determining their contribution to the development, regeneration, and malignant transformation of oral tissues. He and his colleagues also work on exploiting the detailed knowledge of protease expression in human cancer—generated from basic research studies—to develop novel tumor protease-activated pro-drugs for cancer therapy.

Dr. Thomas Bugge performed his Ph.D. research on nuclear receptors at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany. His postdoctoral studies at Childrens' Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, focused on understanding the biology of fibrinolytic proteins. Dr. Bugge was a research leader at the Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati where he worked on fibrinolytic proteins, before being recruited to his current position at NIDCR in 1999. Dr. Bugge has received several NIH and international awards for his research, mentoring, and service to the scientific community, including the 2012 International Society for Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis Prize for "Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Fibrinolysis, Thrombolysis and Proteolysis," and the 2016 NIH Director’s Ruth L. Kirschstein Mentoring Award “For exemplary performance while demonstrating significant leadership, skill and ability in serving as a mentor. “