TDP-43 proteinopathy

The TDP-43 proteinopathies are a set of neurodegenerative disorders characterized pathologically by cytoplasmic inclusions composed of TDP-43. The pathology has been implicated in three major diseases:

Other neurodegenerative disorders that are less well known to feature TDP-43 proteinopathy :

Pathology

TDP-43 is the abbreviation for transactive response (TAR) DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa, which is encoded by the TARDBP gene. The protein binds to nucleic acids and some proteins, serving multiple functions in the regulation of gene expression at the transcription and translation levels. It is expressed in nearly all tissues normally. In disease states, the protein is hyperphosphorylated, ubiquitinated, and cleaved to generate C-terminus fragments . Cells in affected central nervous system regions stain with antibodies against phosphorylated TDP-43, demonstrating aggregates of protein mislocalized to the cytoplasm .