TDP-43 disrupted sensory-cortex nerve projections in mice
Original source
ALS-associated protein TDP-43 disturbs axonal projections in the somatosensory cortex. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Studied in
- Human, Mouse
Related topics
Researchers found that expressing the ALS-associated protein TDP-43 disrupted nerve-cell projections in the somatosensory cortex of mice. Mutant forms caused stronger developmental effects, while expression after birth shortened axons and reduced their branching.
Why this matters
The findings add evidence that TDP-43 can affect sensory as well as motor-related brain cells. However, this was a mouse study using experimentally introduced TDP-43, so it does not change treatment or establish the same effects in people with ALS.
Limitations and context
The study was conducted in mice and tested introduced TDP-43 expression in selected cortical neurons. It examined cellular projections rather than symptoms or treatments, so the relevance to human ALS and any clinical consequences remain uncertain.