Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

How Compass is developedGive feedback

Genetics and inheritance

TARDBP

TAR DNA-binding protein

A gene linked to ALS/MND, whose protein is found clumped in nerve cells in most cases of the condition.

What it means

The protein it makes, often called TDP-43, is found gathered abnormally inside nerve cells in most people with ALS/MND, including those with no inherited cause at all. Inherited changes in the gene itself are uncommon.

Why you might hear it

  • TDP-43 appears constantly in research about what causes the condition.
  • The gene is included on testing panels.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.