TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43)

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a protein found in cells that plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and processing RNA, which is essential for protein production. It is normally located in the cell nucleus, but in certain neurodegenerative diseases, like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and frontotemporal dementia, TDP-43 can misfold and accumulate in the cytoplasm. This abnormal behavior disrupts cellular function and contributes to the degeneration of neurons, leading to the symptoms associated with these diseases. Understanding TDP-43 is important for developing potential treatments for these conditions.