TAR DNA-binding protein 43 in neurodegenerative disease

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) inclusions are the main histopathological feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and many cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). In this article, Chen-Plotkin et al. examine the TDP-43 pathology found in these and other neurodegenerative diseases. They also argue for ALS and FTLD with TDP-43 inclusions to be considered as two ends of a continuum of disease that is characterized by TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration.