Cryptic inclusions UNCover losses driving neurodegeneration

Trends Genet. 2022 Sep;38(9):889-891. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.004. Epub 2022 Jun 27.

Abstract

Pathology formed by the protein TDP-43 (TAR DNA binding protein 43) is the hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies by Ma et al. and Brown et al. reveal that loss of TDP-43 function causes inclusion of cryptic exons in specific mRNAs, including the synaptic gene UNC13A, a known genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). These findings suggest new disease mechanisms.

Keywords: TDP-43; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; cryptic exons; frontotemporal dementia; motor neuron; splicing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / genetics
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / pathology
  • Exons
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / genetics
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger