TDP-43 expression in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy
2008

TDP-43 in Mouse Models of ALS and SMA

Sample size: 6 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Turner Bradley J, Bäumer Dirk, Parkinson Nicholas J, Scaber Jakub, Ansorge Olaf, Talbot Kevin

Primary Institution: University of Oxford

Hypothesis

Does TDP-43 pathology occur in mouse models of ALS and spinal muscular atrophy?

Conclusion

TDP-43 pathology characteristic of human sporadic ALS is not present in mouse models of ALS and SMA.

Supporting Evidence

  • TDP-43 mislocalisation was absent in SOD1G93A mice.
  • No abnormally phosphorylated TDP-43 species were detected in ALS mouse spinal cord.
  • TDP-43 distribution and expression were unchanged in SMA mice.

Takeaway

The study looked at a protein called TDP-43 in mice with ALS and SMA, and found that it didn't behave like it does in humans with ALS.

Methodology

The study used transgenic mouse models and performed immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and biochemical analysis.

Limitations

The study may not capture all aspects of human disease due to the short lifespan of mice.

Participant Demographics

Transgenic SOD1G93A and Smn-/-;SMN2;SMNΔ7 mice were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.0004

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2202-9-104

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