TDP43 Protein Links Neurodegeneration and Cancer

Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered that the protein TDP43, previously linked to neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and ALS, also plays a critical role in controlling DNA mismatch repair. This repair system corrects errors during DNA replication. The findings suggest that abnormal levels of TDP43 can harm neurons and destabilize the genome, increasing the risk of cancer. This discovery establishes a novel link between neurodegeneration and cancer, potentially reshaping scientific understanding and leading to new therapeutic strategies. Lead investigator Muralidhar L. Hegde emphasized the broad implications for diseases where TDP43 goes awry. The research, primarily funded by the United States===National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the United States===National Institute on Aging, was published in Nucleic Acids Research.