Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience (Dec 2019)

Structural Insights Into TDP-43 and Effects of Post-translational Modifications

  • Liberty François-Moutal,
  • Liberty François-Moutal,
  • Samantha Perez-Miller,
  • Samantha Perez-Miller,
  • David D. Scott,
  • David D. Scott,
  • Victor G. Miranda,
  • Victor G. Miranda,
  • Niloufar Mollasalehi,
  • Niloufar Mollasalehi,
  • Niloufar Mollasalehi,
  • May Khanna,
  • May Khanna

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2019.00301
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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Transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) is a key player in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have gathered and presented structural information on the different regions of TDP-43 with high resolution structures available. A thorough understanding of TDP-43 structure, effect of modifications, aggregation and sites of localization is necessary as we develop therapeutic strategies targeting TDP-43 for neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss how different domains as well as post-translational modification may influence TDP-43 overall structure, aggregation and droplet formation. The primary aim of the review is to utilize structural insights as we develop an understanding of the deleterious behavior of TDP-43 and highlight locations of established and proposed post-translation modifications. TDP-43 structure and effect on localization is paralleled by many RNA-binding proteins and this review serves as an example of how structure may be modulated by numerous compounding elements.

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