TDP-43 Knock Out and Neuronal Death in a Mouse Model of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of neurodegenerative diseases involving loss of neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language and is the second most common cause of dementia in those age 65 years or younger after Alzheimer's Disease. The most common form of FTD arises out of aggregation of the protein TDP-43; however, the exact pathogenic mechanism is not known. This study attempts to investigate one of the two main proposed mechanisms using a mouse model of FTD by replicating clearance of TDP-43 from neuronal nuclei with genetic editing utilizing the Cre/LoxP system delivered by a virus. Results from this study show promise for future research and therapeutic and medicinal interventions.