QBI Neuroscience Seminar: Investigating the disease mechanisms of MND and frontotemporal dementia related to TDP-43 pathology

Event Details

Date:

Friday, 17 February 2017

Time:

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Room:

QBI Level 7 Auditorium

UQ Location:

Queensland Brain Institute (St Lucia)

URL:

http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/neuroscience-seminars

Event category(s):

Full Description:: Dr Adam K. Walker
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Macquarie University, NSW

Title: Investigating the disease mechanisms of MND and frontotemporal dementia related to TDP-43 pathology

Abstract: Motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia are devastating neurodegenerative diseases with seemingly disparate symptoms. However, most cases of both diseases are characterized by neuronal pathology containing the DNA/RNA-binding protein TDP-43. In this talk I will present findings from new transgenic TDP-43 mouse models, which recapitulate disease-reminiscent pathology, neurodegeneration and behavioural phenotypes. Importantly, I will show that halting TDP-43 accumulation allows neuron survival and functional recovery even at advanced stages of disease, suggesting that similar strategies could be beneficial in patients. I will also describe recent high-coverage quantitative proteomics studies, which have revealed potential new therapeutic targets for the treatment of TDP-43-associated diseases.