TDP-43 pathology in familial British dementia

Acta Neuropathol. 2009 Aug;118(2):303-11. doi: 10.1007/s00401-009-0514-3. Epub 2009 Mar 13.

Abstract

Trans-activation-responsive DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a component of pathological inclusions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and several forms of sporadic and familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration. This has suggested defining a new class of diseases known as TDP-43 proteinopathies. However, it has been reported more recently that TDP-43 positive inclusions occur in other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinsonism dementia complex of Guam. Here we report the occurrence of TDP-43 inclusions in one other neurodegenerative disorder: familial British dementia. Using a variety of antibodies against phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated TDP-43 epitopes, we found intense accumulation occurred in the form of dystrophic neurites, neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions and was also occasionally associated with neurofibrillary tangles. Double immunostaining revealed that TDP-43 and tau aggregates were rarely directly colocalized, but co-existed in the same neurons as separate inclusions. Double staining with ubiquitin showed a direct colocalization with TDP-43. The phosphorylation-dependent TDP-43 antibodies proved superior to phosphorylation-independent antibodies in revealing pathological inclusions since the former did not stain non-phosphorylated TDP-43 in normal nuclei. Our results support the concept that TDP-43 pathology is not narrowly restricted, but is involved in the etiology of many neurodegenerative disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Dementia / metabolism
  • Dementia / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Limbic System / metabolism*
  • Limbic System / pathology
  • Male
  • Phosphorylation
  • tau Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • tau Proteins