Gel-like inclusions of C-terminal fragments of TDP-43 sequester and inhibit proteasomes in neurons

Authors

Riemenschneider H, Guo Q, Bader J, Frottin F, Farny D, Kleinberger G, Haass C, Mann M, Hartl FU, Baumeister W, Hipp MS, Meissner F, Fernandez-Busnadiego R, Edbauer D

Journal

bioRxiv

Citation

bioRxiv 2021.03.15.435268.

Abstract

TDP-43 inclusions enriched in C-terminal fragments of ~25kDa (“TDP-25”) are associated with neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we analyzed gain-of-function mechanisms of TDP-25 combining cryo-electron tomography, proteomics and functional assays. TDP-25 inclusions are amorphous with gel-like biophysical properties and sequester proteasomes adopting exclusively substrate-processing conformations. This leads to proteostasis impairment, further enhanced by pathogenic mutations. These findings bolster the importance of proteasome dysfunction in ALS/FTD.

DOI

10.1101/2021.03.15.435268