Daniela Zarnescu, PhD
Penn State University
Identify TDP-43 dependent, muscle specific alterations in new protein synthesis, in vivo
TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein linked to the majority of ALS cases, that has been shown to alter the localization and translation of target mRNAs in motor neurons. Here we will use genetic and biochemical approaches to investigate the effect of TDP-43 proteinopathy on newly translated proteins in Drosophila muscles, on the post-synaptic side of neuromuscular synapses. These experiments will provide potential new targets for mitigating ALS phenotypes in muscles.