SFB1551 Project: R08

Project Title: Regulatory mechanisms and biophysical impact of TDP-43 phosphorylation

Summary: In my PhD I studied how the neurodegeneration-linked phosphorylation of TDP-43 can be induced in a cellular “disease” model. Then with network analysis and kinase inhibitors screening I identified a TDP-43 phosphorylating kinase whose activity is key to keep TDP-43 soluble (instead of pathologically aggregating) physiologically and upon cellular stress. I showed with a proof of principle artificial system that promoting the interaction between this kinase and TDP-43 is a promising therapeutic strategy for neurogenerative diseases showing TDP-43 pathology.