Reframing TDP‐43 in Alzheimer's disease: From co‐pathology to neurovascular culprit

Dec 16, 2025Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association

TDP-43's role in Alzheimer's disease: from accompanying protein to possible blood vessel problem

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Abstract

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) may act as a driver of neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

  • TDP-43 aggregates in astrocytes and endothelial cells, impairing blood-brain barrier integrity and metabolic homeostasis.
  • Loss of endothelial TDP-43 disrupts β-catenin signaling and fibronectin, leading to vascular breakdown and neuroinflammation.
  • Astrocytic aggregates of TDP-43 are associated with reduced levels of aquaporin-4 and CD146, which further compromise clearance pathways.
  • These mechanisms may accelerate the progression of AD and contribute to clinical variability and limited treatment responses in TDP-43-positive patients.
  • Reclassifying TDP-43 as an upstream driver could facilitate the development of new biomarkers and precision therapies targeting dysfunction.

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Key numbers

50%
TDP-43 Prevalence in AD
TDP-43 pathology is present in over half of Alzheimer's cases.
1/3
Cognitive Decline Association
Approximately one-third of AD cases exhibit TDP-43 pathology.

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