Catherine A. Blizzard

Myelin maintenance and addition regulate synaptic plasticity in the adult mouse cortex

This study shows that myelin maintenance in adult mice affects synaptic plasticity and neuron homeostasis, while new myelin stabilizes synapses in basal dendrites.

Synaptic changes contribute to persistent extra-motor behaviour deficits in the rNLS8 TDP-43 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

This study identifies persistent extra-motor behavioural deficits in rNLS8 TDP-43 mice, linked to synaptic gene expression and splicing changes that persist even after motor recovery.

Biological sex determines skeletal muscle atrophy in response to cortical TDP-43 pathology

This study shows that biological sex influences skeletal muscle atrophy in a mouse model of ALS, with sex-specific patterns of muscle vulnerability.

Riluzole does not ameliorate disease caused by cytoplasmic TDP-43 in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

This study shows riluzole does not improve disease outcomes in a mouse model of ALS with cytoplasmic TDP-43 pathology.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated mislocalisation of TDP-43 to the cytoplasm causes cortical hyperexcitability and reduced excitatory neurotransmission in the motor cortex.

This study shows that TDP-43 mislocalization to the cytoplasm in motor cortex neurons causes hyperexcitability and reduced excitatory neurotransmission, linking early ALS pathology to TDP-43 mislocalization.