Daniela C. Zarnescu

C9orf72-associated G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expression in Drosophila mushroom bodies causes age dependent TDP-43 pathology and dementia relevant phenotypes mediated in part by the glypican Dlp/GPC6

This study shows that expressing G4C2 repeats in Drosophila mushroom bodies causes age-dependent TDP-43 pathology and dementia-like phenotypes, with Dlp/GPC6 playing a role in synaptic loss.

ADAR2-Mediated RNA Editing Promotes TDP-43 Nuclear Export and Alters RNA Binding

This study shows ADAR2-mediated RNA editing promotes TDP-43 nuclear export and alters its RNA binding, contributing to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

Modelling dementia in Drosophila uncovers shared and specific targets of TDP-43 proteinopathy across ALS and FTD relevant circuits

This study uses a Drosophila model to investigate TDP-43 proteinopathy in ALS and FTD, identifying shared and circuit-specific molecular targets.

TDP-43 proteinopathy alters the ribosome association of multiple mRNAs including the glypican Dally-like protein (Dlp)/GPC6

The paper identifies TDP-43 proteinopathy's impact on mRNA ribosome association, highlighting Dlp/GPC6 as a novel target in ALS.

Glycolysis upregulation is neuroprotective as a compensatory mechanism in ALS

The paper shows that increased glycolysis is neuroprotective in ALS by improving locomotion and lifespan in Drosophila models through glucose transporter and PFK overexpression.