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The molecular basis of frontotemporal dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 July 2009

Manuela Neumann
Affiliation:
Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland.
Markus Tolnay
Affiliation:
Institute of Pathology, Department of Neuropathology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Ian R.A. Mackenzie*
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
*
*Corresponding author: Ian R.A. Mackenzie, Department of Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada. Tel: +1 604 875 4480; Fax: +1 604 875 5707; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a clinical syndrome with a heterogeneous molecular basis. Familial FTD has been linked to mutations in several genes, including those encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), progranulin (GRN), valosin-containing protein (VCP) and charged multivescicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B). The associated neuropathology is characterised by selective degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes (frontotemporal lobar degeneration, FTLD), usually with the presence of abnormal intracellular protein accumulations. The current classification of FTLD neuropathology is based on the identity of the predominant protein abnormality, in the belief that this most closely reflects the underlying pathogenic process. Major subgroups include those characterised by the pathological tau, TDP-43, intermediate filaments and a group with cellular inclusions composed of an unidentified ubiquitinated protein. This review will focus on the current understanding of the molecular basis of each of the major FTLD subtypes. It is anticipated that this knowledge will provide the basis of future advances in the diagnosis and treatment of FTD.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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References

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Further reading, resources and contacts

The website of the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias (AFTD), a US nationwide non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote and fund research into finding the cause and cure for FTD, provides information, education, and support to persons diagnosed with FTD and their families and caregivers; and educates physicians and allied health professionals about FTD:

Ballatore, C., Lee, V.M. and Trojanowski, J.Q. (2007) Tau-mediated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8, 663-672Google Scholar
Buratti, E. and Baralle, F.E. (2008) Multiple roles of TDP-43 in gene expression, splicing regulation, and human disease. Frontiers in Bioscience 13, 867-878Google Scholar
Ahmed, Z. et al. (2007) Progranulin in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and neuroinflammation. Journal of Neuroinflammation 4, 7Google Scholar
Ballatore, C., Lee, V.M. and Trojanowski, J.Q. (2007) Tau-mediated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8, 663-672Google Scholar
Buratti, E. and Baralle, F.E. (2008) Multiple roles of TDP-43 in gene expression, splicing regulation, and human disease. Frontiers in Bioscience 13, 867-878Google Scholar
Ahmed, Z. et al. (2007) Progranulin in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and neuroinflammation. Journal of Neuroinflammation 4, 7Google Scholar