The N termini of tar DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) C-terminal fragments influence degradation, aggregation propensity, and morphology

Fragments of the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) are major components of intracellular aggregates associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. A variety of C-terminal fragments (CTFs) exist, with distinct N termini; however, little is known regarding their differences in metabolism and aggregation dynamics. Previously, we found that specific CTFs accumulate in the absence of the Arg/N-end rule pathway of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and that their degradation requires arginyl-tRNA protein transferase 1 (ATE1). Here, we examined two specific CTFs of TDP43 (TDP43219 and TDP43247), which are 85% identical and differ at their N termini by 28 amino acids. We found that TDP43247 is degraded primarily by the Arg/N-end rule pathway, whereas degradation of TDP43219 continues in the absence of ATE1. These fragments also differ in their aggregation propensities and form morphologically distinct aggregates. This work reveals that the N termini of otherwise similar CTFs have profound effects on fragment behavior and may influence clinical outcomes in neurodegeneration associated with aggregation.