The pursuit to find effective treatments for ALS often comes from small but critical steps. One such step comes in the form of a new tool that promises to advance ALS research worldwide: a validated pTDP-43 antibody, now made available by ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in collaboration with Dr. Len Petrucelli and . This new resource provides a crucial step toward leveling the playing field for researchers everywhere, allowing them to take on ALS with greater precision and efficiency.
The Challenge: TDP-43 and Its Role in ALS
Phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) aggregates are a defining pathological feature in approximately 97% of ALS cases, making it one of the most crucial biomarkers for understanding this devastating disease. Despite its importance, research into pTDP-43 has been hampered by one significant barrier: the lack of reliable, widely accessible antibodies that can accurately detect these aggregates. Historically, these antibodies have been either too expensive or too difficult to obtain, leaving many researchers unable to properly visualize and study this critical element of ALS pathology.
For academic and industry researchers alike, this has created a substantial gap in the tools necessary to advance understanding of ALS at the cellular and molecular levels. Without the right reagents, research is hindered, slowing progress toward potential therapeutics and biomarkers.
A Game-Changing Solution: A Reliable and Affordable pTDP-43 Antibody
Recognizing this challenge, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ has worked with renowned ALS expert Dr. Len Petrucelli and the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB) to distribute a validated rabbit monoclonal antibody that recognizes human TDP-43 phosphorylated at the critical Serine 409/410 sites. This antibody will allow researchers around the world to visualize TDP-43 aggregates in human cells, mouse models, and postmortem human tissue. The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Post-mortem Core, with support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, has used this antibody to stain sections of brain and spinal cord from at least 100 ALS cases.Ìý Digitized images of the staining can be found on the Data Engine. Methods used for the staining are available.
The best part? This antibody will be available at a very low cost, ensuring that researchers, no matter their institution’s budget, can now access this vital tool. This is a game-changer for ALS research, particularly for labs in underfunded or resource-limited settings, enabling them to pursue studies on TDP-43 with the same level of precision as well-funded labs.
Breaking Down Barriers, Accelerating Discovery
By making this antibody accessible globally, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is doing more than just providing a research tool. The organization is empowering researchers from all corners of the world to better understand the biology of ALS and, in doing so, accelerating the race to discover new therapeutics and biomarkers. This level of accessibility means that the fight against ALS is no longer confined to the largest labs or the most affluent research centers; it’s open to every researcher with a drive to make a difference.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ continues to expand its Reagents Core as part of its mission to provide critical resources to the ALS research community. This initiative is all about breaking down the barriers that often slow the progress of scientific innovation. Whether you’re in academia or industry, whether you’re part of a small research lab or a large institute, this antibody will help bring you closer to the heart of ALS research.
Join the Global ALS Research Community
We believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance—both in life and in research. By making the pTDP-43 antibody available globally, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is ensuring that researchers everywhere can take a significant step forward in understanding the pathology of ALS and, ultimately, achieving a medical breakthrough.
To request the pTDP-43 antibody from DSHB, simply and send ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ a note.ÌýFor information about the development and validation of the antibody, read the.Ìý
Learn more about ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ and the resources available through our Reagents Core.
Support the Global ALS Research Community
Your support helps us provide essential tools, like the pTDP-43 antibody, to researchers around the world, ensuring that critical discoveries are within reach for all. Join us in empowering the global ALS research community and driving progress toward a cure. Make a difference today—every donation brings us one step closer to a world where Everyone Lives.
