ALS/FTD-linked TBK1 deficiency in microglia induces an aged-like microglial signature and drives social recognition deficits in mice.

ABSTRACT: TANK-Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) is involved in autophagy and immune signaling. Dominant loss-of-function mutations in TBK1 have been linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD), and ALS/FTD. However, pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, particularly the cell-type specific disease contributions of TBK1 mutations. Here, we show that deleting Tbk1 from mouse motor neurons does not induce transcriptional stress, despite lifelong signs of autophagy deregulations. Conversely, Tbk1 deletion in microglia alters their homeostasis and reactive responses. In both spinal cord and brain, Tbk1 deletion leads to a pro-inflammatory, primed microglial signature with features of ageing and neurodegeneration. While it does not induce or modify ALS-like motor neuron damage, mic

SUBMITTER: Lenoel I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12381211 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature