A neurodegenerative ALS-like phenotype can be generated by either overexpression or knockdown of TDP-43 in flies, fish and mice (Kabashi et al., 2010; Li et al., 2010; Schmid et al., 2013; Wils et al., 2010; Wu et al., 2012). The gene discussed is TARDBP; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.