Both loss and gain of function TDP-43 models have been shown to negatively affect lifespan, motor function and synaptic transmission in Drosophila (Feiguin et al., 2009), all of which are common characteristics of ALS pathology (Diaper et al., 2013) showing that Drosophila can be successfully used to model this disease-associated gene. Here, TARDBP is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.