Animal models have implicated NMNAT-sensitive/SARM1-dependent programmed axon degeneration and/or cell death as contributing to several neurodegenerative diseases, including chemotherapy- and diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy19–22, traumatic brain injury23,24, glaucoma25–28, and TDP-43 associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)29, among others2. This evidence concerns the gene TARDBP and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.