Scientists have discovered the TDP43 protein linked to ALS and dementia, which controls a key DNA repair process. When the protein becomes unbalanced, the DNA repair system goes out of control, damaging neurons and destabilizing DNA. High levels of TDP43 are associated with increased mutation rates in cancer. This protein thus links DNA repair to cancer and dementia. TDP43 has a greater role in disease than previously thought. The discovery places TDP43 at the center of neurodegeneration and cancer biology.[No citations as summary is from provided article content only]