TARDBP binds both DNA and RNA and have numerous roles in transcriptional repression， pre-mRNA splicing and translational regulation. TARDBP was initially identified as a transcriptional repressor that binds to chromosomally integrated TAR DNA and represses HIV-1 transcription. TARDBP has also been identified in individuals diagnosed with chronic traumatic ncephalopathy， a condition which frequently mimics ALS and that has been associated with athletes who have experienced multiple concussions and other types of head injury. TARDBP may also be involved in microRNA biogenesis， apoptosis and cell division.
