The Role of Tau in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target
Author
Source
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-20, 20 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-12-19
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
20
Main Subjects
Natural & Life Sciences (Multidisciplinary)
Diseases
Abstract EN
The abnormal deposition of proteins in and around neurons is a common pathological feature of many neurodegenerative diseases.
Among these pathological proteins, the microtubule-associated protein tau forms intraneuronal filaments in a spectrum of neurological disorders.
The discovery that dominant mutations in the MAPT gene encoding tau are associated with familial frontotemporal dementia strongly supports abnormal tau protein as directly involved in disease pathogenesis.
This and other evidence suggest that tau is a worthwhile target for the prevention or treatment of tau-associated neurodegenerative diseases, collectively called tauopathies.
However, it is critical to understand the normal biological roles of tau, the specific molecular events that induce tau to become neurotoxic, the biochemical nature of pathogenic tau, the means by which pathogenic tau exerts neurotoxicity, and how tau pathology propagates.
Based on known differences between normal and abnormal tau, a number of approaches have been taken toward the discovery of potential therapeutics.
Key questions still remain open, such as the nature of the connection between the amyloid-β protein of Alzheimer’s disease and tau pathology.
Answers to these questions should help better understand the nature of tauopathies and may also reveal new therapeutic targets and strategies.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Wolfe, Michael S.. 2012. The Role of Tau in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Scientifica،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-20.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-498822
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Wolfe, Michael S.. The Role of Tau in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Scientifica No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-20.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-498822
American Medical Association (AMA)
Wolfe, Michael S.. The Role of Tau in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Scientifica. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-20.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-498822
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-498822