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Cytoskeletal abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease
1Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
Current Opinion in Neurology and Neurosurgery
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Alzheimer's disease involves cytoskeleton breakdown, leading to neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles form from abnormal Tau protein phosphorylation, with potential links to amyloid deposition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis involves critical cytoskeleton breakdown.
- Neurofibrillary tangles are a key microscopic hallmark of AD.
- Tangles are composed of paired helical filaments (PHF) made of abnormally phosphorylated Tau proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease.
- To review recent investigations into Tau protein phosphorylation.
- To explore potential links between amyloid deposition and tangle formation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of microscopic manifestations of cytoskeleton breakdown.
- Examination of Tau protein phosphorylation processes.
Main Results:
- Neurofibrillary tangles are formed from paired helical filaments (PHF).
- PHF are constructed from abnormally phosphorylated Tau proteins.
- Recent investigations focus on Tau phosphorylation and amyloid links.
Conclusions:
- Cytoskeleton breakdown is fundamental to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding Tau phosphorylation and its relation to amyloid is crucial for AD research.