Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

12:55
Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Published on: October 10, 2017
The many faces of tau.
Meaghan Morris1, Sumihiro Maeda, Keith Vossel
1Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
Neuron
|May 11, 2011
Summary
The protein tau, known for microtubule binding, also plays new roles in cell signaling and organization. This review explores these functions and tau
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The protein tau is traditionally recognized for its role in binding microtubules.
- Emerging research reveals novel functions of tau beyond microtubule stabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the newly identified functions of tau in cellular signaling and organization.
- To discuss the implications of these tau functions in neurodegenerative diseases.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting tau biology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on tau protein.
- Analysis of tau's involvement in signaling pathways.
- Evaluation of tau's role in cytoskeletal dynamics.
Main Results:
- Tau participates in crucial cellular signaling pathways.
- Tau influences cytoskeletal organization, impacting cell structure and function.
- Dysregulation of these tau functions is implicated in neurodegenerative conditions.
Conclusions:
- Tau is a multifunctional protein with significant roles in neuronal health.
- Understanding novel tau functions is critical for deciphering neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
- Targeting tau offers promising therapeutic avenues for treating these debilitating diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Kendall's Tau Test
Kendall's tau test, also known as the Kendall rank coefficient test, is a nonparametric method for assessing association between two variables. This test is particularly useful for identifying significant correlations when the distributions of the sample and population are unknown. Developed in 1938 by the British statistician Sir Maurice George Kendall, the tau coefficient (denoted as τ) serves as a rank correlation coefficient, with values ranging from -1 to +1.
A τ value of +1 indicates that...
A τ value of +1 indicates that...
The Buckingham Pi Theorem
The Buckingham Pi theorem provides a structured method to simplify fluid dynamics problems by reducing complex systems of variables to dimensionless terms.
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)
Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins. Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils.
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins. Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils.
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...

