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Updated: May 27, 2026
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In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein
Published on: January 2, 2015
GSPE interferes with tau aggregation in vivo: implication for treating tauopathy
Ismael Santa-Maria1, Carmen Diaz-Ruiz, Hanna Ksiezak-Reding
1Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Neurobiology of Aging
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Grape seed extract (GSPE) reduced tau pathology in a mouse model of tauopathy. This neuroprotective effect improved motor function, suggesting GSPE as a potential treatment for tauopathies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases linked to abnormal tau protein aggregation.
- Intracellular tau aggregates cause neuronal dysfunction and death.
- Current treatments for tauopathies are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of grape seed polyphenolic extract (GSPE) in a mouse model of tauopathy.
- To determine if GSPE can inhibit tau aggregation and ameliorate neuropathology.
- To assess the impact of GSPE on motor deficits in JNPL3 mice.
Main Methods:
- JNPL3 transgenic mice, a model for tauopathy, were treated with GSPE for 6 months.
- Tau pathology was assessed using specific antibodies (AT100, PHF-1, AT8, Alz50).
- Motor function was evaluated using a wire hang test.
Main Results:
- GSPE treatment significantly reduced hyperphosphorylated and conformationally-modified tau in spinal cord motor neurons.
- GSPE decreased levels of hyperphosphorylated and insoluble tau in spinal cord fractions.
- Improved motor function was observed in GSPE-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- GSPE effectively reduces tau pathology and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of tauopathy.
- GSPE demonstrates neuroprotective effects against tau-mediated neuropathology.
- GSPE holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for human tauopathies.
