Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Modulation of Tau Subcellular Localization as a Tool to Investigate the Expression of Disease-related Genes
Published on: December 20, 2019
A neuroprotective role for the DNA damage checkpoint in tauopathy
Vikram Khurana1, Paola Merlo, Brian DuBoff
1Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
ATM and p53, effectors of the DNA damage checkpoint, are generally considered pro-apoptotic in neurons. We show that DNA damage and checkpoint activation occurs in postmitotic neurons in animal models of tauopathy, neurodegenerative disorders that include Alzheimer's disease. Surprisingly, checkpoint attenuation potently increases neurodegeneration through aberrant cell cycle re-entry of postmitotic neurons. These data suggest an unexpected neuroprotective role for the DNA damage checkpoint in tauopathies.
Related Concept Videos
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Restarting Stalled Replication Forks
Abnormal Proliferation
The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint
Many proteins function together to control the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mutations affecting these proteins may allow cells to proceed into anaphase prematurely, resulting in the...

