Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
04:36
An Assay to Detect Protection of the Retinal Vasculature from Diabetes-Related Death in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2024
Tau pathology in diabetes mellitus
Jing Wu1, Sheng-Dan Nie, Shan Wang
1Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Xiang-Ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Die Pharmazie
|September 12, 2013
Summary
Diabetes can cause brain complications by affecting tau protein phosphorylation. Impaired insulin signaling disrupts the balance of enzymes, leading to tauopathy and neuronal damage in the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative tauopathy, marked by hyperphosphorylated tau, is a key factor in diabetic central nervous system (CNS) complications.
- Hyperphosphorylation of tau is linked to an imbalance between protein kinase and phosphatase activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how impaired insulin signaling contributes to diabetes-related tauopathy.
- To explore the disruption of tau-related protein kinase and phosphatase balance by diabetes.
- To discuss tau pathology as a therapeutic target for diabetic neuronal degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the molecular mechanisms linking diabetes, insulin signaling, and tau phosphorylation.
- Analysis of studies investigating the role of protein kinases and phosphatases in tauopathy.
- Synthesis of evidence on tau pathology as a target for intervention in diabetic CNS complications.
Main Results:
- Impaired insulin signaling in diabetes disrupts the homeostasis of tau-phosphorylating enzymes (kinases) and de-phosphorylating enzymes (phosphatases).
- This enzymatic imbalance leads to the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, a hallmark of neurodegeneration.
- Tau pathology is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in the diabetic CNS.
Conclusions:
- Disruption of insulin signaling is a critical mechanism driving tauopathy in diabetes.
- Targeting tau pathology presents a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating central neuronal degeneration in diabetes mellitus.
- Further research into the interplay between insulin resistance and tau metabolism is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:22Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...