Imaging biomarkers in tauopathies.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiochemistry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Abnormally aggregated tau protein is a key factor in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.
• Post-mortem studies show a correlation between hyperphosphorylated tau tangles and cognitive decline/neuron loss.
• Existing diagnostic methods for tauopathies are limited, especially in early disease stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and application of selective positron emission tomography (PET) ligands for in vivo tau imaging.
• To discuss the potential of these tau PET ligands as biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.
• To highlight the challenges and recent advancements in developing and utilizing tau-targeting PET tracers.

Main Methods:

• Development and validation of selective PET ligands, including [18F]THK5117, [18F]THK5351, [18F]AV1451 (T807), and [11C]PBB3.
• In vivo imaging studies to assess the timing and distribution of tau pathology.
• Review of clinical data and challenges associated with tau PET ligand development.

Main Results:

• Selective PET ligands enable visualization of tau protein in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.
• These ligands provide crucial in vivo information on tau distribution and progression.
• The development of these tracers is advancing the understanding of tau pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

• Tau PET ligands are promising imaging biomarkers for supporting the diagnosis of tauopathies.
• They offer a valuable tool for tracking disease progression and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
• Continued research is essential to overcome challenges and fully realize the clinical potential of tau PET imaging.