Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells
12:55

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Published on: October 10, 2017

9.5K

Tau45-230 association with the cytoskeleton and membrane-bound organelles: Functional implications in

Sana Afreen1, D Nicole Riherd Methner1, Adriana Ferreira1

  • 1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Neuroscience
|August 28, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The tau45-230 fragment, linked to Alzheimer's disease, disrupts axonal transport in neurons. This disruption, caused by tau cleavage, contributes to early Alzheimer's pathology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Posttranslational modifications of microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Beta-amyloid (Aβ) induces neurotoxicity partly via tau cleavage into the tau45-230 fragment.
  • The precise mechanisms of tau45-230 toxicity remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the subcellular localization of the tau45-230 fragment in hippocampal neurons.
  • To determine the impact of tau45-230 on axonal transport.
  • To elucidate the contribution of tau45-230 to early Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Subcellular localization studies using cell extraction with Triton X-100 and saponin in cultured hippocampal neurons.
  • Assessment of axonal transport in hippocampal neurons treated with tau45-230.
  • Analysis of organelle counts and motor protein levels.

Main Results:

  • Tau45-230 was detected in the cell bodies and processes of hippocampal neurons.
  • A portion of tau45-230 associated with the cytoskeleton and cytoskeleton plus membrane-bound organelles, independently of full-length tau.
  • Tau45-230 significantly reduced axonal transport of organelles without altering total organelle numbers or motor protein levels.

Conclusions:

  • The tau45-230 fragment localizes within hippocampal neurons and associates with cellular structures.
  • Tau45-230 impairs axonal transport by partially blocking microtubule function.
  • These findings suggest tau45-230 contributes to early Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis through axonal transport disruption.
Keywords:
axonal transportcytoskeletondegenerationlysosomesmitochondria

More Related Videos

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues07:21

Quantitative Microtubule Fractionation Technique to Separate Stable Microtubules, Labile Microtubules, and Free Tubulin in Mouse Tissues

Published on: November 17, 2023

2.8K
In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein09:22

In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein

Published on: January 2, 2015

19.1K

Related Concept Videos

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
2.6K
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)01:42

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...
6.0K
Cytoplasm01:16

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm consists of organelles and a framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton suspended in an aqueous solution, the cytosol. The cytosol is a rich broth of water, ions, salts, and various organic molecules.
Protein Folding and Misfolding
The cytoplasm is the location for several cellular processes, including protein synthesis and folding. The aqueous nature of the cytosol promotes protein folding such that the hydrophobic amino acid side chains are buried in the protein...
92.5K
Role of Septins01:02

Role of Septins

Septins are the recently discovered fourth major protein component of the cytoskeleton, along with microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These proteins can associate with other cytoskeletal filaments and carry out varied roles or can be free-floating in the cytoplasm.
Cellular Functions of Septins
Recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of septins in various cellular processes such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, and neurogenesis. Septins act as scaffolds and...
2.2K