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RT-QuIC detection of tauopathies using full-length tau substrates
Joanne M Tennant1, Davin M Henderson1, Thomas M Wisniewski2
1Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Prion
|November 10, 2020
Summary
New testing methods enable early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. Real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) successfully identifies tau seeding activity, aiding Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's is challenging due to limited sensitive diagnostic tests.
- Real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) is a sensitive technique for detecting misfolded proteins.
- RT-QuIC has shown promise in identifying prion diseases and is being adapted for other neurodegenerative conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and utilize the real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay for sensitive detection of tau seeding activity.
- To investigate the potential of RT-QuIC as a diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
- To employ full-length recombinant tau substrates for enhanced detection sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized full-length recombinant tau proteins as substrates in the RT-QuIC assay.
- Applied the RT-QuIC technique to samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease and other human tauopathies.
- Measured tau seeding activity as an indicator of disease presence.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the capability of RT-QuIC to detect tau seeding activity in human tauopathies.
- Successfully identified tau seeding activity in samples associated with Alzheimer's disease.
- Showcased the sensitivity of the adapted RT-QuIC assay for neurodegenerative disease biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- The adapted RT-QuIC assay shows significant potential for the early and sensitive detection of tauopathies.
- RT-QuIC can serve as a valuable tool for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
- Further research using recombinant tau substrates could improve diagnostic accuracy for neurodegenerative diseases.
