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Updated: Oct 20, 2025

In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein
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Synaptic tau: A pathological or physiological phenomenon?

Miranda Robbins1, Emma Clayton2, Gabriele S Kaminski Schierle3

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

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|September 10, 2021
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Summary

This review explores how Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects synapses and memory. Research now shows synaptic Tau plays key roles in normal brain function and contributes to AD pathology.

Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseMemoryNeurodegenerationPlasticitySynapsesTau

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by memory loss, neurofibrillary tangles, and amyloid plaques.
  • Tau pathology spreads through connected neurons, impairing synaptic function before neurodegeneration.
  • Emerging evidence suggests Tau has physiological roles within synapses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the synaptic aspects of Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
  • To explore the relationship between Tau pathology and memory impairment.
  • To discuss the physiological and pathological roles of synaptic Tau.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of synaptic Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
  • Analysis of current research on Tau's physiological roles at the synapse.
  • Synthesis of evidence linking synaptic Tau to AD pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Tau pathology impacts synaptic function and precedes neurofibrillary tangle formation.
  • Synaptic Tau is implicated in accelerating spine formation, dendritic elongation, and synaptic plasticity.
  • Evidence suggests synaptic Tau contributes significantly to Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Conclusions:

  • Tau's role has shifted from axonal to synaptic, highlighting its importance in memory pathways.
  • Synaptic Tau is crucial for normal brain function and is increasingly recognized as a key player in AD.
  • Further research into synaptic Tau is vital for understanding and treating Alzheimer's disease.