SIRT1 deficiency increases O-GlcNAcylation of tau, mediating synaptic tauopathy

Hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule associated protein tau is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), collectively referred to as tauopathies. However, the mechanisms by which tau is linked to synaptic dysfunction and memory impairment remain unclear. To address this question, we constructed a mouse model with brain-specific deficiency of SIRT1 (SIRT1 flox/Cre + ). Here, we show that increase of site-specific phosphorylation of tau is coupled with the strengthened O-GlcNAcylation of tau triggered by reduced O-GlcNAcase (OGA) and increased O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) protein level in the brain of SIRT1 flox/Cre+ mice. SIRT1 deletion in mice brain changes the synaptosomal distribution of site-specific phospho-tau. Learning and memory deficiency induced by dendritic spine deficits and synaptic dysfunction are revealed via SIRT1 flox/Cre+ mice. Our results provide evidence for SIRT1 as a potential therapeutic target in clinical tauopathies.