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In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein
Published on: January 2, 2015
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Primary retinal tauopathy: A tauopathy with a distinct molecular pattern
Grzegorz Walkiewicz1, Alicja Ronisz1, Rita Van Ginderdeuren2,3
1Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Summary
Accumulation of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in the retina is distinct from brain tauopathies. This retinal p-tau pathology is linked to aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vision impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) accumulation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- p-tau can be present in the retina, but its association with AD or other tauopathies is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of retinal p-tau accumulation.
- To determine the relationship between retinal p-tau, aging, dementia, and vision impairment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of retinal p-tau accumulation in 164 individuals with and without AD.
- Correlation of p-tau stages with age, dementia, and vision impairment using regression models.
Main Results:
- Retinal p-tau pathology exhibited a distinct four-stage pattern and molecular composition compared to cerebral tauopathies.
- Retinal p-tau stage correlated with age and was associated with AD and inflammation.
- Vision impairment was linked to eye diseases and the stage of retinal p-tau pathology.
Conclusions:
- A primary retinal tauopathy exists, separate from cerebral tauopathies.
- Retinal p-tau is a potential biomarker for AD and associated vision changes.
