Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 23, 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

8.5K

Associations of plasma phosphorylated tau217 with cognitive impairment and brain microstructural alterations in

Miguel Ángel Rivas-Fernández1, Sara Basanta-Torres2,3,4, Mónica Lindín2,3,4

  • 1Department of Psychology Sociology and Philosophy University of León León Spain.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|April 22, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Plasma phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217) shows high association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. Elevated p-tau217 levels correlate with altered brain microstructure and cognitive decline, validating its use as a biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background:

  • Plasma phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217) is a promising biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk detection.
  • The relationship between p-tau217, brain microstructure, and cognitive function requires further elucidation.
  • Multi-component T2-relaxometry offers insights into myelin content, axonal degeneration, and neuroinflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma p-tau217 levels and brain microstructure using T2-relaxometry.
  • To explore the correlation between p-tau217 levels, brain tissue integrity, and cognitive performance in participants.
  • To assess the utility of p-tau217 as a biomarker for AD-related neuropathology.

Main Methods:

  • 229 participants were categorized into p-tau217- (n=176), p-tau217+ (n=26), and intermediate (n=27) groups.
  • Neuropsychological testing and multi-component T2-relaxometry MRI were performed.
  • Voxel-wise general linear models analyzed total water content (TWC), myelin water fraction (MWF), intra-/extracellular water fraction (IEWF), T2 IE, and free/quasi-free water fraction (FQFWF), controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Participants with high p-tau217 levels exhibited poorer cognitive function.
  • Elevated p-tau217 was associated with increased FQFWF and TWC, indicating altered water content.
  • Reduced IEWF and T2 IE were observed in p-tau217+ individuals across various brain regions and white matter tracts.

Conclusions:

  • High plasma p-tau217 levels are linked to significant alterations in brain microstructure.
  • These microstructural changes correlate with impaired cognitive function in individuals with elevated p-tau217.
  • Plasma p-tau217 serves as a valuable biomarker for AD neuropathology, and T2-relaxometry is effective in detecting associated tissue integrity changes.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseasebrain microstructurefree water fractionintra‐/extracellular water fractionmulticomponent T2‐relaxometrymyelin water fractionplasma phosphorylated tau217

More Related Videos

In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein09:22

In Vitro Aggregation Assays Using Hyperphosphorylated Tau Protein

Published on: January 2, 2015

18.0K
Cell-based Assay to Study Antibody-mediated Tau Clearance by Microglia07:18

Cell-based Assay to Study Antibody-mediated Tau Clearance by Microglia

Published on: November 9, 2018

9.8K

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and...
10
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
12
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.7K
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
10
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
672