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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:18
Cell-based Assay to Study Antibody-mediated Tau Clearance by Microglia
Published on: November 9, 2018
Tau-mediated Mechanisms in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis
Tanu Suma Narayanappa1, Vaishnavi Ananthanarayana1, Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi2
1Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Hospital (NIMHANS), Institute of National Importance, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, Karnataka, India.
Molecular Neurobiology
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Alzheimer's disease research is shifting focus from amyloid-beta to Tau protein. Understanding extracellular Tau's role is key for diagnosing and treating this neurodegenerative disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves amyloid-beta plaques and Tau tangles, causing cognitive decline.
- Amyloid-beta therapies show limited success, prompting a shift to Tau protein research.
- Tau protein is crucial for neuronal function, but its pathological forms drive AD progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanistic contribution of extracellular Tau in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
- To elucidate the cellular consequences of pathological Tau.
- To provide a foundation for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Tau pathology in AD.
- Analysis of molecular and cellular mechanisms of Tau aggregation and propagation.
- Examination of diagnostic advancements like Tau-PET and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Pathological Tau, through post-translational modifications, disrupts microtubule interactions and aggregates extracellularly.
- Extracellular Tau propagates in a prion-like manner, causing synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
- Tau-based diagnostics show promise for improved AD detection.
Conclusions:
- Understanding extracellular Tau's role is critical for AD pathogenesis.
- Targeting Tau degradation pathways may offer effective therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into Tau mechanisms will advance AD diagnosis and treatment.
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