Tau Proteins

Tau proteins are a family of proteins that are encoded by the MAPT gene containing three to four proteins. Tau proteins play essential roles in neuronal signaling, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal stabilization. The abnormal aggregation of Tau proteins are observed in a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementias, and Pick's disease. This abnormal aggregation is known as Neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation. NFT's are affected by various mutations in the MAPT gene, which lead to excessive formation of aggregates. Tau proteins have a range of functions within the body. Tau proteins are important signaling molecules in the central nervous system. They are involved in processes such as presynaptic vesicle trafficking, axonal outgrowth, branching, and neuronal cell adhesion. They are also involved in the maintenance of structural integrity as part of the mitotic apparatus. Tau proteins stabilize microtubules that are responsible for neuronal transport processes and key for growth and development of neuronal cells. On the other hand, tau proteins can be toxic when they are abnormally hyperphosphorylated. Hyperphosphorylated tau proteins are seen in a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. In Alzheimer’s disease, these hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins have a tendency to aggregate and form NFTs, which are believed to cause the cognitive and memory deficits seen in these diseases. Tau proteins are also associated with other diseases. Frontotemporal dementias are caused by mutations in the MAPT gene that leads to overexpression of abnormal Tau proteins. Tauopathies, a general term for diseases which are associated with Tau protein dysfunction, is seen in progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and Pick’s disease. These neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by Tau protein aggregation in neurons and other types of cells. In conclusion, Tau proteins are crucial for neuronal development, function, and stability. However, pathological Tau proteins are responsible for a range of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementias, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Pick’s disease. Research into Tau protein structure and function as well as potential treatments are ongoing.