Tau function and dysfunction in neurons: its role in neurodegenerative disorders

Mol Neurobiol. 2002 Jun;25(3):213-31. doi: 10.1385/MN:25:3:213.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most usual neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia in the aged human population. It is characterized by the presence of two main brain pathological hallmarks: senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). NFTs are composed of fibrillar polymers of the abnormally phosphorylated cytoskeletal protein tau.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Microtubules / pathology
  • Microtubules / physiology
  • Neurofibrillary Tangles / genetics
  • Neurofibrillary Tangles / pathology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • tau Proteins / genetics
  • tau Proteins / metabolism*
  • tau Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • tau Proteins