Biochemistry of Tau in Alzheimer's disease and related neurological disorders

Expert Rev Proteomics. 2008 Apr;5(2):207-24. doi: 10.1586/14789450.5.2.207.

Abstract

Microtubule-associated Tau proteins belong to a family of factors that polymerize tubulin dimers and stabilize microtubules. Tau is strongly expressed in neurons, localized in the axon and is essential for neuronal plasticity and network. From the very beginning of Tau discovery, proteomics methods have been essential to the knowledge of Tau biochemistry and biology. In this review, we have summarized the main contributions of several proteomic methods in the understanding of Tau, including expression, post-translational modifications and structure, in both physiological and pathophysiological aspects. Finally, recent advances in proteomics technology are essential to develop further therapeutic targets and early predictive and discriminative diagnostic assays for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • tau Proteins / chemistry
  • tau Proteins / genetics*
  • tau Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • tau Proteins