tau protein
Pronunciation: TOW protein
A microtubule-associated protein that forms pathological tangles in neurodegenerative diseases.
Full Definition
A protein normally involved in stabilizing microtubules in neurons, but which becomes hyperphosphorylated and aggregates into neurofibrillary tangles in diseases like Alzheimer's. Tau pathology is a key diagnostic marker in neuropathology, distinct from amyloid plaques. The protein's abnormal accumulation patterns help distinguish between different tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Proper identification of tau deposits is crucial for accurate neuropathological diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Often written as 'tau' in lowercase; distinguish from other protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases.
In Context
- "Immunohistochemistry revealed extensive tau protein deposits in the hippocampus." — autopsy report
- "The tau pathology stage correlated with clinical dementia severity." — research paper