tau protein
Pronunciation: tow
Microtubule-associated protein that forms pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases.
Full Definition
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein normally responsible for stabilizing neuronal microtubules and facilitating axonal transport. In Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, hyperphosphorylated tau dissociates from microtubules and aggregates into neurofibrillary tangles, disrupting cellular function and leading to neuronal death. Tau pathology spreads through connected brain regions in a predictable pattern, making it valuable for disease staging. Recent advances in tau PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers enable in vivo assessment of tau burden for research and clinical applications.
Usage
Usage note: Greek letter tau (τ); central to Alzheimer's pathology alongside amyloid beta.
In Context
- "Tau PET imaging revealed Braak stage IV pathology in the temporal cortex." — Neuroimaging research report
- "Elevated CSF tau levels correlated with cognitive decline in the study cohort." — Biomarker validation study