TAU pathology

Question 1

How can we counter abnormal TAU function in neuronal dysfunction?

Answer 1

-reduce TAU phosphorylation: kinase inhibitors
-microtubule stabilising agents

Question 2

What is prion conversion?

Answer 2

Mutated proteins convert other proteins to misfolded proteins which leads to aggregation due to the same shape.

Question 3

What type of protein is TAU?

Answer 3

Prion like protein

Question 4

How does TAU abnormalities cause neurodegeneration?

Answer 4

Mechanisms are still unclear- but suggestions include: oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis or simple space occupying lesion.

Question 5

What is Braak staging of Parkinson’s?

Answer 5

-A staging described by Heiko Braak
-post-mortem look into the staging of spread of TAU pathology spreading mechanism

Question 6

Where does Braak staging suggest TAU pathology starts?

Answer 6

Entorhinal cortex but has no symptoms.

Question 7

How does TAU pathology spread?

Answer 7

-cell to cell propagation

Question 8

What experiment proved cell to cell propagation of TAU protein?

Answer 8

-a mouse with tauopathy brain is hermogenised and injected into a healthy mouse. And it only spread to areas of direct contact.