Molecular Classification
Protein aggregate, Intracellular protein, Microtubule-associated protein (modified)
Other Names
Neurofibrillary Tangles, Tau aggregates, Insoluble Tau, Hyperphosphorylated Tau, PHF-Tau, SF-Tau
Disease Roles
Alzheimer's DiseaseTauopathiesFrontotemporal Dementia

Aggregated Tau Protein Overview

Aggregated tau protein refers to the abnormal accumulation and clustering of tau proteins into insoluble aggregates within neurons, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Hyperphosphorylation and truncation of tau are key drivers of aggregation, leading to disruption of microtubule function, impaired axonal transport, and neuronal degeneration. It is a therapeutic target.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of tau aggregation; promotion of aggregate disassembly; prevention of hyperphosphorylation; enhancement of microtubule stability

Biological Functions

Microtubule disruption
Axonal transport impairment
Synaptic dysfunction
Neuronal degeneration
Sequestration of soluble Tau

Disease Associations

Alzheimer's Disease
Tauopathies
Frontotemporal Dementia
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Corticobasal Degeneration
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Safety Considerations

  • Blood-brain barrier penetration
  • Off-target effects of kinase inhibitors
  • Potential for neuroinflammation
  • Lack of clinical efficacy in some trials

Interacting Drugs

Small molecule inhibitors of tau aggregation
Tau aggregation inhibitors
GSK3β inhibitors
CDK5 inhibitors
Microtubule-stabilizing agents

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
CSF Tau levels
CSF p-Tau levels
PET imaging of tau aggregates
Plasma p-Tau levels