Microtubule-associated protein tau, C-terminally truncated (tau (C-terminally truncated tau, truncated tau))

C-terminally truncated tau refers to tau protein that has undergone proteolytic cleavage, resulting in the removal of its C-terminal region. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein encoded by the MAPT gene, essential for microtubule stabilization and axonal transport in neurons[2][4]. Truncation, notably at residues like Glu391 or Asp421, enhances tau’s tendency to aggregate into neurofibrillary tangles—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies[5][3]. These truncated tau species exhibit altered biochemical properties: they are more prone to aggregation and less able to stabilize or bundle microtubules compared to full-length tau[1][3]. C-terminal truncation represents an early and neurotoxic event in tau pathology, facilitating insoluble tau filament formation and neuronal dysfunction. Detection of truncated tau in brain or cerebrospinal fluid is relevant both for biomarker development and as a therapeutic target. Drugs aiming to inhibit tau aggregation or enhance aggregate clearance may be developed, but interventions must preserve normal tau function to avoid adverse effects[6][1].

Other names

truncated tauC-terminally truncated tautau fragmenttau C-terminal fragmenttau CTF

Inhibition of tau aggregation; Blocking tau truncation; Clearance of tau aggregates via immunotherapy; Microtubule stabilization.