Microtubule-associated protein tau deposition (Tau (for the protein); tau deposition (for the pathological process))

Tau deposition is the accumulation of misfolded and hyperphosphorylated tau protein within neurons, forming aggregates known as neurofibrillary tangles[4][5][7]. In healthy neurons, tau stabilizes microtubules and supports axonal transport[4][2]. In diseases like Alzheimer’s, tau undergoes abnormal phosphorylation and detaches from microtubules, aggregating into insoluble fibrils that disrupt cellular transport and eventually cause neuronal death[5][7][4]. The extent and spread of tau deposition closely predict symptom severity and progression in Alzheimer’s disease, more so than amyloid plaques[1][3][7]. Tau deposition can now be detected in living patients through PET imaging and serves as a major biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention[1][3][7]. Drug development is intensely focused on preventing tau aggregation, promoting clearance, and reducing pathological phosphorylation to slow or halt neurodegeneration[1][3][7].

Other names

Tau aggregationtau pathologyneurofibrillary tangle formationtau tanglestau accumulation

Prevention of tau aggregation; Inhibition of tau phosphorylation; Increased clearance of tau; Stabilization of microtubules; Blocking cell-to-cell spread of pathogenic tau species