Microtubule-associated protein tau pre-mRNA (MAPT pre-mRNA)

The **microtubule-associated protein tau pre-mRNA (MAPT pre-mRNA)** is the precursor messenger RNA transcript encoded by the MAPT gene, responsible for producing tau protein isoforms by alternative splicing. The structure of tau pre-mRNA, particularly at specific exon-intron junctions and within the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions, plays a key role in regulating exon inclusion (notably exon 10), which determines the balance of tau isoforms expressed in neurons[1][2][4][5]. Disease-associated mutations that alter the secondary structure of tau pre-mRNA can disrupt normal splicing patterns, producing pathogenic tau isoforms linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia (“tauopathies”)[1][2][4][5]. Small molecules (e.g., mitoxantrone) have been identified that specifically bind to and stabilize key secondary structures within tau pre-mRNA, thereby altering splicing and representing a promising therapeutic approach to treat tauopathies[4]. The identification of stable and highly conserved structured regions throughout tau pre-mRNA underscores its relevance as a therapeutic target for modulation of tau gene expression and protein isoform production[1][2].

Other names

tau pre-mRNAMAPT pre-mRNAmicrotubule-associated protein tau precursor mRNA

Small molecules stabilizing pathological RNA secondary structure (e.g., stem-loop) to influence tau exon 10 splicing and isoform production[4] Therapeutics targeting splicing regulatory elements in pre-mRNA[4]