Microtubule Binding Region of Tau Protein (MBR of Tau)

The microtubule binding region (MBR) of tau protein is a critical domain responsible for the interaction between tau and microtubules, essential for maintaining neuronal structure and function. It consists of three or four tandemly repeated sequences (R1–R4) and a pseudorepeat region (PRR). This region binds tubulin subunits and stabilizes assembled microtubules in axons, supporting neuronal morphology and intracellular transport. Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and acetylation, regulate its binding affinity. Disruptions to this region's function lead to tau detachment, aggregation, and neurofibrillary tangle formation, characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.

Other names

Tau MBRMicrotubule-Binding Domain of TauR1-R4 repeats of TauTau repeats