Wiskostatin, N-WASP inhibitor

補足情報

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Tau also known as MAPT (Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau) is a protein that primarily functions in stabilizing microtubules. It plays an essential role in ensuring proper neuronal cell shape and intracellular transport. Tau has several isoforms generated through alternate splicing each with a specific mass ranging from 45 to 68 kDa. This protein is abundantly found in neurons within the central nervous system although its presence has also been detected in other cell types but at much lower levels.

Biological function summary

Tau acts to stabilize microtubules which are structural components critical for maintaining neuronal morphology and function. It may also interact with actin filaments and other cytoskeletal proteins. Tau’s stabilization of microtubules is important for axonal transport a process that delivers essential nutrients and signaling molecules across cells. tau is often associated with complexes involving cytoskeletal elements and various microtubule-associated proteins.

Pathways

The role of Tau plays in cellular signaling and transport makes it an important component of pathways like the MAPK/ERK pathway and PI3K/AKT signaling. These pathways are involved in cell differentiation survival and proliferation. Other notable proteins that share these pathways include amyloid precursor protein (APP) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β). Tau's hyperphosphorylation can disrupt these pathways adversely affecting neuronal health.

The aggregation and malfunction of Tau are intensely linked to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Abnormal phosphorylation of Tau leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles a hallmark of Alzheimer's pathology. In these conditions Tau interacts with proteins such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) found in amyloid plaques. These pathologies highlight Tau’s role not just as a structural protein but as a critical factor in neurodegenerative processes.