Hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated tau protein plays dual role in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
The microtubule-associated protein tau plays a major role in maintaining the normal morphology of the neurons. The major biological activity of tau is to promote microtubule assembly and stabilize the microtubules. In the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, tau protein is abnormally hyperphosphorylated and thus become incompetent in promoting microtubule assemble and maintaining the stability of the microtubules. These detrimental effects of tau may lead the neurons to degeneration. Recent studies show that tau hyperphorylation may be neuroprotective in the early stages of the disease process. The primary aim of this review is to summarize the latest developments and perspectives in our understanding about the roles of tau hyperphosphorylation in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
Zhang
Yao
Y
Li-Yuan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorders of Education Ministry of China, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China.
Tian
Qing
Q
Zhang
Qi
Q
Zhou
Xinwen
X
Liu
Shijie
S
Wang
Jian-Zhi
JZ