Work

Amplification of Tau Fibrils from Minute Quantities of Seeds

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: The propagation of Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to proceed through templated conversion of Tau protein into fibrils and cell-to-cell transfer of elongation-competent seeds. To investigate the efficiency of Tau conversion, we adapted the protein misfolding cyclic amplification assay used for the conversion of prions. Utilizing heparin as a cofactor and employing repetitive cycles of shearing and growth, synthetic Tau fibrils and Tau fibrils in AD brain extract are progressively amplified. Concurrently, self-nucleation is suppressed. The results highlight breakage-induced replication of Tau fibrils as a potential facilitator of disease spread.

Source: Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1021/bi501050g

Authors: Virginia Meyer, Paul D. Dinkel, Emily Rickman Hager, Martin Margittai

Institution: University of Denver

Language: English

Topic: Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500