Tau proteins are abundant in the axons of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and play a key role in microtubule formation and stabilization. Antibody studies have identified six tau isoforms, all produced by alternative mRNA splicing of the MAPT gene. We at Novus Biologicals have nearly 50 antibodies matched to tau proteins on our antibody database.
Tau mutations can give rise to a number of neurodegenerative disorders, such as the taupathies. These are characterized by the formation of hyperphosphorylated filamentous aggregates, and tangles of paired helical filaments such as those found in the brain cells of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
-Western%20Blot-NB110-57615-img0002.jpg "Western Blot: Tau Antibody (E178)")
Recent studies have suggested that microglial cells, which are essential to CNS immunity, may also be involved in neurodegenerative disorders. Some antibody studies have suggested a link between the neuroinflammatory immune response instigated by microglial cells, and tauopathy. However there has been little evidence connecting the two together. Now, a study by Lamb, Bhaskar, et al. of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, has come up with new evidence supporting a link between microglial activity and abnormal MAPT expression.
The study focused on the Fractaline signalling pathway, which binds the neural chemokine CX3CL1 to its receptor CX3CR1, which is expressed in the microglia. Using a range of in vivo and in vitro models, it was shown that microglial inflammation triggered MAPT phosphorylation and tau aggregation. CX3CR1 deficiency in hTau mice resulted in increased MAPT phosphorylation and aggregation, alterations in microglial activation, and behavioral abnormalities. This study has provided important new information on the nature of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway, and confirmed a link between microglial activation and MAPT hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. This is useful new information for those involved in Alzheimer’s disease research.
Novus Biologicals offers many Tau reagents for your research needs including:
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Thanks for sharing this report and resources its really help full for my toughts! Micheal Wohlschlegel