Frequently Asked Questions: Research
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Q: What is tau?
Answer:
The hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is development of plaques and tangles of certain proteins in the brain.
The tangles are made up from a protein called tau. Tau is a protein that is produced naturally by healthy nerve cells. It is essential for maintaining the shape and size of the cells, as well as ensuring cells can communicate effectively with each other.
Research suggests that in Alzheimer's disease an abnormal version of tau is produced, preventing it from performing its job properly and causing it to accumulate into tangles. In this way, communication and structure of nerve cells is disrupted, leading to cell death.
Research into tau funded by Alzheimer's Society
Lead Investigator: Dr Amritpal Mudher
Institution: Southampton University
