Tau Dissociation As A Therapeutic Approach For Tauopathy

Progress Updates

One of the defining features of Alzheimer's disease is the buildup of brain lesions containing polymerized, or tangled, Tau protein. Because these lesions correlate with disease progression, they represent a possible target for the development of disease-modifying therapies. Small molecules or chemicals have been identified which are capable of reducing tau polymerization or tangling. One of these is a cyanine dye, called C11. Our current project uses this dye in cell, tissue and animal models of disease. We have shown that C11 produces different effects as its concentration changes. At low doses, C11 reduces Tau protein polymerization in both cells and tissue culture models. However, at higher doses, Tau protein aggregation is promoted. This finding indicates that Tau is a valid target for drug development, but that testing over a wide variety of concentrations and in multiple model systems is essential. Finally, because C11 can both inhibit and promote Tau polymerization, it can also be used to test the effects of aggregate buildup on the health of the cell.