Tau Pathology

Abstract

A number of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are usually referred as tauopathies and characterized by the disappearance or disintegration of tau protein from microtubules. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Pick's disease (PiD), Parkinson's disease (PD) are directly or indirectly associated with tauopathy. Tau is a protein which is usually associated with microtubule. Microtubules are the backbone of neurons, and tau provides a support to microtubule stability. Hyperphosphorylation of tau leads to its separation from microtubule, consequently forming neurofibrillary tangles and resulting in a condition of dementia. Therapeutic implication on tauopathy is symptomatic as there is no exact regulation mechanism known till date. This chapter helps in the comprehensive study of biomarkers and pathways involved in tauopathy to decipher the complexity of the system, resulting in candidate drug target for the management of NDs.