Big Tau: What We Know, and We Need to Know

Abstract

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) that has multiple isoforms generated by alternative splicing of the MAPT gene at a range of 45–60 kDa [low-molecular-weight (LMW) tau] as well as a unique isoform termed Big tau containing an additional exon 4a encoding a large projecting domain of ∼250 aa to form a protein of 110 kDa. Big tau is expressed in adult PNS neurons such as DRG neurons and specific regions of CNS such as the cerebellum in a developmental transition from LMW tau to Big tau during the postnatal period. Despite a conserved size of the 4a exons across the vertebrate phylogeny, there is no sequence homology among different species outside the Mammalia class, which underscores the focus on structural preservation of Big tau. Despite the original discovery of Big tau in the early 1990s, there has been little progress elucidating its physiological properties and pathologic implications. We propose that Big tau may be able to improve axonal transport in projecting axons and speculate on the potential protective properties in preventing tau aggregation in pathologic conditions. This perspective highlights the importance and benefits of understanding of the role of Big tau in neuronal health and disease.