Scientific lectures: unravelling the role of tau tangles in neurodegeneration

Pathology composed of abnormal tau protein (tauopathy) is a key feature of many neurodegenerative diseases and syndromes. In Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), tauopathy occurs with amyloid (Abeta) plaques whereas in FrontoTemporal Dementia linked to chromosome 17 (FTD-tau) tauopathyis the main feature. Tauopathy is also associated with several syndromes and infectious diseases, possibly through a chronic inflammatory response. What causes tauopathy to be initiated in neurodegenerative diseases is unclear, however, it is known that particular cell types and brain regions are initially susceptible and as disease worsens, tauopathy spreads through the brain along anatomical trajectories which are characteristic of a particular disease. The tau protein shows high levels of complexity, and the diversity of tau forms contributes to the diversity of dementias which feature abnormal tau. Using a combination of techniques, human tissue and new cell and mouse lines that model the earliest stages of AD or FTD, we have examined the mechanisms by which tauopathy is initiated and spreads, and functional consequences resulting from regional neuronal dysfunction.

Hosted by Alexandra DURR.

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Conference location

Please join the conference in Paris Brain Institute auditorium Edmond et Lily Safra.