Neurofibrillary tangle

Neurofibrillary Tangle

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that are most commonly known as a primary marker of Alzheimer's disease. Their presence is also found in numerous other diseases known as tauopathies. Little is known about their exact relationship to the different pathologies.

Overview

Neurofibrillary tangles are formed by hyperphosphorylation of a microtubule-associated protein known as tau, causing it to aggregate, or "tangle". These tangles form inside nerve cell bodies. These aggregations of hyperphosphorylated tau protein are insoluble and cause cell death.

Role in Alzheimer's Disease

In Alzheimer's disease, the tangles are formed from an abnormal form of tau protein. This abnormal tau protein is thought to cause the collapse of a part of the cell's transport system. This collapse leads to malfunctions in biochemical communication between neurons and can cause cell death.

Other Tauopathies

In addition to Alzheimer's disease, neurofibrillary tangles are a characteristic of several other neurodegenerative diseases, collectively referred to as tauopathies. These include Progressive supranuclear palsy, Corticobasal degeneration, and Pick's disease.

See Also

• Alzheimer's disease
• Tau protein
• Tauopathies
• Progressive supranuclear palsy
• Corticobasal degeneration
• Pick's disease

References

Neurofibrillary tangle Resources
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