Chemical changes (namely hyperphosphorylation) occur in tau protein in AD. It is theorized that in a hyperphosphorylated state, tau proteins begin to pair up with other threads of tau into paired helical filaments (PHFs) and tangle together, causing disintegration of microtubules, collapse of neuron's transport system, and formation of extremely insoluble aggregates. These changes disrupt neuronal communication and lead to cell death.
Type: mechanistic_proposal
Confidence Level: established
Diseases Associated: Alzheimer's disease
Number of Supporting Papers: 1
Source Papers:
Pathophysiology of Tau in AD