Tau
Tau, encoded by the MAPT gene, is a microtubule-associated protein that promotes microtubule assembly and stability in neurons. It is also known as microtubule-associated protein tau, MTBT1, PPND, MSTD and FTDP-17, among other aliases. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Tau research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Tau promotes microtubule assembly and stability and might be involved in establishing and maintaining neuronal polarity. Its C-terminus binds axonal microtubules, while its N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, which suggests that tau acts as a linker between the two. Axonal polarity is predetermined by the localisation of tau in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. Short isoforms allow plasticity of the cytoskeleton, whereas longer isoforms may preferentially contribute to its stabilisation.
The MAPT gene encodes the protein, and its transcript undergoes complex, regulated alternative splicing that gives rise to several mRNA species. These transcripts are differentially expressed in the nervous system, depending on the stage of neuronal maturation and the neuron type. UniProt records tau in the cytosol, cytoskeleton, axons and dendrites, at the cell membrane, and as a secreted protein. Mouse and rat both carry a Mapt ortholog. HGNC places the gene in the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunits group.
Tau is known by many names, including MTBT1, MTBT2, PPND, MSTD, DDPAC, MAPTL, PPP1R103, tau-40 and Tau-PHF6. The alias FTDP-17 reflects the link between the gene and frontotemporal dementia. According to NCBI Gene, MAPT mutations have been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, frontotemporal dementia, cortico-basal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. This makes tau a central subject in neurodegeneration research.
MAPT mutations are associated with Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, frontotemporal dementia, cortico-basal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy.
Tau promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and its isoforms balance cytoskeletal plasticity against stabilisation.
Tau localisation in the cell body domain defined by the centrosome predetermines axonal polarity, and tau may help maintain it.
MAPT transcripts are spliced in a regulated way and expressed according to neuronal maturation stage and neuron type.
Tau promotes microtubule assembly and stability and may help establish and maintain neuronal polarity. Its C-terminus binds axonal microtubules and its N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, so it may act as a linker between the two. Short isoforms allow cytoskeletal plasticity, while longer isoforms may favour stabilisation.
Tau is encoded by MAPT and is also called MTBT1, MTBT2, PPND, MSTD, FTDP-17, DDPAC, MAPTL, PPP1R103, tau-40 and Tau-PHF6. MAPT transcripts undergo complex, regulated alternative splicing, producing several mRNA species and both short and longer protein isoforms.
NCBI Gene reports that MAPT mutations are associated with Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, frontotemporal dementia, cortico-basal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy. Mouse and rat have an ortholog named Mapt; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other microtubule-associated proteins, neuronal cytoskeleton components and neurodegeneration markers with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P10636; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.