Neurofibrillary tangles

Definition

Neurofibrillary tangles are abnormal aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein found inside the neurons of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. These tangles disrupt normal cellular functions and are closely associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, highlighting the impact of protein misfolding and aggregation in disease progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neurofibrillary tangles are considered one of the key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, along with amyloid plaques.
2. The formation of neurofibrillary tangles is a result of abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein, leading to its aggregation inside neurons.
3. The presence of these tangles correlates with cognitive decline in affected individuals, suggesting their role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Neurofibrillary tangles can also be found in other conditions, such as frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson's disease, indicating a broader significance in neurodegeneration.
5. Research is ongoing to develop therapies that target tau pathology, aiming to prevent or reduce the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in patients.

Review Questions

• How do neurofibrillary tangles contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's?
  • Neurofibrillary tangles disrupt normal neuron function by interfering with cellular processes and microtubule stability due to the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. As these tangles accumulate, they lead to neuronal death and loss of communication between cells. This process contributes significantly to cognitive decline and memory impairment observed in Alzheimer's patients.
• Compare and contrast neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in terms of their formation and impact on neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Neurofibrillary tangles form from hyperphosphorylated tau protein within neurons, while amyloid plaques are composed of extracellular beta-amyloid peptides. Both structures are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease but affect the brain differently; tangles disrupt intracellular transport and neuronal function, whereas amyloid plaques provoke inflammatory responses that can damage surrounding neurons. Together, they exacerbate the neurodegenerative processes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
• Evaluate the potential therapeutic strategies being explored to target neurofibrillary tangles in treating Alzheimer's disease and their implications for future research.
  • Current therapeutic strategies focus on preventing tau phosphorylation, promoting its clearance from the brain, or stabilizing microtubules to inhibit tangle formation. This approach holds promise for slowing down or halting the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Future research may also explore gene therapy or monoclonal antibodies targeting tau pathology as innovative avenues for treatment, aiming to improve outcomes for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Related terms

Tau protein: A protein that stabilizes microtubules in neurons, which becomes hyperphosphorylated and forms tangles when misfolded.

Amyloid plaques: Extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid peptides that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, often found alongside neurofibrillary tangles.

Neurodegeneration: The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, leading to conditions like Alzheimer's disease where neurofibrillary tangles play a critical role.