Arc Protein Spreads Alzheimer's Tau

Researchers, primarily from University of Utah, have discovered that the brain protein Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein plays a crucial role in the spread of toxic Tau protein, which drives Alzheimer s disease. In mouse models, Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein was found to facilitate the transfer of Tau protein from sick to healthy brain cells via extracellular vesicles. While Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein also has a protective role in early stages by helping sick cells expel excess Tau protein, blocking its ability to transfer Tau protein to healthy cells could be a new therapeutic strategy to prevent disease progression. The findings, published in Cell (journal), suggest that targeting these Tau protein-containing extracellular vesicles could prevent further damage and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer s disease. Jason Shepherd and Mitali Tyagi were key researchers in this study, which received funding from various organizations including the United States — National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer s Association.