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Published

Tau suppression in a neurodegenerative mouse model improves memory function

Authors

K. SantaCruz*, J. Lewis*, T. Spires*, J. Paulson, L. Kotilinek, M. Ingelsson, A. Guimaraes, M. DeTure, M. Ramsden, E. McGowan, C. Forster, M. Yue, J. Orne, C. Janus, A. Mariash, M. Kuskowski, B. Hyman, M. Hutton, K. H. Ashe

Abstract

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the most common intraneuronal inclusion in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and have been implicated in mediating neuronal death and cognitive deficits. Here, we found that mice expressing a repressible human tau variant developed progressive age-related NFTs, neuronal loss, and behavioral impairments. After the suppression of transgenic tau, memory function recovered, and neuron numbers stabilized, but to our surprise, NFTs continued to accumulate. Thus, NFTs are not sufficient to cause cognitive decline or neuronal death in this model of tauopathy.

Note: * indicates co-first authors

UK DRI Authors

Tara Spires-Jones

Prof Tara Spires-Jones

Group Leader

Deciphering why synapses and neurons degenerate and whether boosting resilience of synapses can protect the brain

Prof Tara Spires-Jones