Tau Protein May Do More Than Cause Alzheimer's, It Could…

Tau Protein May Do More Than Cause Alzheimer's, It Could Be Essential for Building Long-Term Memories For decades, tau protein has been viewed primarily through the lens of Alzheimer's disease. Abnormal accumulations of tau are one of the defining hallmarks of Alzheimer's, where they contribute to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline. But what if tau also plays an important role in a healthy brain? A new study published in Nature Communications suggests exactly that. Researchers from Flinders University, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University, have discovered that tau is not simply a protein associated with neurodegeneration: it also appears to be essential for converting new experiences into long-lasting memories. The findings offer a new perspective on how memories are formed and may help explain why memory loss occurs in Alzheimer's disease. Tau is best known for forming the neurofibrillary tangles seen in Alzheimer's disease. Because of this, most research has focused on how abnormal tau damages the brain. However, relatively little has been understood about what healthy tau normally does. This study sought to answer that question. Using mouse models, researchers investigated how tau influences remote memory, memories that remain stable and can be recalled days or weeks after learning. The researchers found an interesting distinction. Mice lacking tau could still: Learn new information Form shor