A research team at the University of Cologne has made a significant discovery in understanding the role of TAU protein in Alzheimer’s disease. Using human multicolor stem cells (IPSCS), the international group has managed to show that a specific form of TAU protein, known as 1N4R, is responsible for mediation of toxic effects of protein clusters on human brain cells.
The study was published in Alzheimer’s and dementia The magazine entitled “The Tau 1N4R isomorphic gives ruling vulnerability to the neurons derived from the Mapt-Knockout derived from IPSC in amyloid beta and phosphorylated neuronal dysfunction caused by TAU”. Dr. Hans Zempel of the Institute of Human Genetics, who is also head of the team in the Career Promotion Program (CAP) at the University of Cologne and University and University and University and University and University and University, was also in charge of Dr. Hans Zempel of the Institute of Human Genetics.
If a person suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, some proteins accumulate in brain cells, forming clusters that limit normal cellular function or even cause cell death. Dr Buchholz and Dr Zempel’s team used state -of -the -art techniques, such as CRISPR/CAS9 gene treatment and living cell depiction in human multimonas stem cells (IPSCs) to prove that 1N4R Tau isoform is responsible for the abnormalities. IPSCs are human stem cells produced by other cells. For example, skin cells can be reprogrammed into IPSCs and from there they are transformed into brain cells (neurons).
The researchers looked at different forms of Tau protein, specifically expressing them in nerve cells. In this way, the researchers were able to analyze how each protein isoform affects the cell. According to Dr. Sarah Buchholz, the first author of the study, “This study represents a significant progress that helps us understand the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. By identifying 1N4R TAU as basic protein, we have discovered a possible new target for future treatments. “The interdisciplinary approach to the study not only helps to better understand Alzheimer’s disease, but also proves the importance of human cell models in neurodegenerative research.
Source:
Magazine report:
Buchholz, S., et al. (2025) The TAU 1N4R isomorphic gives ruling vulnerability of neurons derived from the MAPT-Knockout derived from IPSC to amyloid beta and phosphorylated neuronal dysfunction caused by TAU. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Doi.org/10.1002/alz.14403.
