Dendritic Tau in Alzheimer's Disease

The microtubule-associated protein tau and amyloid-beta (A beta) are key players in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A beta and tau are linked in a molecular pathway at the post-synapse with tau-dependent synaptic dysfunction being a major pathomechanism in AD. Recent work on site-specific modification of dendritic and more specifically post-synaptic tau has revealed new endogenous functions of tau that limits synaptic A beta toxicity. Thus, molecular studies opened a newperspective on tau, placing it at the center of neurotoxic and neuroprotective signaling at the post-synapse. Here, we review recent advances on tau in the dendritic compartments, with implications for understanding and treatment of AD and related neurological conditions.