Region-specific tauopathy and synucleinopathy in brain of the alpha-synuclein overexpressing mouse model of Parkinson's disease
2011

Tau and Alpha-Synuclein Changes in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Sample size: 4 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tiffany Kaul, Joel Credle, Thomas Haggerty, Adam W. Oaks, Eliezer Masliah, Anita Sidhu

Primary Institution: University of California San Diego

Hypothesis

The study investigates the distribution of tauopathy in different brain regions of a mouse model overexpressing alpha-synuclein.

Conclusion

The study found that tauopathy primarily occurs in the brain stem and striatum of the mouse model, suggesting a restricted pattern of distribution in Parkinson's disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • High levels of tauopathy were observed in the brain stem of the mouse model.
  • Tau hyperphosphorylation was linked to increased levels of alpha-synuclein.
  • Different brain regions showed varying levels of tauopathy.
  • Activation of p-ERK and p-JNK was noted in the brain stem.

Takeaway

In a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, the brain stem shows the most tau-related changes, which are linked to high levels of a protein called alpha-synuclein.

Methodology

The study analyzed different brain regions for changes in alpha-synuclein and tau levels using Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2202-12-79

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