Formaldehyde Induces Protein Tau Aggregation
Author Information
Author(s): Nie Chun Lai, Wei Yan, Chen Xinyong, Liu Yan Ying, Dui Wen, Liu Ying, Davies Martyn C., Tendler Saul J.B., He Rong Giao
Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
Formaldehyde at low concentrations induces tau polymerization and aggregation.
Conclusion
Low concentrations of formaldehyde can induce the formation of amyloid-like tau aggregates, which are toxic to neural cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Formaldehyde at low concentrations induces tau polymerization.
- Tau aggregates were observed as globular particles using AFM.
- Formaldehyde exposure leads to significant tau aggregation and toxicity to neural cells.
Takeaway
Formaldehyde can make a brain protein called tau clump together, which can be harmful to brain cells.
Methodology
The study used atomic force microscopy (AFM) and SDS-PAGE to observe tau aggregation in the presence of formaldehyde.
Limitations
The exact mechanism of tau aggregation in vivo remains unclear.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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