FKBP52 protein inhibits activity of phosphorylated tau

Thursday 26 January 2012

French scientists from INSERM have discovered a link between phosphorylated tau and the FKBP52 protein.

The team led by Prof Etienne-Emile Baulieu demonstrated in vitro that the FKBP52 protein suppressed activity of the Tau protein, and hence prevented its role in the assembly of microtubules. These are known for their role in transporting nutrient and information-bearing molecules into the cell. The team observed that a high concentration of FKBP52 prevents the accumulation of Tau protein in nerve cells.

The FKBP52 protein belongs to the family of immunophilins, which are intracellular receptors of immunosuppressor compounds. This protein family is active in many neurological disorders.

For more information, please see the abstract at www.pnas.org/content/107/6/2658 and the full text at http://www.pnas.org/content/107/6/2658.full