Cause 3: The Tangle Trap: Tau Protein Misfolding in FTD
When it comes to cellular machineries, every part, no matter how small, matters. Tau, a protein that maintains the structural integrity of neurons, embodies this fact. In a healthy brain, Tau does its job perfectly well, keeping neural pathways clear for efficient communication. But in FTD, a drastic turn of events makes Tau a primary perpetrator.
In FTD, Tau proteins can become defective and misfold, leading to the creation of neurofibrillary tangles within neurons. These tangles disrupt neuronal functioning, ultimately causing cell death. This particular form of FTD, associated with Tau dysfunction, is known as Tauopathy.
Interestingly, Tauopathies can be incredibly diverse. They present a wide spectrum of symptoms, depending on which brain regions bear the brunt of Tau tangles. When the frontal and temporal lobes are involved, behavior, personality, and language take the hit, leading to FTD. (3)
