Background of the antigen
Tau proteins are important Promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and might be involved in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. The C-terminus binds axonal microtubules while the N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, suggesting that tau functions as a linker protein between both. Axonal polarity is predetermined by tau localization (in the neuronal cell) in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. The short isoforms allow plasticity of the cytoskeleton whereas the longer isoforms may preferentially play a role in its stabilization. Tau proteins subcellular located in the axons of neurons, in the cytoso l and in association with plasma membrane components. It expressed in neurons. PNS-tau is expressed in the peripheral nervous system while the others are expressed in the central nervous system.
