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Brain inclusions of the microtubule-associated protein tau are prominent pathological features in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. MAPT gene mutations that encodes tau can directly cause neurodegeneration. Herein, the authors review what is known about MAPT mutations dysfunctions with a focus on the prion-like properties of tau protein.
Neurodegenerative diseases evolve in multi-factorial manners, yet coherent paradigms are emerging. Both Tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies are linked to multiple upstream influences, and both are connected with numerous deleterious downstream endpoints. Gene variants can be either disease-specific, or, exert influence on the misfolding pathology itself rather than the upstream cause.
Leveraging an extensive panel of α-synuclein antibodies that targets a wide range of epitopes, the authors provide evidence that multiple system atrophy α-synuclein inclusions display distinct misfolded strain-like characteristics divergent from Lewy body diseases. The findings also indicate that in multiple system atrophy α-synuclein prion-like strains are likely inherently mutable.
The increasing interest of miRNAs in clinical practice has led to an unmet need for assays that can rapidly and accurately measure miRNAs at the point of care. This review discusses the clinical feasibility of different miRNA amplification-based assays, from conventional methods to alternative technologies such as isothermal amplification, paper-based, oligonucleotide-templated reaction, nanobead-based, electrochemical signaling-based, and microfluidic chip-based strategies.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, destructive and pre-malignant airway disease often seen in smokers. We know remarkably little about the underlying driving mechanisms. Scientists have recently made important observations indicating that epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is central to these pathologies, with heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor as an emerging novel therapeutic target to ameliorate EMT in smokers and patients with COPD.