tau

Tau is a protein involved in maintaining the structure of nerve cells in our brain by stabilizing microtubules, which are like tiny support beams. In healthy brains, tau helps these beams stay strong and organized. However, in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, tau proteins can become abnormally modified and clump together into tangles. These tangles disrupt cell function and communication, contributing to memory loss and cognitive decline. Essentially, tau is crucial for nerve cell stability, but when it malfunctions, it plays a significant role in neurodegenerative diseases.