Tau associated peripheral and central neurodegeneration: Identification of an early imaging marker for tauopathy


Marquez, Alexandra, Guernsey, Lucie S, Frizzi, Katie E, Cundiff, Morgan, Constantino, Isabel, Muttalib, Nabeel, Arenas, Fernanda, Zhou, Xiajun, Lim, Sze Hway, Ferdousi, Maryam et al (show 7 more authors) (2021) Tau associated peripheral and central neurodegeneration: Identification of an early imaging marker for tauopathy NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE, 151. 105273-. ISSN 0969-9961, 1095-953X

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Abstract

Pathological hyperphosphorylated tau is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Using transgenic mice overexpressing human non-mutated tau (htau mice), we assessed the contribution of tau to peripheral and central neurodegeneration. Indices of peripheral small and large fiber neuropathy and learning and memory performances were assessed at 3 and 6 months of age. Overexpression of human tau is associated with peripheral neuropathy at 6 months of age. Our study also provides evidence that non-mutated tau hyperphosphorylation plays a critical role in memory deficits. In addition, htau mice had reduced stromal corneal nerve length with preservation of sub-basal corneal nerves, consistent with a somatofugal degeneration. Corneal nerve degeneration occurred prior to any cognitive deficits and peripheral neuropathy. Stromal corneal nerve loss was observed in patients with FTD but not AD. Corneal confocal microscopy may be used to identify early neurodegeneration and differentiate FTD from AD.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Corneal confocal microscopy, Memory deficits, Neurodegeneration, Peripheral neuropathy, Tau
Divisions: Faculty of Health & Life Sciences
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2022 14:43
Last Modified: 16 Jun 2026 09:13
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105273
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105273
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3147034
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