Tau Internalization is Regulated by 6-O Sulfation on Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs).

TitleTau Internalization is Regulated by 6-O Sulfation on Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs).
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsRauch JN, Chen JJ, Sorum AW, Miller GM, Sharf T, See SK, Hsieh-Wilson LC, Kampmann M, Kosik KS
JournalSci Rep
Volume8
Issue1
Pagination6382
Date Published2018 Apr 23
ISSN2045-2322
Abstract

The misfolding and accumulation of tau protein into intracellular aggregates known as neurofibrillary tangles is a pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. However, while tau propagation is a known marker for disease progression, exactly how tau propagates from one cell to another and what mechanisms govern this spread are still unclear. Here, we report that cellular internalization of tau is regulated by quaternary structure and have developed a cellular assay to screen for genetic modulators of tau uptake. Using CRISPRi technology we have tested 3200 genes for their ability to regulate tau entry and identified enzymes in the heparan sulfate proteoglycan biosynthetic pathway as key regulators. We show that 6-O-sulfation is critical for tau-heparan sulfate interactions and that this modification regulates uptake in human central nervous system cell lines, iPS-derived neurons, and mouse brain slice culture. Together, these results suggest novel strategies to halt tau transmission.

DOI10.1038/s41598-018-24904-z
Alternate JournalSci Rep
PubMed ID29686391
PubMed Central IDPMC5913225