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- Glossary
Microtubules
Microtubules are one of the main components of the cytoskeleton, which gives cells stability and support. They consist of many copies of the proteins alpha- and beta-tubulin, which pair up to form tubes with a diameter of 20 to 30 nanometers. In addition to their supporting function, microtubules play an important role in transporting messenger substances through the cell. In neurons, for example, vesicles filled with neurotransmitters move along them to the synapses. In the nerve cells of the brains of Alzheimer's patients, a protein called tau can no longer stabilize the microtubules properly. As a result, they disintegrate, which contributes significantly to the development of dementia.
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- Glossary
Neurofibrils
Neurofibrils are fine fibrous structures in nerve cells that consist mainly of neurofilaments (a form of intermediate filaments) and other components of the cytoskeleton. They run in bundles through the cell body and the extensions of neurons and contribute significantly to the stabilization and shaping of the nerve cell. They appear as characteristic features of neurons even in the early embryo. Alzheimer's disease causes profound changes in cytoskeletal structures: the protein tau, which normally stabilizes microtubules, becomes excessively phosphorylated, detaches from the microtubules, and aggregates to form the typical neurofibrillary tangles (fibrillary bundles). These are a central pathological feature of the disease.
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- Krankheiten
- Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's – a Disease makes History
After more than 100 years, Alzheimer's disease is still incurable. Possible causes are emerging.
20.10.2025
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- Glossary
Tau protein
Tau proteins are particularly prevalent in the central nervous system. Their function is to stabilize microtubules – the structures that give cells their shape and support. Under certain circumstances, enzymes attach too many phosphate groups to tau proteins. As a result, the proteins are no longer broken down properly and form toxic aggregates within the neurons. Alongside senile plaques, aggregated tau proteins are considered a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
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- Grundlagen
- Communication in the Brain
Cells: Specialized Workers of the Brain
Several billion tiny cells are located in the brain. There they perform amazing work.
01.07.2025
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Glossar
15.03.2017
