Driving tau into phase-separated liquid droplets [Molecular Biophysics]

Liquid–liquid phase separation of tau protein has been implicated in normal biological function as well as neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. However, knowledge about these links is still scant, and the mechanisms driving tau into liquid droplets are poorly understood. A simplified in vitro system that uses unmodified human tau protein now suggests electrostatic interactions provide the basic instructions underlying liquid droplet formation.
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Editors ' Picks Highlights Source Type: research