Tau is a heterogeneous microtubule-associated protein that promotes and stabilizes microtubule assembly, especially in axons. Six isoforms with different amino-terminal inserts and different numbers of tandem repeats near the carboxy-terminus have been identified, and tau is hyperphosphorylated at approximately 25 sites by ERK, GSK-3 and CDK5 (1-2). Phosphorylation decreases the ability of tau to bind to microtubules. Neurofibrillary tangles are a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and these tangles are bundles of paired helical filaments composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. In particular, phosphorylation of Ser396 by GSK-3 or CDK5 destabilizes microtubules in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, inclusions of tau are found in a number of other neurodegenerative diseases, collectively known as tauopathies (1,3). Timm T, et al. (2003) EMBO J; 22(19): 5090-5101.
Host
Rabbit
Immunogen
Peptide sequence around phosphorylation site of serine 416 (T-G-S(p)-I-D) derived from Human Tau.
Involvement In Disease
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD); Pick disease of the brain (PIDB); Progressive supranuclear palsy 1 (PSNP1); Parkinson-dementia syndrome (PARDE)
Raised In
Rabbit
Reactivity
Human, Mouse, Rat
Regulatory
RUO
Relevance
Tau is a heterogeneous microtubule-associated protein that promotes and stabilizes microtubule assembly, especially in axons. Six isoforms with different amino-terminal inserts and different numbers of tandem repeats near the carboxy-terminus have been identified, and tau is hyperphosphorylated at approximately 25 sites by ERK, GSK-3 and CDK5 (1-2). Phosphorylation decreases the ability of tau to bind to microtubules. Neurofibrillary tangles are a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and these tangles are bundles of paired helical filaments composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. In particular, phosphorylation of Ser396 by GSK-3 or CDK5 destabilizes microtubules in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, inclusions of tau are found in a number of other neurodegenerative diseases, collectively known as tauopathies (1,3).
Timm T, et al. (2003) EMBO J; 22(19): 5090-5101.
Species
Homo Sapiens (Human)
Specificity
The antibody detects endogenous levels of Tau only when phosphorylated at serine 416.
Promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and might be involved in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. The C-terminus binds axonal microtubules while the N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, suggesting that tau functions as a linker protein between both. Axonal polarity is predetermined by TAU/MAPT localization (in the neuronal cell) in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. The short isoforms allow plasticity of the cytoskeleton whereas the longer isoforms may preferentially play a role in its stabilization.
Pathway
MAPK signaling pathway
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in neurons. Isoform PNS-tau is expressed in the peripheral nervous system while the others are expressed in the central nervous system.
Buffer
Supplied at 1.0mg/mL in phosphate buffered saline (without Mg2+ and Ca2+), pH 7.4, 150mM NaCl, 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol.
Form
Supplied at 1.0mg/mL in phosphate buffered saline (without Mg2+ and Ca2+), pH 7.4, 150mM NaCl, 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol.
Format
liquid
Purification
Antibodies were produced by immunizing rabbits with synthetic phosphopeptide and KLH conjugates. Antibodies were purified by affinity-chromatography using epitope-specific phosphopeptide. Non-phospho specific antibodies were removed by chromatogramphy usi
Purity
Antibodies were produced by immunizing rabbits with synthetic phosphopeptide and KLH conjugates. Antibodies were purified by affinity-chromatography using epitope-specific phosphopeptide. Non-phospho specific antibodies were removed by chromatogramphy using non-phosphopeptide.
Storage
Upon receipt, store at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze.