neurofibrilláris

Neurofibrillary is a term used in biology and medicine, primarily relating to structures within nerve cells, or neurons. It refers to aggregates of abnormal protein filaments that form inside neurons. The most well-known component of these aggregates is tau protein, which normally plays a role in stabilizing microtubules, essential components of the neuronal cytoskeleton that help maintain cell shape and transport nutrients.

In certain neurodegenerative diseases, tau protein becomes abnormally modified, leading it to detach from microtubules and clump together. These clumps, known as neurofibrillary tangles, disrupt the normal function of the neuron. Microtubules can become destabilized, impairing axonal transport and ultimately leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. The presence and accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles are characteristic pathological hallmarks of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. They are typically found in the cytoplasm of neurons and are often associated with other pathological changes, like amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's. The density and distribution of neurofibrillary tangles correlate with the severity of cognitive decline in affected individuals. Research into neurofibrillary tangles is a major focus in understanding and developing treatments for these debilitating diseases.