neurofibrillære

Neurofibrillary tangles are abnormal aggregations of tau protein that develop inside nerve cells in the brain. In healthy neurons, tau protein plays a crucial role in stabilizing microtubules, which are essential components of the cell's internal transport system. Microtubules are like the "railroad tracks" of the neuron, and tau protein acts as a "stabilizer" that keeps these tracks in good condition, allowing for the efficient movement of nutrients and other vital molecules.

However, in certain neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease, tau protein undergoes abnormal changes. It detaches from the microtubules and begins to accumulate, forming paired helical filaments and eventually neurofibrillary tangles. This process leads to the disruption of the microtubule network, impairing the neuron's ability to transport essential substances. Consequently, the nerve cell can no longer function properly and eventually degenerates. The formation of neurofibrillary tangles is a hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and is closely associated with cognitive decline and memory loss characteristic of the condition. The exact mechanisms that trigger tau hyperphosphorylation and tangle formation are still areas of active research, but their presence is a significant indicator of neuronal damage.