ptau181

PTau181 refers to hyperphosphorylated tau protein at the threonine 181 residue. Tau is a protein normally found in neurons, where it helps stabilize microtubules, essential components of the cell's internal transport system. In certain neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease, tau protein undergoes abnormal modifications, including hyperphosphorylation.

PTau181 is a specific biomarker that indicates this pathological tau accumulation. Elevated levels of ptau181 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood are associated with the presence of tau and amyloid-beta pathologies in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Research has shown that ptau181 levels can be a reliable indicator of Alzheimer's disease progression and can help differentiate it from other forms of dementia.

The measurement of ptau181 is becoming increasingly important in both clinical diagnosis and research settings. Its detection in biological samples offers a less invasive way to assess the underlying disease processes compared to traditional methods like PET scans. Studies are ongoing to further validate its role in early detection, disease monitoring, and the assessment of treatment efficacy in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease.