Tau underlies synaptic and cognitive deficits for type 1, but not type 2 diabetes mouse models
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most devastating diseases that currently affects the aging population. Recent evidence indicates that DM is a risk factor for many brain disorders, due to its direct effects on cognition. New findings have shown that the microtubule-associated protein tau is pathologically processed in DM; however, it remains unknown whether pathological tau modifications play a central role in the cognitive deficits associated with DM. To address this question, we used a gain-of-function and loss-of-function approach to modulate tau levels in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) mouse models. Our study demonstrates that tau differentially contributes to cognitive and synaptic deficits induced by DM. On one hand, overexpressing wild-type human tau further exacerbates cognitive and synaptic impairments induced by T1DM, as human tau mice treated under T1DM conditions show robust deficits in learning and memory processes. On the other hand, neither a reduction nor increase in tau levels affects cognition in T2DM mice. Together, these results shine new light onto the different molecular mechanisms that underlie the cognitive and synaptic impairments associated with T1DM and T2DM.
References
Citations
Methods Mentioned
Software Mentioned
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Aging & Diabetes
This feed focuses on the role of the aging process on developing diabetes.
Cell Aging (Keystone)
This feed focuses on cellular aging with emphasis on the mitochondria, autophagy, and metabolic processes associated with aging and longevity. Here is the latest research on cell aging.
Aging-Associated Metabolic Disorders
Age is associated with many metabolic disorders including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. The mediators in aging process have been suggested to play a part in the cellular processes responsible for these metabolic disorders. Here is the latest research on aging-associated metabolic disorders.