neurofibrillary tangle
Definition
Target type: cellularcomponent
Intracellular mass of paired, helically wound protein filaments (also called PHF) lying in the cytoplasm of neuronal cell bodies and neuritic cell processes. Neurofibrillary tangles contain an abnormally phosphorylated form of a microtubule-associated protein, tau. The shape of these inclusions may resemble a flame or a star. [NIF_Subcellular:nlx_subcell_20090201, NIF_Subcellular:nlx_subcell_20090202, NIF_Subcellular:sao2409833926]
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are a hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. They are intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, primarily found in neurons. The cellular component of NFTs is complex and includes several distinct structures:
* **Tau filaments:** These are the core of the tangle and consist of twisted filaments of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Tau filaments are highly ordered and form paired helical filaments (PHFs) and straight filaments (SFs). They are the primary constituent of the NFT and contribute to its characteristic shape.
* **Microtubules:** Tau protein normally binds to and stabilizes microtubules, which are essential for intracellular transport and neuronal function. In NFTs, tau is abnormally hyperphosphorylated and detaches from microtubules, contributing to their disruption and dysfunction. However, microtubule fragments can still be found within NFTs, suggesting that they may play a role in the tangle formation process.
* **Other proteins:** In addition to tau, other proteins have been identified within NFTs, including ubiquitin, heat shock proteins, and proteasome subunits. These proteins are thought to be involved in the degradation of tau and the tangle formation process.
* **Lipids:** NFTs also contain lipids, including cholesterol and phospholipids. These lipids may play a role in the aggregation and stability of tau filaments.
* **Glycans:** NFTs are enriched in glycosylated proteins, particularly tau. These glycosylation modifications are thought to contribute to the stability and aggregation of tau.
* **Metals:** Certain metals, such as iron and zinc, have been found to be associated with NFTs. They may play a role in the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease.
The specific composition and organization of these components within NFTs can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the affected brain region. However, the presence of these components, along with their abnormal interactions, contributes to the formation of the characteristic tangled structures that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.'
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Proteins (1)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Microtubule-associated protein tau | A microtubule-associated protein tau that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DAN] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (18)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| gentian violet | crystal violet cation : An iminium ion that is malachite green cation in which the hydrogen at the para- psition of the monosubstituted phenyl group is replaced by a dimethylamino group. | iminium ion | antibacterial agent; antifungal agent |
| lansoprazole | Lansoprazole: A 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxypyridyl derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS. Lansoprazole is a racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-isomers. | benzimidazoles; pyridines; sulfoxide | anti-ulcer drug; EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor |
| 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium | 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium : An organic cation that is phenothiazin-5-ium substituted by dimethylamino groups at positions 3 and 7. The chloride salt is the histological dye 'methylene blue'. | organic cation | |
| aurin | aurin: structure | diarylmethane | |
| methylene blue | methylene blue : An organic chloride salt having 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium as the counterion. A commonly used dye that also exhibits antioxidant, antimalarial, antidepressant and cardioprotective properties. Methylene Blue: A compound consisting of dark green crystals or crystalline powder, having a bronze-like luster. Solutions in water or alcohol have a deep blue color. Methylene blue is used as a bacteriologic stain and as an indicator. It inhibits GUANYLATE CYCLASE, and has been used to treat cyanide poisoning and to lower levels of METHEMOGLOBIN. | organic chloride salt | acid-base indicator; antidepressant; antimalarial; antimicrobial agent; antioxidant; cardioprotective agent; EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor; EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor; EC 4.6.1.2 (guanylate cyclase) inhibitor; fluorochrome; histological dye; neuroprotective agent; physical tracer |
| tolonium chloride | tolonium chloride : An organic chloride salt having 3-amino-7-(dimethylamino)-2-methylphenothiazin-5-ium (tolonium) as the counterion. It is a blue nuclear counterstain that can be used to demonstrate Nissl substance and is also useful for staining mast cell granules, both in metachromatic and orthochromatic techniques. Tolonium Chloride: A phenothiazine that has been used as a hemostatic, a biological stain, and a dye for wool and silk. Tolonium chloride has also been used as a diagnostic aid for oral and gastric neoplasms and in the identification of the parathyroid gland in thyroid surgery. | ||
| azure a | azure A : An organic chloride salt having 3-amino-7-(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium as the counterion. It is used in making azure eosin stains for blood smear staining. Azure A: RN given refers to chloride | ||
| thionine | thionine : An organic chloride salt composed of 3,7-diaminophenothiazin-5-ium and chloride ions in a 1:1 ratio. A strongly metachromatic dye, useful for the staining of acid mucopolysaccharides. It is also a common nuclear stain and can be used for the demonstration of Nissl substance in nerve cells of the CNS. thionine: do not confuse with the thionins which is a class of polypeptides; RN above is for the chloride; | ||
| epigallocatechin gallate | (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate : A gallate ester obtained by the formal condensation of gallic acid with the (3R)-hydroxy group of (-)-epigallocatechin. epigallocatechin gallate: a steroid 5alpha-reductase inhibitor and antimutagen in green tea (Camellia sinensis) | flavans; gallate ester; polyphenol | antineoplastic agent; antioxidant; apoptosis inducer; geroprotector; Hsp90 inhibitor; neuroprotective agent; plant metabolite |
| azure b | azure B : An organic chloride salt having 3-(dimethylamino)-7-(methylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium as the counterion. It is used in making azure eosin stains for blood smear staining and is an active metabolite of methylene blue. Azure B: RN given refers to chloride | ||
| epicatechin | (-)-epicatechin : A catechin with (2R,3R)-configuration. | catechin; polyphenol | antioxidant |
| curcumin | curcumin : A beta-diketone that is methane in which two of the hydrogens are substituted by feruloyl groups. A natural dyestuff found in the root of Curcuma longa. Curcumin: A yellow-orange dye obtained from tumeric, the powdered root of CURCUMA longa. It is used in the preparation of curcuma paper and the detection of boron. Curcumin appears to possess a spectrum of pharmacological properties, due primarily to its inhibitory effects on metabolic enzymes. | aromatic ether; beta-diketone; diarylheptanoid; enone; polyphenol | anti-inflammatory agent; antifungal agent; antineoplastic agent; biological pigment; contraceptive drug; dye; EC 1.1.1.205 (IMP dehydrogenase) inhibitor; EC 1.1.1.21 (aldehyde reductase) inhibitor; EC 1.1.1.25 (shikimate dehydrogenase) inhibitor; EC 1.6.5.2 [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor; EC 1.8.1.9 (thioredoxin reductase) inhibitor; EC 2.7.10.2 (non-specific protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor; EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor; flavouring agent; food colouring; geroprotector; hepatoprotective agent; immunomodulator; iron chelator; ligand; lipoxygenase inhibitor; metabolite; neuroprotective agent; nutraceutical; radical scavenger |
| gossypetin | gossypetin : A hexahydroxyflavone having the hydroxy groups placed at the 3-, 3'-, 4'-, 5- 7- and 8-positions. gossypetin: inhibits activity of penicillinase enzyme in E coli | 7-hydroxyflavonol; hexahydroxyflavone | plant metabolite |
| myricetin | 7-hydroxyflavonol; hexahydroxyflavone | antineoplastic agent; antioxidant; cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitor; food component; geroprotector; hypoglycemic agent; plant metabolite | |
| su 4312 | SU4312 : A member of the class of oxindoles that is 3-methyleneoxindole in which one of the hydrogens of the methylene group has been replaced by a p-(dimethylamino)phenyl group. SU 4312 is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor protein tyrosine kinase 1/2 and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor inhibitor. It also inhibits the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and exhibits neuroprotection against NO-mediated neurotoxicity. | ||
| 2-(4'-(methylamino)phenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole | |||
| cnb 001 | |||
| hydrazinocurcumin | hydrazinocurcumin : A pyrazole obtained by cyclocodensation of the two carbonyl groups of curcumin with hydrazine. hydrazinocurcumin: structure in first source | aromatic ether; olefinic compound; polyphenol; pyrazoles | angiogenesis modulating agent; antineoplastic agent; EC 2.3.1.48 (histone acetyltransferase) inhibitor; EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor |