Dopamine protects Tau, aiding brain function, researchers find

Researchers at Peking University have made an important discovery about dopamine and its role in brain function. Led by Prof. Wang Chu, the team published their findings in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. The researchers found that dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, has a protective effect on a protein called Tau. Tau is linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. This study helps clarify how dopamine can influence protein functions in the brain. The team developed a new method to measure how dopamine interacts with proteins. They identified over 6,000 sites where dopamine modifies proteins. Specifically, they noted that dopamine helps Tau avoid harmful changes that can lead to problems in brain cells. Their experiments showed that when dopamine interacts with Tau, it prevents Tau from forming harmful aggregates. This aggregation is often seen in diseases like Alzheimer's. Additionally, dopamine helps Tau assist in assembling microtubules, which are essential for neuron function. The research also confirmed that this modification occurs in mouse brains, indicating its relevance to living organisms. Overall, these findings could aid in creating therapies aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases by targeting Tau.