Abnormal Microtubule Dynamics Impair the Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Transport in Dementia

Abstract

Disrupted nuclear-cytoplasmic transport (NCT) is a common pathophysiological event in several neurodegenerative disorders. However, the correlation between the mutations in the pathogenic microtubule-associated protein tau and NCT and neuronal dysfunction is not yet clearly understood. A recent study revealed that tau is mislocalized to the neuronal cell body and, thus, deforms the nuclear membrane in the frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This causes a defect in NCT, leading to neurodegeneration. The microtubule depolymerization could rescue the NCT defects as well as neurodegeneration. Therefore, agents that can modulate the microtubule functions or NCT can constitute a potential therapeutic method for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.