Tau Protein: Target of Coenzyme Q10 as a Protective Effect Against Alzheimer's

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in elderly humans. The functional loss and abnormal aggregation of the Tau protein within the cytoplasmic space of the neurons of the cerebral cortex are factors that have been closely associated with neuronal death and the establishment of this neurodegenerative process. Tau suffers from certain abnormal post-translational modifications such as hyperphosphorylation and proteolytic cuts that lead to its functional alteration, changes in its subcellular location, aggregation and toxicity. On the other hand we have Coenzyme Q10 that contributes to generating cellular energy in the mitochondria. As we age, CoQ10 production declines and we are faced with an "energy crisis." CoQ10 deficiency in cells causes accelerated aging. The objective of this study is to identify the interaction between tau protein and CoQ10 as the latter is associated as a protective factor against degenerative diseases including Alzheimer's