DOPA Decarboxylase Modulates Tau Toxicity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The microtubule-associated protein tau accumulates into toxic aggregates in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. We found previously that loss of D₂-family dopamine receptors ameliorated tauopathy in multiple models including a Caenorhabditis elegans model of tauopathy.

Methods

To better understand how loss of D₂-family dopamine receptors can ameliorate tau toxicity, we screened a collection of C. elegans mutations in dopamine-related genes (n = 45) for changes in tau transgene-induced behavioral defects. These included many genes responsible for dopamine synthesis, metabolism, and signaling downstream of the D₂ receptors.

Results

We identified one dopamine synthesis gene, DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), as a suppressor of tau tox

SUBMITTER: Kow RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5732084 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature