Neuronally expressed anti-tau scFv prevents tauopathy-induced phenotypes in Drosophila models.

ABSTRACT: We have derived single-chain variable fragments (scFv) from tau antibody hybridomas and previously shown their promise as imaging diagnostic agents. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of anti-tau scFv in transgenic Drosophila models that express in neurons wild-type (WT) human tau (htau) or the human tauopathy mutation R406W. scFv expressing flies were crossed with the tauopathy flies and analyzed. Overall, the survival curves differed significantly (p < .0001). Control flies not expressing htau survived the longest, whereas R406W expressing flies had the shortest lifespan, which was greatly prolonged by co-expressing the anti-tau scFv (p < .0001). Likewise, htau WT expressing flies had a moderately short lifespan, which was prolonged by co-expressing the anti-tau scFv (p < .01).

SUBMITTER: Krishnaswamy S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7178494 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature