# Caspase-Mediated Truncation of Tau Potentiates Aggregation

Authors: Sangmook Lee; Thomas B. Shea
Journal: International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
 (2012)

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## Abstract

Caspase-mediated truncation of tau is associated with aggregation. We examined the impact of manipulation of caspase activity on intracellular aggregation of a mutant form of tau (3PO) that forms spontaneous aggregates. Treatment with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk reduced both N and C-terminal tau truncation but did not significantly reduce aggregation. Treatment with staurosporine, which activated caspases, increased C-terminal but not N-terminal truncation and enhanced aggregation. These findings suggest that caspase activation is one potential route, rather than an obligatory initiation step, in aggregation, and that N- and C-terminal truncation contribute differentially to aggregation.


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## Body


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*Source: 731063-2012-09-04.xml*