Cytoskeletal abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease.

A fundamental process in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the breakdown of the cytoskeleton. The microscopic manifestation of this--neurofibrillary tangles--is described. Tangles are formed from paired helical filaments (PHF), in turn constructed from abnormally phosphorylated Tau proteins. Recent investigations on the process of Tau phosphorylation and possible links between amyloid deposition and tangle formation are reviewed.