Further understanding of tau phosphorylation: implications for therapy.

Tau is a brain microtubule-associated protein that regulates microtubule structure and function. Prominent tau neurofibrillary pathology is a common feature in a number of neurodegenerative disorders collectively referred to as tauopathies, the most common of which is Alzheimer's disease. Beyond its classical role as a microtubule-associated protein, recent advances in our understanding of tau cellular functions have unveiled novel important tau cellular functions that may also play a pivotal role in pathogenesis and render novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Regulation of tau behavior and function under physiological and pathological conditions is mainly achieved through post-translational modifications, especially phosphorylation, which has significant implications for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in a number of neurodegenerative disorders.