TAF15 amyloid filaments in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06801-2)

These scientists wanted to understand a type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (FTD). They knew that this disease is caused by a problem in the brain, where certain proteins become abnormal and clump together in the nerve cells. These clumps are called amyloid filaments.

The scientists studied the brains of four people who had a specific type of frontotemporal dementia called FTLD-FUS. They used a special microscope called cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to look at the amyloid filaments in the brains of these people.

To their surprise, the scientists found that the amyloid filaments were made up of a protein called TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15), which is similar to another protein called FUS. They discovered that the TAF15 protein formed a specific shape when it clumped together.

The scientists also found these TAF15 amyloid filaments in the brains of two of the people who had motor problems along with dementia. This suggests that the clumps of TAF15 protein may be related to the motor issues.

By understanding the structure of these TAF15 amyloid filaments, the scientists can now create models of the disease in the lab and develop tools to diagnose and treat this type of dementia.

Tetter S., Arseni D., Murzin AG., Buhidma Y., Peak-Chew SY., Garringer HJ., Newell KL., Vidal R., Apostolova LG., Lashley T., Ghetti B., Ryskeldi-Falcon B. TAF15 amyloid filaments in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Nature. 2024 Jan;625(7994):345-351. doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06801-2. Epub 2023 Dec 6.