Lee Lab

Gloria Lee, PhD
Professor
Dept. of Internal Medicine
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Center on Aging

Research

Structure and function of the neuronal cytoskeleton and its role in neurodegenerative diseases

Tau protein is a microtubule-associated protein that is critical for neuronal development. Our laboratory has been elucidating new functions for tau beyond its ability to promote microtubule assembly and stability. We have found that tau can be a membrane-associated protein with putative roles in signal transduction. In particular, we have discovered an interaction between tau and src family non-receptor tyrosine kinases. We are currently investigating the functional implications of this interaction in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. For example, the interaction may affect the spatial localization of tau, the activity of the tyrosine kinase, or the phosphorylation of tau. We are also investigating other new interactions of tau. In our studies, we use a combination of cell biological, molecular biological, and biochemical tools and assays.

Tau is also a prominent component of the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, mutations in the tau gene cause other age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia. The mechanisms underlying the formation of abnormal tau lesions in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and the mechanisms that cause neuronal cell death in these age-related diseases are unknown. We are testing the hypothesis that tau's interactions with proteins other than microtubules, have a role in the neurodegenerative process.