Nuclear functions of the microtubule-associated protein tau (2013-2015)

Tau is an important protein that is predominantly found in neurons. While it is generally perceived as an axonal microtubule-associated protein, the view is gradually emerging that it has central functions in other compartments such as the dendrite or the nucleus. Here we aim to determine how tau is targeted to this compartment, whether there is selectivity for distinct tau isoforms, and how this process is regulated by phosphorylation. We found that the nuclear splicing factor SFPQ is relocalised to the cytoplasm when tau levels are elevated. Therefore this project will also address how nuclear proteins are regulated by tau. Together, we will contribute to a deeper understanding of tau's physiological functions in a wider cellular context.