Proteostasis of tau. Tau overexpression results in its secretion via membrane vesicles

Increasing amounts of tau protein were expressed in non-neuronal cells. When intracellular amounts reached a threshold level, tau protein was released to the extracellular culture medium in association with membrane vesicles. Hence, we propose that tau might be secreted through membrane vesicles as a cellular mechanism to eliminate the excess of tau protein, thereby avoiding its toxicity.

► Detection of tau in the extracellular environment. ► Secretion of excess of tau protein as a mechanism to avoid toxicity. ► Tau is released in association with microvesicles.