Newswise \u2014 Philadelphia\u2014Researchers at the Alzheimer\u2019s Center at Temple University (ACT) have published a comprehensive new review examining how two hallmark proteins of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, amyloid-\u03b2 and tau, interact and reinforce one another to drive disease progression. Under the guidance of Domenico Pratic\u00f2, MD, Professor of Neurosciences, the paper investigates the latest data on the behavior of the plaques and tangles responsible for dementia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Causing cognitive impairment and memory loss, Alzheimer\u2019s disease is marked by the accumulation of amyloid-\u03b2 plaques and tau tangles in the brain. While both pathologies have long been studied independently, growing evidence suggests that their interaction plays a central role in triggering synaptic dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and the progressive cognitive decline seen in patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis review brings together recent advances showing that amyloid-\u03b2 and tau are not acting in isolation,\u201d said Pratic\u00f2, who is also the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair in Alzheimer\u2019s Research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. \u201cInstead, they engage in a complex and synergistic relationship that accelerates disease onset and progression.\u201d<\/p>\n
The paper demonstrates that synaptic dysfunction occurs early in Alzheimer\u2019s disease, preceding widespread neuronal loss. As the disease advances, this dysfunction gives way to neurodegeneration and irreversible neuronal cell death.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe molecular mechanisms through which amyloid-\u03b2 can promote tau pathology, and vice versa,\u201d said Pratic\u00f2, \u201camplifies damage within vulnerable brain circuits.\u201d<\/p>\n
By critically evaluating recent findings, the paper provides a framework for understanding how these pathological processes intersect across different stages of the disease. The authors found that interplay between amyloid-\u03b2 and tau may inform the development of more effective therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing or preventing disease progression.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal was to offer a unified perspective that can help guide future research,\u201d Pratic\u00f2 said. \u201cA clearer understanding of how these two proteins interact may open new directions for treatment approaches that target Alzheimer\u2019s disease earlier and more precisely.\u201d<\/p>\n
The review, titled \u201cAmyloid-\u03b2 and Tau in Alzheimer\u2019s Disease: Pathogenesis, Mechanisms, and Interplay<\/a>,\u201d was published online January 9, 2026 in the journal Cell Death & Disease.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n You can find out more information on Dr. Domenico Pratico’s research papers here.<\/a><\/p>\n Connect with Dr. Domenico Pratico on LinkedIn<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> & Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n Follow Dr. Domenico Pratico<\/a>‘s lab website here: Pratico Lab<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t