Amyloid precursor protein cytoplasmic domain with phospho-Thr668 accumulates in Alzheimer's disease and its transgenic models: a role to mediate interaction of Abeta and tau.

Abnormal accumulation of Abeta and tau in senile plaques (SP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) is a key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we show that T668-phosphorylated cytoplasmic domain of APP (pT668-ACD) accumulates Abeta and tau in AD and its transgenic models. Anti-pT668 immunostaining of AD brain sections with hydrated autoclave enhancement identified SP neurites and NFTs in which pT668-ACD colocalizes with tau.