Modulating the microtubule–tau interactions in biomotility systems by altering the chemical environment

Obstacles in microtubule mediated neuronal transport can trigger dementia. We use bio-motility assays, that simulate the neuron chemistry in axonopathy, to screen chemicals, that retain the microtubule dynamics in healthy neuronal activity. Tau protein inhibits microtubule activity and leads to oligomerization. Iron(iii) untangles, whereas mono-sodium-glutamate destabilizes the microtubule oligomer.