EGCG impedes human Tau aggregation and interacts with Tau

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 28;10(1):12579. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-69429-6.

Abstract

Tau aggregation and accumulation is a key event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Inhibition of Tau aggregation is therefore a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the disease. Phytochemicals are being highlighted as potential aggregation inhibitors. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an active phytochemical of green tea that has shown its potency against various diseases including aggregation inhibition of repeat Tau. The potency of EGCG in altering the PHF assembly of full-length human Tau has not been fully explored. By various biophysical and biochemical analyses like ThS fluorescence assay, MALDI-TOF analysis and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, we demonstrate dual effect of EGCG on aggregation inhibition and disassembly of full-length Tau and their binding affinity. The IC50 for Tau aggregation by EGCG was found to be 64.2 μM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Catechin / chemistry
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Thermodynamics
  • tau Proteins / chemistry
  • tau Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • MAPT protein, human
  • tau Proteins
  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate