Microtubule-associated protein 1B rescues memory decline in Alzheimer’s disease model mice

Background: The classic pathologies seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but synapse and spine loss have been recognised as new pathologies. Microtubules are thought to be less plentiful in spines, so it has been thought that spine shape change and molecular transportation in spines is performed mainly by actin. However, reports of the intraspinal invasion of microtubules, alternative mechanisms require investigation. Microtubule-associated protein 1B has microtubule conserving and polymerising effects and is overexpressed in Fragile X syndrome, in which spines are thin and elongated.