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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2013 Mar 30.
Published in final edited form as: Cell. 2012 Mar 30;149(1):232–244. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.02.016

Figure 7. Pin1 Prevents the Accumulation of the Pathogenic Cis pT231-tau Conformation in AD by Converting It to the Non-pathogenic Trans, and Vaccines or Abs Specifically Targeting Cis pT231-tau Might Be Developed for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of AD.

Figure 7

pT231-tau protein exists in the two completely distinct cis and trans conformations, as depicted in cartoons of the primary backbone structures. Cis, but not trans, pT231-tau loses normal function and also gains toxic function. Pin1 prevents the accumulation of the pathogenic cis pT231-tau conformation in AD by converts it to the non-pathogenic trans.

Conformation-specific antibodies and/or vaccines against the pathogenic cis pT231-tau might be developed for the diagnosis and treatment of AD, especially at early stages.