Final answer:
The Tau protein stabilizes microtubules in neurons, supporting cellular transport and structure. Hyperphosphorylated Tau in Alzheimer's disease leads to microtubule disassembly and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in neuronal dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tau protein, also known as a Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau (MAP-T), plays a crucial role in the stability and function of microtubules within neurons. When Tau is at a normal phosphorylation level, it binds to and stabilizes microtubules, which are essential for maintaining cell shape and enabling cellular motility, particularly in the transportation of organelles and neurotransmitters along axons. However, in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Tau can become hyperphosphorylated, altering its conformation. This leads to the disassembly of microtubules and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles made up of deformed Tau proteins, significantly impairing neuronal function and contributing to neuronal degeneration.