Preparation and Characterization of Tau Oligomer Strains.

An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the existence of multiple conformational entities of tau, as have been observed for prion protein. We have developed and optimized techniques to isolate and study oligomeric tau strains both in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, we have modified protocols that demonstrate the seeding properties of oligomeric tau strains that are capable of propagating in vivo. These methods and protocols are explained in this chapter.