Localization, induction, and functional effects of tau phosphorylated at threonine 217

Early AD biomarker assays based on tau_pT217 detection with antibodies are at risk of artifactual signal inflation unless rigorous steps are taken to ensure antibody specificity. Neuronal levels of tau_pT217 rise steadily in brain as AD progresses. Finally, our collective results raise the possibilities that xcTauOs drive T217 phosphorylation of tau in vivo, and that tau_pT217 contributes to synaptic decline and favors formation of tau-tau interactions at the expense of tau binding to microtubules.