The Neurotubule Project
What causes Alzheimer’s? This is still a mystery, but many of biophysical and biochemical conditions leading to the dementia associated with the disease are known. Plaque accumulations and neurotubule tangles within neurons disrupt the function of brain cells.
One of the most important objectives of Alzheimer’s research has been to figure out ways to protect brain cells from these senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. -- David Shamah, Times of Israel (2014)
The cause of Autism is also a mystery. Most researchers believe it is an incorrect wiring of the brain during childhood development: from a environmental or spontaneous genetic mutation with a possible hereditory component. The ACE (Autism Centers of Excellence) programs at the National Institute of Health present an excellent overview.
Cytoskeletal components composed of the protein tubulin, including neurotubules and microtubules, are known to contribute to the morphology and migration of neurons and other motile cells. We postulate that a comprehensive study of the dynamic charateristics may provide an early marker and suggest to a remedial strategy for Autism