The peptides corresponding to the four repeats found in the microtubule bin
ding region of tau protein were synthesized and their ability for self-aggr
egation in presence of heparin or chondroitin sulfate was measured. Mainly,
only the peptide containing the third tau repeat is able to form polymers
in a high proportion. Additionally, the peptide containing the second repea
t aggregates with a very low efficiency, However, when this peptide contain
s the mutation (P301L), described in a fronto temporal dementia, it is able
to form polymers at a higher extent. Finally, it is suggested to have a ro
le for the first and fourth tau repeats. It could be to decrease the abilit
y of the third tau repeat for self-aggregation in the presence of heparin,
(C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.