Lack of DNAJB6a may cause tau buildup by triggering cell stress that harms mitochondria

DNAJB6a expression is decreased in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and APP/PS1 mice.

• Decreased levels of DNAJB6a are identified in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients compared to healthy individuals.
• APP/PS1 mice show reduced DNAJB6a expression relative to control mice.
• Mice lacking DNAJB6a exhibit cognitive impairment, synaptic loss, and characteristics typical of Alzheimer's disease.
• The absence of DNAJB6a is linked to activated endoplasmic reticulum stress due to lower levels of a specific heat shock protein.
• DNAJB6a deficiency is associated with accelerated Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms through the activation of a pathway that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction.

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