Screening method for polymorphic markers in htra1 gene in neurodegenerative disorders

Method of screening a subject for at least one risk factor associated with a neurodegenerative disease in which cells of the brain and/or spinal cord are lost, comprising detecting the presence or absence of at least one marker in the HtrA1 gene (PRSS11) which is linked to said neurodegenerative disease.

Use of a compound enhancing HtrA1 enzyme activity, for the manufacture of a medicament for proteolysing or degrading tau, phosphorylated tau, hyperphosphorylated tau, and/or tau aggregates, phosphorylated tau aggregates and/or hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates.

Use of HtrA1 or a functional variant thereof having HtrA1 activity for proteolysing or degrading tau, phosphorylated tau, hyperphosphorylated tau, and/or tau aggregates, phosphorylated tau aggregates and/or hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates.

Use of an HtrA1 activator for promoting proteolysis or degradation of tau, phosphorylated tau, hyperphosphorylated tau, and/or tau aggregates, phosphorylated tau aggregates and/or hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates.

Use of HtrA1 in a screening assay for identifying a compound capable of inhibiting or promoting proteolysis or degradation of tau, phosphorylated tau, hyperphosphorylated tau, and/or tau aggregates, phosphorylated tau aggregates and/or hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates.