Neurons with a Mutation (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption The photo shows neurons (red) with a mutation in the MAPT gene -- a gene that makes the protein tau. People with this mutation develop frontotemporal dementia. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that cells carrying the MAPT mutation developed abnormalities in genes that control communication between the brain cells. Credit SIDHARTHA MAHALI Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.