Misfolded Proteins
Misfolded proteins are proteins that have not folded into their correct three-dimensional shapes. Proper folding is crucial for proteins to function correctly in the body. When proteins misfold, they can lose their normal function and may even become toxic, leading to various diseases.
These misfolded proteins can aggregate, forming clumps that disrupt cellular processes. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease are associated with the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Understanding how these proteins misfold and aggregate is essential for developing potential treatments for these neurodegenerative disorders.