Protein Misfolding
Protein misfolding occurs when a protein does not fold into its correct three-dimensional shape. Proteins are essential for many biological functions, and their specific shapes determine how they interact with other molecules. Misfolded proteins can lead to loss of function and may aggregate, forming clumps that disrupt cellular processes.
These misfolded proteins are often associated with various diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In these conditions, the accumulation of misfolded proteins can cause cell damage and contribute to the progression of the disease. Understanding protein misfolding is crucial for developing potential treatments and therapies.