Articles tagged with Misfolded Proteins
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A new study from Iowa State University researchers explores the biological processes by which exposure to metals can contribute to Parkinson's-like symptoms. The study found that manganese combines with a protein called alpha-synuclein, leading to misfolded proteins and a neurodegenerative response.
A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.
A new study reveals that cells take an approach of 'purposeful inefficiency' in responding to diseases, offering new pathways for understanding and treating conditions like cancer and Parkinson's. The research team discovered surprising genetic responses to misfolded proteins, including increased protein production and wasteful processes.
Case Western Reserve researchers are investigating skin prions as a potential diagnostic biomarker for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The study aims to determine if skin prions can serve as a pre-mortem and post-mortem diagnostic tool, as well as explore their role in transmission between humans.
Researchers have developed a new method that accelerates protein folding simulations, revealing previously unknown intermediate states. By combining existing methods, the approach provides a more accurate representation of the physical process of protein folding.
Researchers identified a unique mutation in a patient with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, a progressive condition causing abnormal protein deposits. The study suggests that new drugs targeting different sites on the protein may be effective, offering potential breakthroughs for treatment.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a strategy that delays blindness in mice with retinal degeneration by boosting cells' ability to process misfolded proteins. The approach could potentially be used to prevent cell death in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's and Parkinson's.
Timothy M. Miller receives award for work on effective therapies for ALS, developing method to turn off toxic protein production in brain and spinal fluid. His approach is currently being tested in human clinical trials.
Researchers at TSRI have discovered a toxic protein that travels to mitochondria, causing damage and leading to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. This finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease.
A University of Guelph study found that cardiolipin helps prevent protein misfolding in Parkinson's disease, leading to nerve cell death. Researchers believe cardiolipin may represent a new target for developing therapies to slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers have identified multiple misfolded pathways and intermediate states in the protein superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), a key player in ALS. Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a rare Y-shape in a protein associated with hereditary glaucoma, which may revolutionize its treatment. The discovery reveals how the Y ties together major components of the protein and could help understand myocilin's role in the eye.
Researchers have designed a new kind of antibody that targets toxic protein structures common to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related conditions. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of these antibodies in removing toxic forms without triggering immune toxicity.
A team of researchers has developed methods to observe and quantify misfolded proteins associated with Parkinson's disease entering neurons. They found that fibrils were actively engulfed by the cell membrane and transported to lysosomes, where most remained for days.
A new technique uses a fluorescent sensor to detect stress on cells at earlier stages than conventional methods. The method can be adapted to detect protein aggregates caused by other toxins and diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
Researchers have discovered that membrane lipids can activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), leading to increased protein production but also heightened sensitivity in cells. This new understanding may provide insights into various diseases, including those caused by viral infections and tumor growth.
Researchers found that age-dependent protein aggregates can induce Aβ aggregation, leading to Alzheimer's disease. The study identified proteins like PAR-5 as potential therapeutic targets, offering new avenues for preventative research.
Scientists found that cell powerhouses called mitochondria can break down misfolded proteins, which are thought to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery could help explain why protein clumping and mitochondrial deterioration are hallmarks of these conditions.
Protein misfolding may have kickstarted chemical evolution, enabling the creation of complex systems and potentially leading to the emergence of life. The study designed multi-phase dynamic chemical networks and self-propagating peptide assemblies with remarkable functions.
A study by Duke Health researchers has identified a shared root cause of Huntington's disease with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The team found that a biochemical explanation for the breakdown of quality control processes in Huntington's disease, which can be restored by chemically inhibiting CK2, holds promise for ...
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have successfully corrected Parkinson's disease motor symptoms in mice using a PREP blocker treatment. The treatment, which blocks the formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates, restored motor skills and cleared brain accumulations within two weeks.
A team of researchers at Colorado State University is investigating the use of a test developed to detect early-stage chronic wasting disease in deer to identify the onset of brain disorders, including concussion-related trauma, in humans. The test may also be used to detect misfolded proteins found in people with Alzheimer's, Parkinso...
Researchers detect misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification technology detects small amounts of the protein, correlating with disease severity.
Scientists have discovered that water exhibits two distinct states at a temperature range of 40-60 degrees Celsius, which affects its physical properties and behavior. This finding could lead to breakthroughs in understanding protein folding and disease mechanisms related to Alzheimer's and CJD.
Researchers discovered a newly discovered stress response pathway that relies on fat molecules to mediate cellular health, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that certain types of fat may protect against brain disease by preventing protein aggregates.
Researchers describe distinct stages of prion disease in the mouse retina and define a model to test therapeutic approaches. They found that misfolded prion protein accumulation and inflammatory responses occur at specific time points, allowing for potential therapy evaluation.
Researchers at TSRI have identified 79 potential molecules that activate the ATF6 arm of the UPR, a signaling network that enhances editing or protein quality control. The compounds mimic the normal activation of ATF6, leading to the generation of chaperone proteins that can help prevent misfolding events associated with disease.
Iowa State researchers discovered copper-induced misfolding of prion proteins, leading to inflammation and damage in brain tissue from a mouse model. The study's findings have major implications for understanding the role of metals in protein misfolding diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an RNA aptamer that prevents misfolding of a specific serpin mutant without inhibiting its anti-proteolytic function. This breakthrough has implications for diseases caused by serpinopathies, such as liver cirrhosis and lung emphysema.
Researchers at Indiana University have found a correlation between higher levels of an enzyme called NMNAT2 and better cognitive function in older people. This study suggests that NMNAT2 may help protect against neurodegenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that an enzyme called NMNAT2 helps protect neurons from protein clumps, which cause degenerative brain diseases. Higher levels of NMNAT2 were found in people with greater resistance to cognitive decline.
A UMass Amherst research team discovered the folding mechanism of serpin antithrombin III, a key protein in the blood coagulation pathway. They found that this protein folds to a higher-energy state, allowing it to function as a 'molecular mousetrap' and generate the work required for physiological functions.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that the existing compound KD3010 offers hope for slowing Huntington's disease and its symptoms. The study found that KD3010 improved motor function, reduced neurodegeneration, and increased survival in a mouse model of HD.
Researchers discovered a compound that stabilizes αB-crystallin proteins, reducing aggregation and improving cataract transparency. The molecule partially reversed existing aggregation and restored lens clarity in mice and human samples.
Protein misfolding diseases are rising in incidence and seeing increasing financial and healthcare burden. Recent advances in understanding these disorders provide fresh ideas for their future therapy.
Scientists at EPFL have successfully distinguished between the disease-causing aggregation forms of proteins using step-by-step imaging. This breakthrough can help change pharmaceutical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, which are caused by misfolded protein aggregates.
University of Alberta scientists investigate physical principles underlying prion protein formation, with potential applications for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Their recent discovery sheds light on microscopic mechanisms governing protein misfolding, offering a new step towards developing therapeutics.
Researchers identify molecular pathway reducing misfolded proteins implicated in ALS and dementia. Inactivating specific genes can improve mobility in roundworms and human cells, suggesting potential therapeutic value.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of neuronal death involved in neurodegenerative protein-misfolding diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study found that the loss of NAD+ is the primary cause of neuronal demise, and restoring it can rescue neurons.
Researchers discovered that yeast cells can clear themselves of misfolded prion proteins by activating a stress response and producing specific heat-shock proteins. This finding suggests a new approach to treating diseases associated with prion misfolding, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's.
A JAX research team discovered a link between mistranslation during protein synthesis and misfolded proteins in the heart, contributing to cardiac diseases like desmin-related cardiomyopathy and systemic amyloidosis. Mistranslation can lead to cell death and impaired heart function.
A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.
A new study found that a cellular defense system against protein misfolding can overreact in chronic cases, worsening disease symptoms and reducing therapeutic effectiveness. Inhibiting this response with certain drugs showed promise as a treatment approach.
Researchers found that 90% of misfolded protein aggregates form on the ER surface, dependent on active protein synthesis and ribosome activity. The aggregation is regulated by mitochondria, which play a key role in confining the aggregates to the mother cell during asymmetric cell division.
Researchers found that heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1) stabilizes the cell's cytoskeleton, preventing misfolded proteins from accumulating in the brain. This discovery expands opportunities for therapies to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers will explore protein quality-control decline in dementias, illnesses. Badly formed proteins can lead to devastating physiological consequences by acting as templates, spreading misfolding like an infection.
A new quality control system has been identified in the cell's inner nuclear membrane, degrading misfolded proteins and preventing toxic accumulation. This discovery sheds light on cellular mechanisms for maintaining protein homeostasis.
A new method allows researchers to observe ultra-weak protein-protein interactions, which are crucial for protein cooperation and disease prevention. This discovery has significant implications for pharmaceutical development, disease research, and understanding of protein aggregation.
Duke University researchers found that stressed cells slow down protein production, reshuffle their workload, and clean up misfolded proteins. This response mechanism could shed light on diseases caused by misfolded proteins.
Research suggests that heat shock protein (HSP90) overexpression contributes to dopaminergic neuronal death and muscle abnormalities in PD. Exercise training has been shown to inhibit HSP90 overexpression, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating PD-related skeletal muscle issues.
Researchers at UTHealth Medical School have found misfolded prion proteins in the urine of 13 out of 14 patients with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, providing a new potential diagnostic tool. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-invasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring.
Researchers have identified a connection between misfolded proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and preeclampsia, potentially leading to improved diagnostic methods. A new urine test using Congo Red dye has already shown promise in identifying the presence and severity of preeclampsia.
A Penn study reveals how cells remove misfolded proteins, a crucial process for understanding brain diseases caused by toxic protein clumps. The research identified a two-stage recycling system involving proteins PML and RNF4 that tags misfolded proteins for degradation.
Researchers found exercise training significantly reduces HSP90 overexpression in PD rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for skeletal muscle abnormalities. This study supports the use of HSP90 inhibitors as a new treatment option for PD-related muscle issues.
Researchers have engineered a series of molecules with the potential to treat most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The GAIM-changing molecules recognize characteristic common to many toxic misfolded proteins and can prevent new aggregates from forming while clearing existing ones.
Researchers at Rice University have designed a sophisticated synthetic genetic circuit that signals increases in the degradation of proteins by the cell's ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The Deg-On circuit produces a green fluorescent signal linked to UPS degradation, allowing researchers to monitor proteasomal activity.
Researchers have developed a new technology to detect misfolded protein fragments, known as Aβ oligomers, in cerebrospinal fluid that could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, distinguishing between Alzheimer's patients and those with other neurodegenerative disorders.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute develop new probes to detect functional, normally folded, and disease-associated misfolded conformations of proteins in cells. The technology paves the way for discovering new drugs for misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Aging disrupts sleep patterns in fruit flies, leading to increased protein misfolding and cellular stress. A molecular chaperone treatment restored youthful sleep patterns, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to addressing age-related sleep disorders.
Huntington's disease is caused by an expansion in the polyglutamine tract of a protein called Huntingtin, leading to its misfolding and aggregation. Researchers have discovered that transient intermediate species called oligomers play a key role in neurotoxicity, rather than fibrillar aggregates. Modulating these oligomers through mole...