Altered protein shapes may explain differences in some brain diseases

(NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) It only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch, and the same may be true of certain proteins in the brain. Studies have suggested that just one rogue protein can act as a seed, leading to the misfolding of nearby proteins. According to an NIH-funded study, various forms of these seeds -- originating from the same protein -- may lead to different patterns of misfolding that result in neurological disorders with unique sets of symptoms.
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news