Lipid Anchors Found to Prevent Protein Clumping in Prion Diseases
New research reveals that membrane anchors stabilize prion proteins, offering insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
- Scientists discovered that lipid anchors on nerve cell membranes stabilize prion proteins and inhibit harmful aggregation.
- The study used in vitro and cell models to explore how membrane anchoring prevents protein misfolding linked to prion diseases.
- Pre-formed protein aggregates can still induce clumping of anchored prion proteins, providing clues about infectious prion disease mechanisms.
- These findings could inform therapeutic strategies for prion diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- The research, led by Ruhr University Bochum, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on December 31, 2024.
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