First synthetic ‘mini prion’ shows how protein misfolding multiplies
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-May-2025 07:08 ET (1-May-2025 11:08 GMT/UTC)
Prions transmit their abnormally folded shape onto other proteins. Researchers designed a synthetic fragment of the tau protein that exhibits prion-like behavior. Misfolded tau proteins are the hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Study revealed crucial role of water organization in the tau misfolding process.
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