Parkinson's Disease Protein (IMAGE)

Purdue University

Parkinson's Disease Protein

Caption

This graphic illustrates the morphing structure of a brain protein thought to play a role in Parkinson's disease, information that could aid the development of medications to treat the condition. Researchers have taken detailed images and measurements of the changing structure for the first time. Findings reveal that the protein morphs from its globular shape into "protofibril" strands that assemble into pore-like rings. These rings then open up, forming pairs of protofibrils that assemble into fibrils through hydrogen bonds.

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(Purdue University/ Hangyu Zhang)

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