Conformationally altered proteins cause neurodegenerative diseases
Ingelsson, M.; Nilsson, L.; Basun, H.; Aquilonius, S.-M.; Lannfelt, L.
Lakartidningen 102(47): 3542
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 16408392 Document Number: 592972
Brain aggregates of conformationally altered proteins are key features of neurodegeneration and are believed to directly cause or contribute to disease development. Mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of proteins in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders are now being characterized, due to the discovery of genes causing rare disease forms. As of today, only symptomatic pharmacotherapies are available, but new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms are providing strategies to prevent or even cure these devastating disorders.