How disordered proteins spread from cell to cell, potentially spreading disease
Friday, February 18, 2011 - 18:30
in Health & Medicine
Misfolded proteins can get into cells and form large aggregates by recruiting normal proteins. These aggregates are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. A new study finds that the protein linked to Huntington's can spread from one cell to another. The research may explain how these diseases spread through our brains, an understanding that might lead to the development of drugs to target the misfolded proteins.