|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Background reading
| The following articles introduce the subject of protein folding and disease, giving an overview of the topic from cell biology to therapeutic strategies. They aim particularly to make the subject accessible to a broad audience. |
|
 |
The importance of protein folding
Proteins are the biological workhorses that carry out vital functions in every cell. To carry out their task, proteins must fold into a complex three-dimensional structure - but what tells a protein which shape it should be and how does it achieve this? |
| |
|
| |
| Protein folding technology
To discover how proteins fold into the correct structure, scientists have designed ingenious methods that can analyse their structures and folding patterns. |
| |
|
| |
| Protein folding diseases
The process of protein folding is remarkably efficient, but sometimes it can go wrong. This can have harmful consequences, as the incorrect folding of proteins is thought to be the cause of diseases, such as Alzheimer?s disease and cancer. |
| |
 |
| |
 | Treating protein folding diseases
The diverse range of diseases that result from protein misfolding has made this an important research focus for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Studies have begun to identify the mechanisms behind these defects and create therapies against the resulting diseases. |
| |
|
|
|
|
