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How can protein aggregation contribute to age-related diseases?

Protein aggregation refers to the process in which proteins misfold and clump together, forming insoluble aggregates. This phenomenon is commonly associated with age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease

In Alzheimer’s disease, protein aggregation is primarily caused by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Beta-amyloid proteins clump together to form plaques, while tau proteins form twisted tangles within neurons. These aggregates disrupt normal cellular function, leading to the death of brain cells and the progressive cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Parkinson’s Disease

In Parkinson’s disease, protein aggregation is linked to the accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain. These aggregates disrupt the normal functioning of neurons involved in movement control. As a result, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is caused by the aggregation of mutant huntingtin protein in the brain. The expanded polyglutamine repeats in the huntingtin protein lead to its misfolding and subsequent aggregation. These aggregates interfere with cellular processes, causing the progressive degeneration of neurons and resulting in motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.

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Consequences of Protein Aggregation

The accumulation of protein aggregates in age-related diseases can have several detrimental effects on cellular function. Aggregates can disrupt the normal folding and function of other proteins, leading to a cascade of misfolding events. Additionally, aggregates can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, further damaging cells and promoting disease progression.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying protein aggregation in age-related diseases is crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies. Researchers are exploring various approaches, including targeting the clearance of protein aggregates, preventing their formation, and promoting protein folding and degradation pathways to mitigate the impact of protein aggregation on age-related diseases.

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Keywords: protein, disease, aggregation, aggregates, related, diseases, proteins, alzheimer, parkinson