Misfolding Diseases

Misfolding diseases are conditions caused by proteins that do not fold into their normal shape. Proteins need the correct shape to function properly. When they misfold, they can clump together or become harmful, damaging cells and tissues. These abnormal proteins can accumulate in the body, leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and mad cow disease. Essentially, the misfolded proteins interfere with normal biological processes, causing progressive damage and symptoms characteristic of each specific disease.