Prion-like behavior

Prion-like behavior refers to the way certain proteins can change shape and cause similar changes in other, nearby proteins. When a protein misfolds, it can induce normal proteins to adopt the same incorrect shape, leading to a chain reaction. This process is similar to how prions, infectious proteins, spread disease in the brain, causing conditions like mad cow disease. In non-infectious contexts, prion-like behaviors can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where protein misfolding and accumulation impair brain function.