Examples of Protein Misfolding and Associated Diseases

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🧬 Protein Folding: Proteins must fold correctly to function. This process is guided by their amino acid sequence and assisted by chaperone proteins.
• ⚠️ Misfolding: Occurs when a protein doesn't fold into its correct 3D structure. This can lead to aggregation and loss of function.
• 🧠 Amyloids: Misfolded proteins often form aggregates called amyloids, which are insoluble and can disrupt cellular processes.
• 🦠 Prions: A special class of misfolded proteins that can induce other normal proteins to misfold, leading to infectious diseases.
• 🎯 Associated Diseases: Many diseases are linked to protein misfolding, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and prion diseases.
• 🛠️ Cellular Mechanisms: Cells have mechanisms to deal with misfolded proteins, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy.
• 💡 Therapeutic Strategies: Research focuses on preventing misfolding, promoting proper folding, and clearing aggregates.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a consequence of protein misfolding?
   1. A. Correct protein function
   2. B. Formation of amyloid aggregates
   3. C. Increased protein solubility
   4. D. Enhanced cellular metabolism
2. What type of protein is known for inducing misfolding in other proteins?
   1. A. Enzymes
   2. B. Antibodies
   3. C. Prions
   4. D. Structural proteins
3. Which disease is NOT typically associated with protein misfolding?
   1. A. Alzheimer's disease
   2. B. Parkinson's disease
   3. C. Cystic fibrosis
   4. D. Influenza
4. What cellular mechanism helps to remove misfolded proteins?
   1. A. Replication
   2. B. Transcription
   3. C. Ubiquitin-proteasome system
   4. D. Translation
5. What are aggregates of misfolded proteins often called?
   1. A. Lipids
   2. B. Amyloids
   3. C. Carbohydrates
   4. D. Nucleic acids
6. In Huntington's disease, the misfolded protein involves an excess of which amino acid?
   1. A. Alanine
   2. B. Glycine
   3. C. Glutamine
   4. D. Tryptophan
7. What is the primary role of chaperone proteins in protein folding?
   1. A. To degrade misfolded proteins
   2. B. To assist in proper protein folding
   3. C. To transport proteins across membranes
   4. D. To catalyze enzymatic reactions