A team of multi-institutional researchers led by Emory University has defined for the first time how metal ions bind to amyloid fibrils in the brain in a way that appears toxic to neurons. Amyloid fibrils are linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob.
Although metal ions such as copper can bind to amyloid in several ways, the team found that only one way appears toxic. Amyloids are typically hard, waxy deposits consisting of protein found in body tissue. Copper ions occur naturally in the brain, as do other ions such as zinc and iron. The exact way amyloid binds to copper ions affects the fibers' architecture, rate of propagation, and their effect on surrounding neurons.
Those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease have a high amount of sticky amyloid fibrils in their brains. Over time, they accumulate instead of decomposing and interfere with the brain's function. In contrast, normally folded proteins are cleared from the brain shortly after they are produced.
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