RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #12914 PROFILE

Protein misfolding happens when proteins can't fold correctly. This can cause diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The project aims to study how mutations affect protein folding to better understand and predict these problems.

Protein misfolding occurs when a peptide cannot fold into its native structure.

Mutations in the protein sequence may cause alterations of the native folded conformation, leading to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

Understanding protein misfolding as a function of mutations is currently one of the biggest challenges in the biological sciences.

We aim to systematically study folding rates of diverse mutated proteins to better understand and predict folding dynamics.

Protein

A large biomolecule consisting of chains of amino acids.

Proteins are essential molecules that perform a wide range of functions in living organisms. They are involved in everything from building and repairing tissues to catalyzing biochemical reactions. Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids, which fold into specific three-dimensional structures.

Peptide

A short chain of amino acids linked together.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They can have various biological functions, such as acting as hormones or signaling molecules.

Mutations

Permanent alterations in the DNA sequence.

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can affect the function of genes. They can be caused by environmental factors or errors during DNA replication.

Cancer

A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can affect any part of the body.

Alzheimer's

A neurodegenerative disease that affects memory and cognitive function.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss, thinking problems, and behavioral changes.