journal article·2025-03Open access

Molecular Determinants of Protein Pathogenicity at the Single‐Aggregate Level

Agnieszka Urbanek, Emma F. Garland, Emily E. Prescott, Marianne C. King, Anna Olerinyova, Hollie E. Wareing, Nia Georgieva, Ellie L. Bradshaw, Svetomir B. Tzokov, Alexander Knight, Alexander I. Tartakovskii, Tarja Malm, J Robin Highley, Suman De

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 9

Abstract

Abstract Determining the structure‐function relationships of protein aggregates is a fundamental challenge in biology. These aggregates, whether formed in vitro, within cells, or in living organisms, present significant heterogeneity in their molecular features such as size, structure, and composition, making it difficult to determine how their structure influences their functions. Interpreting how these molecular features translate into functional roles is crucial for understanding cellular homeostasis and the pathogenesis of various debilitating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In this study, a bottom‐up approach is introduced to explore how variations in protein aggregates’ size, composition, post‐translational modifications and point mutations profoundly influence their biological functions. Applying this method to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's associated proteins, novel disease‐relevant pathways are uncovered, demonstrating how subtle alterations in composition and morphology can shift the balance between healthy and pathological states. This findings provide deeper insights into the molecular basis of protein's functions at the single‐aggregate level, enhancing the knowledge of their roles in health and disease.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Prion Diseases and Protein Misfolding · Protein Structure and Dynamics · Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience University of Sheffield Sheffield S10 2HQ UK

Neuroscience Institute University of Sheffield Sheffield S10 2TN UK

Cryo‐Electron Microscopy Facility, School of Biosciences University of Sheffield Sheffield S10 2TN UK

Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Sheffield Sheffield S3 7RH UK

A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences University of Eastern Finland Kuopio 70211 Finland

Funding

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council · Academy of Medical Sciences · UK Research and Innovation

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