A study from Ruhr University Bochum identifies a mammal-specific domain in prion proteins that affects protein aggregation, potentially shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases. Prion diseases, caused by misfolded proteins, lead to brain damage and are fatal. The study suggests that the evolution of prion proteins in mammals may be linked to the development of these diseases. Research funded by the German Research Foundation showed that the structure of prion proteins differs between mammals and amphibians, indicating a new function specific to mammals. Understanding this could lead to new treatment approaches for prion diseases. Further research will focus on how this specific domain contributes to neurological diseases.
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Mammal-specific domain of the prion protein may hold clues to neurodegenerative diseases
