Errors in translation cause selective neurodegeneration.
The 3D structure of a protein is determined by the unique sequence of amino acid residues comprising the polypeptide chain. Sequence changes can cause protein misfolding, a potentially toxic phenomenon implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders. In a recent paper, translational misincorporation is proposed to be a new biochemical mechanism for generating mutant proteins that misfold and kill neurons.
Rochet
Jean-Christophe
JC
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, Heine Pharmacy Building, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2091, USA. rochet@pharmacy.purdue.edu
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011487:Protein Conformation; D011489:Protein Denaturation; D017510:Protein Folding