Researchers identify structure of key control element behind protein misfolding that can lead to disease
Friday, February 24, 2012 - 14:00
in Physics & Chemistry
The gold standard for nanotechnology is nature's own proteins. These biomolecular nanomachines macromolecules forged from peptide chains of amino acids - are able to fold themselves into a dazzling multitude of shapes and forms that enable them to carry out an equally dazzling multitude of functions fundamental to life. As important as protein folding is to virtually all biological systems, the mechanisms behind this process have remained a mystery. The fog, however, is being lifted.