Protein folding and misfolding in the neurodegenerative disorders: A review (original) (raw)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) represent the leading neurological disorders linked to protein misfolding, significantly affecting elderly populations. This review delves into the mechanisms of protein folding and the detrimental consequences of misfolding, including the aggregation of dysfunctional proteins that can disrupt cellular function and ultimately lead to neurodegeneration. Various protein quality control processes, such as the ubiquitin-proteosome pathway and autophagy, are examined concerning their roles in managing protein integrity in neural cells, shedding light on potential therapeutic interventions to enhance protein homeostasis and combat these age-related diseases.