Protein aggregation pathway

The term "protein aggregation pathway" is not the name of a single molecule, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or other discrete therapeutic target. Instead, it refers broadly to the complex biological processes by which misfolded or unfolded proteins clump together into larger structures called aggregates. These aggregates can be amorphous deposits, oligomers, or highly ordered amyloid fibrils. Protein aggregation is implicated in numerous diseases—most notably neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease—where toxic protein aggregates accumulate and disrupt cellular function[1][2][3][4]. The process involves multiple molecular events including changes in protein folding dynamics due to mutations, environmental stressors like pH shifts and oxidative stress[6], post-translational modifications[6], and failures in cellular quality control systems such as autophagy and proteasomal degradation pathways[2]. While understanding these pathways is crucial for drug development aimed at preventing aggregate formation or enhancing their clearance from cells,[4] there is no single entity called the “protein aggregation pathway” that can be targeted therapeutically.

Other names

Protein aggregationProtein misfolding and aggregationAggregation pathway