Molecular Frontiers: Battling Protein Misfolding Diseases

They’re responsible for some of the most devastating degenerative diseases of our time. But what are misfolded proteins and how can we combat the diseases they trigger through investigation of their genetic and molecular origins? Let’s explore the topic and discover how you may be able to positively impact countless lives affected by such diseases.

What Are Protein Misfolding Diseases?

“Form follows function” is a commonly heard expression in an architectural context, though its meaning is also highly relevant to protein misfolding diseases. A protein’s architecture or structure has a direct and critical connection to its function in our body.

Proteins — small, complex molecules — come together when amino acids form a chain that folds into a three-dimensional structure. When proteins in our bodies don’t fold into the correct shape, protein misfolding diseases may result.

Think of proteins as microscopic machines that perform many important functions within our cells. However, just as a piece of paper that hasn’t been properly folded into an airplane shape won’t fly, a misfolded protein won’t function correctly.

When proteins misfold, they may cluster together and form toxic aggregates that impede normal cell functioning. Over time, this can cause damage and lead to diseases that affect memory, movement and overall brain function, such as:

Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Huntington’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
Cystic fibrosis
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Sickle cell disease
Familial British dementia
Familial Danish dementia
Lewy body dementia

As we age, the likelihood of protein misfolding diseases increases, due in part to genetic mutations and other natural processes. This explains why these diseases are more common in older people, although they do not affect them exclusively.

Professional Opportunities in Protein Misfolding Research

There are a variety of rewarding careers in which you can contribute to the ongoing research into treatments and cures for protein misfolding diseases. You can build a foundation for these careers in the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program.

Molecular medicine studies diseases at the molecular level, providing the potential to identify their root causes and project their development, empowering scientists and researchers to produce more personalized, targeted and beneficial treatments. Our Program will help you develop key career skills through these and other courses:

Why Choose UMMC?

When you earn an online Graduate Certificate with UMMC, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Enjoy a smoother path to Program admission with our inclusive GPA requirements.
Begin your studies during the spring, summer or fall semester.
Learn from renowned professors with extensive research backgrounds.
Get the personalized attention you need in our small classes.
Complete coursework at your own pace from any location through asynchronous online courses.
Earn a valuable credential at an affordable, competitive tuition rate.
Customize your Certificate Program with 11-22 credit hours.
Build a stronger health-profession school application.
Complete our Program in as little as two semesters.

Apply now and you could start classes as soon as next semester!

Sources:

https://www.dw.com/en/what-are-proteins-and-why-do-they-fold/a-55815679
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/protein-misfolding-and-degenerative-diseases-14434929/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16689923/