Protein misfolding and aggregation: associated with systemic amyloid diseases

Protein misfolding and aggregation are central to the pathology of various amyloid diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and systemic amyloid diseases. Our research primarily focuses on systemic amyloid disease called light chain (AL) amyloidosis, where amyloid fibrils of antibody light chains accumulate in multiple organs, such as the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, subcutaneous fat, and peripheral nerves.  Our work aims to decipher protein aggregation pathways and identify intermediate states using advanced biochemical, biophysical, and structural biology methods. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing inhibitors to prevent or reverse protein aggregation. Our research holds significant potential for creating therapeutic strategies, particularly for incurable conditions like AL amyloidosis.