Membrane interactions of proteins associated with alzheimer's disease and parkinson's disease implications for diseases' pathologies and therapeutic avenues

Aberrant misfolding and aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and others. While the exact molecular factors responsible for the occurrence of these incurable diseases are still unknown, it has been found that peptides associated with these disorders bind and disrupt cellular membranes. However, thorough characterization of the impact of amyloid peptides upon the cell membrane and understanding the biological significance of such interactions are still incomplete. Therefore, this project aims to elucidate fundamental molecular details pertaining to membrane disruption by amyloidogenic peptides and their aggregates. This information might shed light on yet-unknown factors responsible for the devastating symptoms of seemingly unrelated neurodegenerative diseases. Attaining this understanding should particularly aid the search for possible therapeutic avenues for these diseases.