Protein folding, misfolding and aggregation: A tale of constructive to destructive assembly

Abstract The newly synthesized unfolded polypeptide attains its functional and unique three-dimensional conformation through the process of protein folding for which several models have been proposed. The protein misfolding diseases include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Cataract which are result of formation of amyloid or amorphous aggregates, respectively. The distinction in morphology shows relation with the melting temperature (T m ). The temperatures near or slightly higher than Tm induces amyloids while much higher or low temperature mediate amorphous aggregation. The aggregation is not always deleterious rather it also performs several important cellular functions essential for survival wide range of organisms called as functional amyloids. Protein gets modulated by several modulators which mediate the aggregation, acceleration, delay, transformations, inhibition and disaggregation of protein aggregates. The exclusive properties of inhibition and disaggregation displayed by various molecules can be employed to treat the life threatening disorders.