Theoretical studies of molecular mechanisms of abnormal protein aggregation

许多蛋白质经历构象变化和结合作为其生理行为的一部分。然而，一些蛋白质有异常聚集和形成淀粉样原纤维的倾向，导致阿尔茨海默氏症和变异型克雅氏病等疾病。胰岛素，一种这样的蛋白质，具有聚集和形成原纤维的高倾向，给制备、储存和应用带来困难。利用先进的理论建模技术，我们将通过研究胰岛素聚集体的形成来深入了解纤颤的分子机制。提高对蛋白质聚集的基本机制的理解将使新药的合理设计成为可能。

Many proteins undergo conformational change and association as part of their physiological behavior. However, some proteins share a tendency to abnormal aggregation and form amyloid fibrils leading to disorders such as Alzheimer's and variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob diseases. Insulin, one such protein, has a high propensity to aggregate and form fibrils creating difficulties in preparation, storage and application. Using advanced theoretical modelling techniques we will gain insight into the molecular mechanism of fibrillation by investigating the formation of insulin aggregates. An improved understanding of the essential mechanism of protein aggregation will allow the rational design of new drugs.