An Application Flash from Anton Paar details the use of its SAXSpoint 2.0 system to study the fibril structure of the Amyloid beta protein.
Amyloid beta is a protein that is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the Down syndrome. Its function in the body and the potential triggering of AD is still poorly understood and a topic of major research. The currently most commonly accepted theory for the development of Alzheimer's disease involves the formation of amyloid fibrils in the brain tissue (plaque).
The amyloid proteins can form soluble oligomers which can fold to different structures. Current research suggest that misfolded oligomers can induce a misfolding of other amyloid fibrils, leading to a chain reaction resulting in the
formation of plaques. These plaques are believed to be toxic to nerve cells.
