Hydration of proteins could act as a potential marker for an early detection of neuro-degenerative diseases

Source: The post is based on the article “Hydration of proteins could act as a potential marker for an early detection of neuro-degenerative diseases” published in PIB on 1st  September 2022.

What is the News?

A study has found that hydration dynamics of proteins play a pivotal role in the aggregation of several proteins which is a preliminary step toward various neurodegenerative diseases

What is Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation(LLPS)?

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation(LLPS) is a self-aggregated system. It is an intermediate step during the formation of stable protein aggregates.  

This process plays an important role in the formation of cells organelles like P bodies, nucleolus which are membrane-less compartments in the cytoplasm of cells

LLPS and neurodegenerative diseases: Protein aggregation is the main hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Many proteins found in pathological inclusions are known to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation.

What is the study conducted by scientists?

Scientists have explored how the hydration of proteins gets altered as LLPS sets in. 

They found that hydration dynamics of proteins play a pivotal role in the aggregation of several proteins which is a preliminary step toward various neurodegenerative diseases. 

Thus, the aggregation process could be spotted early by detecting altering water network dynamics and modulated using inactive substances that serve as the vehicle or medium for a drug or other active substance.