Biophysical Insight into Protein Folding, Aggregate Formation and its Inhibition Strategies

The failure of protein to correctly fold into its functional and unique three dimensional form leads to misfolded or partially folded protein. When these rogue proteins and polypeptides escape the quality control mechanism within the body, they result in aberrant aggregation of proteins into characteristic amyloid fibrils. This is the main cause for the number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. This review aims to summarise the underlying mechanisms of protein folding, misfolding and aggregation. It also highlights the recent technologies for the structural characterisation and detection of amyloid fibrils in addition to the various factors responsible for the aggregate formation and the strategies to combat the aggregation process. Besides, the journey from origin to the current scenario of protein aggregation is also concisely discussed.