The Role of Misfolded Proteins in Neurodegeneration

This chapter examines the critical role of misfolded tau and alpha-synuclein proteins in various neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing their unique misfolding patterns and the implications for disease manifestation. It discusses key experiments investigating the spread of alpha-synuclein pathology from the gut to the brain, particularly in Parkinson's disease, and the necessity of endogenous alpha-synuclein for disease progression. The narrative highlights challenges in using mouse models to study Lewy bodies and underscores the need for careful controls in research addressing the impacts of these proteins on motor functions.