Monday, 22 July 2013

All About Protein Functions And Protein-Related Diseases

By Armand Zeiders


Have you ever thought about just how important proteins are in our lives? It is essential for our bodies to consume or take in proteins on a daily basis for it has many significant and notable functions and roles such as body building or building of new tissues in our body, regulating of body processes, milk formation and most especially energy supply. Thus, proteins are fundamental molecules in all human beings that basically have long chains containing one or more amino acids.

Among the many other important functions and roles of protein are the several highly significant cellular functions. Now when you say cellular functions, of course it involves the cells in our body just like in the process of DNA replication, protein is very much needed in this kind of aspect. Also for the transportation of molecules all throughout the body and catalyzing metabolic reactions which are both equally important with the first cellular function mentioned which is the DNA replication and more.

Scientists take a particular interest in proteins for there is definitely much more to them than what meets the eye, setting aside the basic stuff that we already know about proteins since discussing all about it during out school days which is specifically covered by the science curriculum and health education. According to those scientists, protein contains many clues about the way various diseases take place. They also believe that many diseases are caused by problems with the proteins in our body.

There are actually quite a number of neurodegenerative disorders that can be traced all the way down to proteins that are folding incorrectly. This causes amyloids to build up excessively thus resulting in some neurodegenerative diseases like the Alzheimer's and similar kinds of dementia, which mainly affect older adults.

Due to proteins that are folding incorrectly, it has the tendency to cause the build-up of amyloids which causes neurodegenerative diseases and other types of dementia. Not only that but some diseases that are not neurodegenerative can also be caused by the incorrect folding of proteins. This includes some types of cataracts, Type 2 diabetes and even some types of kidney diseases.

There are hundreds of doctors and other scientists that currently are focus on identifying how the proteins begin to malfunction. The hope is that these researchers can find ways to stop these protein problems and develop cures or at least good treatment strategies for patients suffering from these debilitating diseases. Biotech firms are aiming to provide protein sequencing services and other similar services to help aid researchers for better understanding of the subject matter.




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