Eureka!

Proteins are all around us! The word protein comes from the Greek word “protos”, and it means the first element. They not only surround us, but compose. Proteins participate in nearly all aspects of our lives starting from food (eggs, dairy products) and ending with cosmetics (keratin in a shampoo and a conditioner production). 

The terminal of our journey is the passage about the fundamental discovery in biological sphere. The research, published in the journal of Molecular Biology by the year 2012, focuses on the protein folding significance. The scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) inspected precisely the effect of protein aggregation on cell aging processes.  We aware that protein translated from mRNA exists as the long thread sequence of amino acids. Protein folding is the process during which three-dimensionally unstable amino acids interact with each other to form the native state. It’s controlled by the correct three-dimensional structure of functional proteins. Some of amino acids fail to fold, producing inactive proteins while others misfold, causing different types of diseases, including neurodegenerative one. Also, the way of protein aggregation can be a reason for allergies, due to antibodies absence for certain protein structures. 

Picture 1. Protein folding

In a particular research, scientists were able not only to quantify the effect of protein folding on wide range of cell processes but also predict it appearance. That became possible because analysts proved independence of the protein structure from the direct cell response. (Previously, it was thought that, protein folding is coded by cell signaling). The additional importance of the study is that natural evolution of the proteins can be observed, due to the link between protein aggregation and the viability, division and aging of cells. Despite, Escherichia coli bacteria and the molecule, which triggers Alzheimer's disease,were used; the results of the study are applicable for humans. The same ancestral genes passed through the evolution cause such close heritance interaction. Novelty of this experiment is the incredible precision of the wrong protein collapse harm to the cell`s capacity to survive and undergo basic processes! It was previously known, that Alzheimer's AB42 peptide in bacteria affects the protein structure. But in this research it was found that especially chaperons control this damage. Chaperons are proteins that participate in protein folding and assist in carrying misfolded proteins to the proteasome. Proteasome is a destructive apparatus which has enzymes to degrade “wrong” proteins. In the case of wrong chaperon functioning or even absence; misfolded proteins accumulate in the organism, causing several neurodegenerative diseases. 

Picture 2. Chaperon

The discoveries were made and the direct relation of study to the proteins turns it fundamental for the biological sphere. The way of how proteins are produced was discussed previously. Additionally to the high diversity of proteins, chemical composition of amino acids allows them to transform easily to any type of life essential macromolecules. Proteins act as the building blocks in our bodies. Hormones regulate all biological processes, including blood composition. Muscle proteins allow us to move, by contrasting and relaxing muscles. All the above evidence explains the great amount of protein research and the high attention paid to it that exists. 

Picture 3. Proteins significance

 You may also watch video about what protein is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRFIMcxZNM

Reference list:

1) Toole, Glenn, and Susan Toole. Essential AS biology for OCR. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2004.
2) "Proteins are essential to life!." (EUFIC). http://www.eufic.org/article/en/nutrition/protein/artid/proteins/   
3) "Biology." Infoplease. Infoplease, n.d. . http://www.infoplease.com/cig/biology/proteins.html