Fehlgefaltetes

Fehlgefaltetes is a German term that translates to "misfolded" or "incorrectly folded" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of molecular biology and medicine, specifically when referring to proteins. Proteins are complex molecules that must fold into precise three-dimensional structures to function correctly. If a protein fails to fold properly, it is considered misfolded.

Misfolded proteins can arise due to various reasons, including genetic mutations, environmental stresses, or errors during the protein synthesis process. These misfolded proteins often lose their intended function and can sometimes become toxic to cells. They may aggregate together, forming clumps that can interfere with cellular processes and lead to disease.

Several diseases are associated with protein misfolding. These include neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, where specific proteins misfold and accumulate in the brain. Other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and prion diseases (like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease), also involve the detrimental effects of misfolded proteins. The study of protein misfolding is a significant area of research aimed at understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse the process.