Biophysical Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are linked to the progressive deterioration of neurons, manifesting in cognitive and motor impairments and frequently culminating in death. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the genetic and biochemical factors underlying these conditions, several crucial molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration still lack full elucidation. Advances in profiling the structural, dynamic, and thermodynamic characteristics of implicated biomolecules have dramatically enriched our knowledge, yet the exact pathological roles of misfolded proteins and their aggregates remain unclear.
This Research Topic aims to utilize advanced biophysical techniques to delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with a particular emphasis on protein misfolding and aggregation. By unraveling these relationships, the research seeks to provide a clearer picture of the molecular underpinnings that could potentially lead to targeted therapeutic strategies.

To advance our understanding of these complex bio-phenomena, this topic will focus on areas including, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Structural and dynamic properties of misfolded proteins
• Advanced biophysical methods for analyzing amyloid aggregation
• Role of protein-membrane interactions in neurodegeneration
• Influence of liquid-liquid phase separation on neurotoxic aggregate formation
• Computational models to predict protein aggregation and disease progression
• Identifying potential therapeutic interventions based on biophysical characteristics

This exploration is expected to synthesize multiple dimensions of structural biology, thermodynamics, and membrane biophysics to offer new insights into neurodegeneration, guiding future research and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: protein aggregation, neurodegenerative diseases, molecular biophysics, protein-membrane interaction, structure biology

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.