Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the abnormal assembly of specific proteins in the central nervous system. Mutations in the genes encoding each of these proteins give rise to assembly and inherited disease, demonstrating a causal role. However, the molecular mechanisms of protein assembly in neurodegenerative disease are largely unknown.

The Ryskeldi-Falcon lab uses electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structures of pathological protein assemblies from the brains of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. This work has revealed that distinct amyloid filament assembly structures define different diseases, providing an atomic pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. The structures provide mechanistic insights into pathological protein assembly and guide the development of experimental models, as well as the design of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds targeting protein assembly in neurodegenerative diseases.

Invited speaker:

• Dr Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

This webinar was chaired by Dr Irundika Dias, Aston University.