Leiden Physicists Uncover Surprising Link Between Protein Droplets and Amyloid Fibers in Neurodegeneration

Leiden University physicists Liru Feng and Louise Jawerth have identified a counter-intuitive mechanism connecting liquid protein droplets and amyloid fibers, structures implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Their research reveals that fibers can grow directly from the surface of droplets, rather than from proteins dissolved in the surrounding solution. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about how harmful protein aggregates form in the brain. By pinpointing where fibers originate, the findings could guide new therapeutic strategies targeting early stages of disease progression. The work underscores the importance of understanding the physical chemistry of protein phase transitions in neurodegeneration.