Throughout our lifetime, our DNA is coding for the manufac-
ture of small molecules called proteins. These proteins provide
the structure and function for nearly all of life’s biological pro-
cesses. Enzymes that facilitate our cells’ chemistry, hormones
that affect our body’s growth and regulation, and antibodies
that form our immune response are all examples of proteins in
action. Just about everything in our bodies – from the color of
our eyes, to carrying oxygen in our blood, to whether we can
digest milk – is determined by the proteins we make
Once produced within the body, proteins will naturally fold
into a particular shape. This natural form of a protein mol-
ecule is what allows for its specific function. Put simply,
when proteins are folded properly, they work as they should,
and we enjoy relatively good health. When proteins are mis-
folded, it affects our body’s ability to function, and problems
may arise over time.
Misfolded proteins can be produced because of genetic
causes, or because of other factors related to chronic in-
flammation or increasing age. Regardless, our bodies are
usually capable of identifying and removing these abnormal
proteins. In some cases, though, we either produce too
much of the abnormal proteins for our body to handle, or we
are not able to break down and clean up the proteins at all.
Such defects in protein production and processing are as-
sociated with many diseases.