Discovery of protein orientation helps scientists understand Parkinson’s disease

For several years, scientists have known that Parkinson’s disease is related to misfolding of the protein alpha-synuclein. Deposited aggregates of a protein called alpha-synuclein (α-syn) can damage and kill nerve cells, leading to neurological dysfunction. It has been known that lipid layers on cell surfaces can accelerate the misfolding process; however, the microscopic mechanisms involved have been a mystery.