Native and non-native structures during protein folding: Their role in protein aggregation

The general scientific goal of the project is the elucidation of the role of intermediates with native and non-native structural elements in process of protein folding and their implication in protein aggregation. Another aim of the project is to understand how the folding reaction of a protein can lead to the formation of misfolded structures and aggregates. More particularly, the relation between the formation of non-native secondary structures and the appearance of amyloid fibrils that is related to human disease such as spongiform encephalopathies and amyloidosis will be investigated.