What are amyloids?
Amyloids are abnormally folded proteins that clump together in your body. Normally, cells make proteins that fold into precise shapes to do specific jobs. When proteins don't fold correctly, they become misfolded and stick together, forming clusters called "amyloid fibrils" or "amyloid deposits."
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What are amyloids?
Amyloids are abnormally folded proteins that clump together in your body. Normally, cells make proteins that fold into precise shapes to do specific jobs. When proteins don't fold correctly, they become misfolded and stick together, forming clusters called "amyloid fibrils" or "amyloid deposits."
These protein deposits build up in different organs and tissues, where they cause damage and can sometimes lead to organ failure. Different types of proteins can misfold and accumulate in various places throughout the body.
Types of amyloid proteins
The type of amyloidosis you have depends on which protein is misfolding:
* Light-chain proteins - cause AL amyloidosis (the most common type)
* Serum amyloid A protein - causes AA amyloidosis
* Transthyretin (TTR) protein - causes hereditary ATTR amyloidosis
* Other proteins like fibrinogen, apolipoprotein, gelsolin, or cystatin C - cause hereditary non-TTR amyloidosis
Understanding which protein is forming amyloid deposits is crucial because each type requires different treatment approaches.
January 6
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