Lecture
L(SB)2 Seminar: Molecular pathology of neurodegenerative diseases by cryo-EM of amyloids
- Date
- Friday 22 May 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Gorlaeus Building
Einsteinweg 55
2333 CC Leiden - Room
- BM.1.23
Abstract
Abnormal assembly of tau, α-synuclein, TDP-43 and amyloid-β proteins into amyloid filaments defines most human neurodegenerative diseases. Genetics provides a direct link between filament formation and the causes of disease. Developments in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have made it possible to determine the atomic structures of amyloids from postmortem human brains. I will review the structures of brain-derived amyloid filaments that have been determined so far and discuss their impact on research into neurodegeneration. Whereas a given protein can adopt many different filament structures, specific amyloid folds define distinct diseases. Amyloid structures thus provide a description of neuropathology at the atomic level and a basis for studying disease. Ongoing research focuses on model systems that replicate the structures observed in disease to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease and develop improved diagnostics and therapies.
The L(SB)2 seminars is a new seminar series that aims to bring together all researchers in Leiden that are interested in biophysics and structural biology. L(SB)2, the Leiden Seminars in Biophysics and Structural Biology, takes place monthly and combines presentations of talented PhD students from Leiden University with talks of PIs from other Dutch or international universities. We hope to see many of you there!