Understanding how diseases progress is important, and a big part of this is looking at how large molecules in our bodies interact. These large molecules include proteins, nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA), and lipids (fats). When these interactions work well, our cells function properly. But if something goes wrong, it can lead to diseases.
Protein-Protein Interactions: Proteins often work by connecting with each other. In cancer, for example, changes in DNA can cause certain proteins, called oncoproteins, to form. These oncoproteins can mess with normal cell processes by interacting with proteins that usually help stop tumors, like p53. When this happens, it can lead to cells dividing too much.
Nucleic Acid Dynamics: DNA and RNA interact with proteins to control how genes are expressed, or turned on and off. In illnesses like cystic fibrosis, changes in the CFTR gene lead to proteins that don’t fold correctly. This means they don’t interact well with RNA-binding proteins, which can severely harm lung function.
Lipid Signaling: Lipids are fats that not only help make up cell membranes but also send signals in the body. For example, when ceramide (a type of lipid) builds up, it can cause problems with insulin in type 2 diabetes. This buildup can mess with how proteins signal insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels, and can make the disease worse.
To sum it up, the way these big molecules interact is very important for how our cells work. If these interactions are disrupted, it can lead to serious issues in the body. By understanding how these interactions happen, researchers can create better treatments, which can lead to improved health for patients.
Understanding how diseases progress is important, and a big part of this is looking at how large molecules in our bodies interact. These large molecules include proteins, nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA), and lipids (fats). When these interactions work well, our cells function properly. But if something goes wrong, it can lead to diseases.
Protein-Protein Interactions: Proteins often work by connecting with each other. In cancer, for example, changes in DNA can cause certain proteins, called oncoproteins, to form. These oncoproteins can mess with normal cell processes by interacting with proteins that usually help stop tumors, like p53. When this happens, it can lead to cells dividing too much.
Nucleic Acid Dynamics: DNA and RNA interact with proteins to control how genes are expressed, or turned on and off. In illnesses like cystic fibrosis, changes in the CFTR gene lead to proteins that don’t fold correctly. This means they don’t interact well with RNA-binding proteins, which can severely harm lung function.
Lipid Signaling: Lipids are fats that not only help make up cell membranes but also send signals in the body. For example, when ceramide (a type of lipid) builds up, it can cause problems with insulin in type 2 diabetes. This buildup can mess with how proteins signal insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels, and can make the disease worse.
To sum it up, the way these big molecules interact is very important for how our cells work. If these interactions are disrupted, it can lead to serious issues in the body. By understanding how these interactions happen, researchers can create better treatments, which can lead to improved health for patients.