Factors affecting the physical stability of peptide self-assembly in neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Biological systems comprise of diverse biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids, exhibit unique properties when assembled to nano-level architectures. Self-assembling peptides possess a remarkable ability to organize into structured aggregates such as nanofibers, nanotubes, nanoribbons, and nanovesicles. These intricate structures are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Prion disease, Huntington's disease, and type II diabetes. Peptide nano assembly can be guided by external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, ultrasound, electric and magnetic fields. In this review, the discussion will be centred around the various factors that influence the self-assembly of peptides alongside therapeutic interventions that align with the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to modulate the aggregation characteristics of peptide self-assembly.