L-arginine stabilizes protein droplets and prevents harmful fibril formation

Protein droplets serve important biological functions within cells, but in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, these liquid-like droplets can form solid-like clumps known as fibrils.

This disrupts the droplets' normal physiological functions, including stabilizing microtubules that help transport materials within neurons.

University at Buffalo biophysicists report they have found a way using a naturally occurring small molecule already present in cells. In a study published in Nature Communications, they show that the metabolite L-arginine enhances the stability of protein droplets, protecting them against fibril conversion and preserving their ability to stabilize and assemble microtubules.

The study serves as a proof of principle for identifying small molecules that disrupt fibril formation without affecting droplet function.