Protein Aggregation in MND / ALS
The 1% blog explores themes of hope, wellness and discovery in the context of MND / ALS. This article is for informational purposes only and does not construe medical advice. The author is not a healthcare professional. Please consult a healthcare professional about your own healthcare needs.
Beneath the outward symptoms of MND / ALS, a vicious cycle of problems are at work to drive disease progression. Among these, is protein aggregation (Blokhuis et al.)
But, what is protein aggregation?
In what looks like a scene from a high-tech factory, new proteins are made within our cells using amino acids taken from the foods we eat. In a complicated, multi-stage process, amino acids are transported into cells where they are placed in sequence and then folded into specific, 3 dimensional shapes by a variety of apparatus inside our cells. Proteins are then transported out of the cells and sent to their destination in the body, depending on their purpose.
If these proteins are folded incorrectly (misfolded), they can stick to one another, forming aggregates - clumps of proteins - which linger inside our cells rather than being released to their intended destination. These aggregated proteins take up space and resource in our cells and can be toxic, eventually interfering with normal cellular functioning. If the cells can’t function properly, it can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like MND / ALS and others.
The body has its own mechanisms for dealing with misfolded proteins and protein aggregates but these systems can be either faulty or downregulated due to oxidative stress. Lifestyle stresses like chronic anxiety can also be a factor, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and norepinephrine, which can cause long-term disrupted sleep, mitochondrial disfunction and impaired autophagy (cellular clean-up), allowing aggregates to build up over time. Eventually, the problems escalate, finally leading to neuronal death (cells die off).
OK, for one reason or another, my cells are clogged up and not able to function properly - what can I do about it?
I’m always keen to find natural ways to build health and help my body’s natural repair mechanisms and nutrition is always a great place to start:
Nutrition -
Antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E, polyphenols) can help reduce oxidative stress (a factor in protein aggregation).
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds) have been shown to improve learning, memory ability, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain.
Adequate protein intake supports the synthesis of new proteins and repair of cellular structures.
Movement -
Moderate physical activity boosts autophagy, by increasing heat shock proteins (HSPs), which prevent protein aggregation.
Sleep -
Crucial for repair and regeneration, as many repair processes occur during deep sleep.
Sleep also helps to reduce cortisol levels and supports the body’s ability to manage stress, recover from physical exertion, and restore energy.
Mindfulness & Stress Management -
Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce chronic stress and lower cortisol levels.
These practices also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counteract the damaging effects of prolonged stress.
Cellular Repair Pathways -
Intermittent fasting and certain compounds (like resveratrol or NAD+ precursors) have been shown to boost the body’s in-built repair pathways but these approaches should be taken under the guidance of a health professional.
Exercise, saunas and cold plunges can induce autophagy by stimulating heat shock proteins.
While we wait for researchers and clinical trials to show us more effective approaches, these simple lifestyle interventions - like improving nutrition, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress - can help me shore up my defenses against the onslaught of MND. These strategies may not reverse the disease, but they can play an important role in supporting overall health, offering valuable support as we manage this condition.
I stand with you.