Several factors contribute to the accumulation of misfolded proteins:
Genetic Mutations: Mutations in specific genes can produce proteins that are prone to misfolding. Environmental Stress: Conditions such as heat shock, oxidative stress, or exposure to toxic substances can cause proteins to misfold. Aging: As organisms age, the efficiency of the protein quality control mechanisms declines, leading to an increase in misfolded proteins. Proteostasis Network Dysfunction: Dysfunction in the cellular systems responsible for maintaining protein homeostasis, including chaperones and proteasomes, can lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins.
