Mechanisms of transthyretin aggregation and toxicity.

Amyloidoses are characterised by the deposition of insoluble protein that occurs in the extracellular compartment of various tissues. One form of amyloidosis is caused by transthyretin (TTR) misfolding and deposition in target tissues. It is clear that many amyloidoses share common features of fibrillogenesis and toxicity. This chapter examines the mechanisms of TTR aggregation with a view to understanding the possible therapeutic interventions in amyloid disease.