ADA2h has two helix-shaped structures called alpha helices that are packed against a flat, sheet-like structure.

ECONOMIST: Folding stuff

But the inhibition was not because the protein refused to unfold when the alpha helices were stabilised.

ECONOMIST: Folding stuff

Rather, the stable alpha helices inhibited the types of interaction that would otherwise lead to amyloid formation.

ECONOMIST: Folding stuff

Stability in the alpha helices, even if it decreased the overall stability of the protein, inhibited the formation of amyloid fibrils.

ECONOMIST: Folding stuff

The researchers were able to form three types of mutants in the protein, in which one or both of the alpha helices were made more stable than they normally would have been.

ECONOMIST: Folding stuff