FIGURE 13.

Schematic representation of the mechanism of copolymerization of D76N and WT β₂m. A, nucleation phase only involves native globular D76N β₂m. When D76N fibrils are formed, the WT protein can start the fibrils elongation. Surface of the edge of fibrils facilitates the fibrillary conversion of monomeric WT β₂m. Disassembly of hybrid WT/D76N β₂m fibrils by chemical denaturation occurs via simultaneous release of WT and variant. B, crystallin absorbed on D76N β₂m fibrils prevents their seeding effect on wild-type β₂m, which, at this state, cannot contribute to fibril elongation.