Figure 5.

An oversimplified schematic representation of protein self‐association process. Formation of multiple association‐prone monomeric forms generates multiple aggregation pathways. There are three major products of the aggregation reaction–amorphous aggregates (bottom pathway), morphologically different soluble oligomers (second and third from the top pathways), and morphologically different amyloid fibrils (two bottom pathways). Two types of soluble oligomers (spheroidal and annular) and two morphologically different amyloid fibrils are shown. Changes in color reflect potential structural changes within a monomer taking place at each elementary step. In reality, the picture is much more complex and much more species can be observed. Interconversions between various species at different pathways are also possible. Figure is adopted, with permission, from Ref. 246.