New research is shedding light on a surprising role for amyloids, proteins traditionally associated with neurodegenerative diseases, in supporting long-term memory.

Amyloids are a class of proteins known for clumping together and forming solid fibrils. While most scientific attention has focused on pathological amyloids, such as amyloid-β, α-synuclein, and tau in the brain, or transthyretin and medin in other tissues, recent findings reveal that not all amyloid activity is harmful.

The latest study demonstrates that specific types of amyloid formation are critical for creating and maintaining long-term memories. Unlike disease-causing amyloids, these functional amyloids involve different proteins and mechanisms. Researchers suggest that the previous tendency to view all amyloids as detrimental may overlook their essential roles in normal cellular function.

“Evolution often repurposes biological processes in surprising ways,” said the lead investigator. “The fact that amyloid formation can support memory highlights how processes once considered harmful may actually be integral to life.”

This research opens new avenues for understanding the molecular basis of learning and memory, and may inspire innovative strategies to support cognitive health without the risk of pathological amyloid buildup.