Misfolded Memes

Cellular quality control has never been this brutal. Inside your cells, misfolded proteins are basically walking around with a target on their back. The proteasome—that barrel-shaped protein demolition crew—doesn't negotiate with cellular trash. It just rolls up and degrades you on sight. No warnings, no paperwork, just enzymatic destruction. The cell's version of "finding out" after "messing around" with your protein folding. Graduate students who've had their experimental proteins degraded know this pain all too well.