St. Jude researchers revealed that midkine blocks amyloid beta from forming harmful clumps linked to Alzheimer’s. Without it, the damaging assemblies accelerate, but with it, growth halts. The finding could inspire new drugs that harness midkine’s protective power.
Proteins are made of amino-acids. You can make a protein out of a couple of aminos or a LOT of them.
The sizes, composition and shapes of the proteins then governs their individual function, as there are countless different proteins.
Think of it as Lego. You can build a large spaceship or a small car. Still all Lego, but you can do different things with them.