To ensure these laboratory-created fibers were the same as those found in living brains, the team utilized cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This advanced imaging technique allows scientists to see the atomic structure of proteins.

The images revealed that the Orb2 amyloids created with the help of Funes were structurally identical to endogenous Orb2 amyloids extracted from fly heads. They possessed the same “cross-beta” architecture that characterizes functional amyloids.

The study further demonstrated that the “J-domain” of the Funes protein is essential for this activity. This domain is a specific section of the protein sequence that defines the JDP family.