Solved protein structure holds key to much-needed therapies for metabolic disorder

Phenylketonuria, also known as PKU, is the most common inherited disease affecting amino acid metabolism. Children are tested for PKU at birth, and babies diagnosed with the disease must adhere to a highly restricted diet to prevent permanent intellectual impairment. Recent advances reveal a strong need for new therapies to combat cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric disorders that arise due to dietary lapses throughout life.