Research & Advocacy
Research, Advocacy & Community
Supporting awareness, participation and a stronger amyloidosis community.
Learn how different amyloid proteins cause different forms of amyloidosis — and why accurate typing matters for care.
Amyloidosis is a group of conditions in which misfolded proteins form amyloid deposits. The type is defined by the protein involved, not just by the affected organ.
Why the type matters: AL, ATTR, AA and other forms can affect the heart, kidneys, nerves and other tissues, but their treatments differ. Doctors use appropriate tissue testing and amyloid typing, together with other tests, to identify the underlying form before choosing treatment.
Select a card to read more about how each type develops and which organs may be affected.
Caused by abnormal immunoglobulin light chains produced by plasma cells.
Learn about AL →Transthyretin amyloid that develops without an inherited TTR gene variant.
Learn about ATTRwt →Associated with a disease-causing variant in the TTR gene.
Learn about ATTRv →Linked to sustained inflammation and accumulation of serum amyloid A protein.
Learn about AA →May develop in people receiving long-term dialysis, particularly affecting joints and bones.
Learn more →Deposits confined to one tissue or organ rather than widespread systemic disease.
Learn more →These are simplified descriptions. Symptoms overlap and cannot reliably identify an amyloid type on their own.
Abnormal plasma cells produce light chains that form amyloid deposits. AL may affect the heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves, liver or other organs and requires specialist evaluation.
Normal transthyretin protein becomes unstable and forms deposits, often later in life. The heart is commonly involved; carpal tunnel syndrome may precede heart symptoms.
A pathogenic variant in the TTR gene predisposes a person to transthyretin amyloid deposits. Depending on the variant, it can affect nerves, the heart, or both.
Long-standing inflammation can raise serum amyloid A protein, allowing deposits to form. Kidney involvement is common; addressing the underlying inflammatory condition is important.
Beta-2 microglobulin can build up in some people on long-term dialysis. Amyloid deposits may contribute to pain or problems involving joints, tendons and bones.
Amyloid is deposited in a limited location, such as the skin, airways or bladder. The evaluation focuses on the involved site and on checking for systemic disease when appropriate.
A specialist chooses tests according to symptoms, organ involvement and initial findings. Not everyone needs every test.
History, examination and tests may assess heart, kidney, nerve and other organ function.
Blood and urine tests, imaging and — when indicated — tissue biopsy with reliable amyloid typing help establish the diagnosis.
Treatment and monitoring depend on the amyloid type, organs involved and individual circumstances.
If you or someone you care for has suspected or confirmed amyloidosis, seek guidance from an experienced medical team and ask which amyloid protein has been identified.
Medical information notice: This page is educational and does not replace diagnosis or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Amyloidosis has additional rare types not covered in this overview.
