Identification of a novel 'aggregation-prone'/'amyloidogenic determinant' peptide in the sequence of the highly amyloidogenic human calcitonin

► Calcitonin is a 32-residue hormone, involved in calcium metabolism in bones. ► Human calcitonin (hCT) self-assembles forming amyloid fibrils. ► A novel hexapeptide of hCT was predicted as a possible 'aggregation-prone' peptide. ► Biophysical experiments show that this hexapeptide forms amyloid-like fibrils. ► Fibrillogenesis is mediated via nuclei of liquid crystalline nature (spherulites).