Furthermore, the peroxynitrite-mediated nitration of tau proteins prevent them from being reconstituted to their normal form.

FORBES: The Lessons Of Failure: What We Can Learn From Bapineuzumab's Blowup

One mechanism of oxidative damage is the nitration of tyrosine residues in proteins, mediated by peroxynitrite breakdown.

FORBES: The Lessons Of Failure: What We Can Learn From Bapineuzumab's Blowup

Although carbonyl formation is a major oxidative modification induced by peroxynitrite, nitration of tyrosine residues is an indicator of peroxynitrite involvement.

FORBES: The Lessons Of Failure: What We Can Learn From Bapineuzumab's Blowup

And the peroxynitrite-mediated nitration of NMDA receptors leads to the release of glutamate and the influx of calcium which kills brain cells.

FORBES: The Lessons Of Failure: What We Can Learn From Bapineuzumab's Blowup