If a proteins shape was changed it may be able to do its function to do being unable to fit in all blood vessels/arteries and the shape change may of hindered its capability of carrying nutrients it needs to transport, etc.
for example:
If a hemoglobin (red blood cell) shape changed, (this is normally called sickle cell) the red blood cell would be to unable to travel through the body with ease and easily clog bloodstreams. Also, the hemoglobin will not be able to transport as much oxygen throughout the body.
I believe the answer is: compression
Compression refers to a type of force that pressed a person or an object inward, causing it to become more compacted. If this type of force happen to our spines on a constant basis, over time our back bone would start to succumb to the force and bent over forward to accommodate the weight.