2010/05/25

Prion Strain Mutation Determined by Prion Protein Conformational Compatibility and Primary Structure

The mechanism underlying prion strain mutation in the absence of nucleic acids remains unresolved. Using susceptible transgenic mice, two prevalent chronic wasting disease (CWD) prion strains were identified - with divergent biological properties but composed of PrPSc with indistinguishable biochemical characteristics.

The study, performed at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, was published in the last edition of Science. The scientific team included Dr J. Castilla, now at CIC bioGUNE's Prion Laboratory.