Spontaneous conversion of PrPC to PrPSc.
Octa-repeats of prion proteins (PrP) contain histidine and tryptophan residues which are known to function as ligands for transition metals. It is proposed that the spontaneous conversion of the PrPC (cellular) isoform into PrPSc (scrapie) isoform may be triggered by the coordination of these metals.
Sulkowski
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Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263.
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D008670:Metals / Q000378:metabolism*; D018620:PrPSc Proteins; D011328:Prions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011487:Protein Conformation
D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008670:Metals; D018620:PrPSc Proteins; D011328:Prions