Propagating prions in fungi and mammals.
Prions constitute a rare class of protein, which can switch to a robust amyloid form and then propagate that form in the absence of a nucleic acid determinant, thereby creating a unique, protein-only infectious agent. Details of the mechanism that drives conversion to the prion form and then subsequent propagation of that form are beginning to emerge using a range of in vivo and in vitro approaches. Recent studies on both mammalian and fungal prions are providing a greater understanding of the structural features that distinguish prions from non-transmissible amyloids.
Tuite
Mick F
MF
Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom.
Koloteva-Levin
Nadejda
N
D000682:Amyloid / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002474:Cell-Free System; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D017096:Prion Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000635:transmission; D011328:Prions / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D017510:Protein Folding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000502:physiology
D000682:Amyloid; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D011328:Prions