title: Functions of the cellular prion protein, the end of Moore's law, and Ockham's razor theory.
abstract: Since its discovery the cellular prion protein (encoded by the Prnp gene) has been associated with a large number of functions. The proposed functions rank from basic cellular processes such as cell cycle and survival to neural functions such as behavior and neuroprotection, following a pattern similar to that of Moore's law for electronics. In addition, particular interest is increasing in the participation of Prnp in neurodegeneration. However, in recent years a redefinition of these functions has begun, since examples of previously attributed functions were increasingly re-associated with other proteins. Most of these functions are linked to so-called "Prnp-flanking genes" that are close to the genomic locus of Prnp and which are present in the genome of some Prnp mouse models. In addition, their role in neuroprotection against convulsive insults has been confirmed in recent studies. Lastly, in recent years a large number of models indicating the participation of different domains of the protein in apoptosis have been uncovered. However, after more than 10 years of molecular dissection our view is that the simplest mechanistic model in PrP(C)-mediated cell death should be considered, as Ockham's razor theory suggested.
authors.affiliation: a Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain.|b Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Inmunology , Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|c Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: José A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: del Río
authors.affiliation: a Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain.|b Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Inmunology , Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|c Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Rosalina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gavín
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D017096:Prion Diseases; D000072002:Prion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000072002:Prion Proteins; C512657:Prnp protein, mouse
keywords: PrP; Prion; neurodegeneration