Unraveling how prion proteins move along axons in the brain
Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 12:50
in Biology & Nature
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified the motors that move non-infectious prion proteins (PrPC) found within many mammalian cells up and down long, neuronal transport pathways. Identifying normal movement mechanisms of PrPC may help researchers understand the spread of infectious prions within and between neurons to reach the brain, and aid in development of therapies to halt the transport.