Unraveling how prion proteins move along axons in the brain
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 15:30
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have identified the motors that move non-infectious prion proteins -- 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.