Cellular Prion Protein Neuroprotective Function: Implications in Prion Diseases

Overview

Journal J Mol Med (Berl)

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2005 Jan 13

PMID 15645198

Citations 49

Authors

Xavier Roucou

Andrea C LeBlanc

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Prion protein can display two conformations: a normal cellular conformation (PrP) and a pathological conformation associated with prion diseases (PrP(Sc)). Three complementary strategies are used by researchers investigating how PrP is involved in the pathogenesis of prion diseases: elucidation of the normal function of PrP, determination of how PrP(Sc) is toxic to neurons, and unraveling the mechanism for the conversion of PrP to PrP(Sc). We review the normal function of PrP as an antioxidant and an antiapoptotic protein in vivo and in vitro. This review also addresses contrasting evidence that PrP is cytotoxic. Finally, we discuss the implication of the neuroprotective role of PrP in prion diseases.

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