Prion proteins: A biological role beyond prion diseases

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21 Scopus citations

Abstract

The biological role of the scrapie isoform of prion protein (PrP Sc) as an infectious agent in numerous human and non-human disorders of the central nervous system is well established. In contrast, and despite decades of intensive research, the physiological function of the endogenous cellular form of the prion protein (PrPC) remains elusive. In mammals, the ubiquitous expression of PrPC suggests biological functions other than its pathological role in propagating the accumulation of its misfolded isotype. Other functions that have been attributed to PrP C include signal transduction, synaptic transmission and protection against cell death through the apoptotic pathway. More recently, immunoregulatory properties of PrPC have been reported. We review accumulating in vitro and in vivo evidence regarding physiological functions of PrPC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)75-82
Number of pages8
JournalActa Neurologica Scandinavica
Volume116
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2007

Keywords

  • Adaptive immunity
  • Aging
  • Alzheimer disease
  • Cognition
  • Down syndrome
  • Innate immunity
  • Lymphocytes
  • Neuroprotection
  • PrP
  • PrP
  • Primary progressive aphasia
  • Prion protein
  • Prnp
  • Prp
  • Wilson disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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