Novel polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) and stability of the resultant prion protein in different horse breeds

In this study, we have analysed 207 horses from 20 different breeds, discovering 3 novelPRNP polymorphisms. By using computer programmes such as PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, PANTHER, Meta-SNP and PredictSNP, we have predicted the possible impact that these new polymorphisms would have on the horse prion protein. In addition, we measured the propensity for amyloid aggregation using AMYCO and analysed the lack of hydrogen bridges that these changes would entail together with their electrostatic potentials using Swiss-PdbViewer software, showing that an increased amyloid propensity could be due to changes at the level of electrostatic potentials.
Source: Veterinary Research - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research