Prion protein as a toxic acceptor of amyloid- β oligomers

The initial report that cellular prion protein (PrPC) mediates toxicity of Amyloid- β (Aβ) species linked to Alzheimer’s disease was initially treated with scepticism, but growing evidence supports this claim. That there is a high-affinity interaction is now clear and its molecular basis is being unravelled whilst recent studies have identified possible down-stream toxic mechan isms. Determination of the clinical significance of such interactions between PrPC and disease-associated Aβ species will require experimental medicine studies in humans.
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research