Methods for the in vivo and in vitro analysis of [Het-s] prion infectivity

Methods. 2006 May;39(1):61-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2006.04.006.

Abstract

Prions have been described in mammals and fungi. The [Het-s] infectious genetic element of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina is the prion form of the HET-s protein. This protein is involved in the control of a cell death reaction termed heterokaryon incompatibility. The infectious form of HET-s corresponds to a self-perpetuating amyloid. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the techniques that can be used to analyse [Het-s] prion propagation in vivo and HET-s amyloid aggregation in vitro. In addition, we report several methods that can be used to infect Podospora with recombinant HET-s amyloid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / chemistry
  • Amyloid / ultrastructure
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Podospora / genetics
  • Podospora / metabolism*
  • Prions / genetics
  • Prions / metabolism*
  • Prions / ultrastructure
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Spores, Fungal / genetics
  • Spores, Fungal / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Fungal Proteins
  • HET-S protein, Podospora anserina
  • Prions
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins