Toward the Atomic Structure of PrPSc

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2017 Sep 1;9(9):a031336. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031336.

Abstract

In this review, we detail our current knowledge of PrPSc structure on the basis of structural and computational studies. We discuss the progress toward an atomic resolution description of PrPSc and results from the broader field of amyloid studies that may further inform our knowledge of this structure. Moreover, we summarize work that investigates the role of PrPSc structure in its toxicity, transmissibility, and species specificity. We look forward to an atomic model of PrPSc, which is expected to bring diagnostics and/or therapeutics to the field of prion disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidogenic Proteins / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • PrPSc Proteins / chemistry*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Analysis, Protein
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Amyloidogenic Proteins
  • Fungal Proteins
  • PrPSc Proteins