Progress in Treating Prion Diseases: Mad Cow & vCJD

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter hammertime
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Progress in treating prion diseases, specifically mad cow disease and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), is being researched at University College London (UCL). The discussion highlights the stability of misfolded amyloid proteins, which can induce misfolding in correctly folded proteins, contributing to disease progression. This mechanism suggests a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Understanding the relationship between prion diseases and amyloid proteins is crucial for developing effective treatments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prion diseases and their mechanisms
  • Knowledge of amyloid protein structure and misfolding
  • Familiarity with current research methodologies in neurodegenerative diseases
  • Basic concepts of protein folding and stability
NEXT STEPS
  • Research ongoing studies at University College London regarding prion disease treatments
  • Explore the role of amyloid proteins in neurodegenerative diseases
  • Investigate potential therapeutic approaches targeting protein misfolding
  • Learn about the implications of prion diseases on food safety and public health
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in neurobiology, healthcare professionals focused on infectious diseases, and anyone interested in the implications of prion diseases on food safety and treatment advancements.

hammertime
Messages
133
Reaction score
0
Does anyone know what progress is being made in finding treatments for prion diseases like mad cow disease and vCJD? Or if any steps are being made in that direction? I've heard of some work at UCL regarding prions. I'd really like to be able to eat beef again.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
There's a reasonably well-established link between prion diseases and amyloid proteins.

I was at a talk last year that pointed out something interesting: amyloid proteins that are misfolded into a shape that allows the assembly of plaques are more stable than 'correctly' folded proteins. In addition, a misfolded amyloid protein is able to cause a correctly folded (identical) protein to misfold to the state of lower energy.

It sounds like prion/amyloid diseases are like "Ice 9", in a literal sense.
 

Similar threads

Medical What are the future risks and treatments for prion diseases like vCJD?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Mad Cow Disease: Prions & Natural Proteins
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Medical Fecal Transplants to Cure Disease?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Medical Can anyone help for this incurable disease?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
What types of illness would be allowed on a generation ship and why?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
TFAM Protein: Investigational Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Physics Medical Physics: is it worth it?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
Programs How Can I Transition from Physics to a Career in Medical Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Medical Brain transplant (Whole-body transplant ), feasibility, how and estimates when
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
17K
Job Skills Astronomer to Med Physicist or Dosimetrist - UK or US
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K