Shadoo Prion
Canadian scientists seem to have proved the existence of a second mammalian prion protein. The original cellular prion protein, PrP(C), is neuroprotective in a number of settings. Shadoo (Sho) is a protein found in normal mouse brains which has homology to the N-terminus of PrP. Prion-infected mice exhibit a dramatic reduction in endogenous Sho protein, indicating that there is a relationship between PrP(C) and Sho, and that Sho appears to protect brain cells from harm, so reduced levels in prion infections may exacerbate brain damage. Sho may prove useful in deciphering many unresolved aspects of prion biology.
Related:
- Prions of fungi
- New forms of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
- Prions and Alzheimers disease
- The Origin of BSE
