1. Structure of Prion The normal prion structure is characterized by four helices, denoted as PrPc The abnormal one consist of 2 helices and 4 beta-sheets, which derived from the two helices of PrPc, is denoted as PrPse
2. Figure 1: Proposed three-dimensional structure (a) PrPC and (b) PrPSc The Conversion of PrP c to PrP se (a) (b)
4. How PrPsc attack the Brain? The harmful PrPSc form is very resistant to high temperatures, UV-irradiation and strong degradative enzymes. Brain consists of a mass of nerve tissue (Hundred billions of neuron) and neuroglia, supporting neural tissue. When enough PrPSc proteins have been made they form long filamentous aggregates that gradually damage neuronal tissue. When neuron in the brain are all dead, the appearance of the brain will become sponge-like appearance. And this eventually lead to death.
5. Different prions affect different regions of the brain Cerebral cortex : the symptoms include loss of memory and mental acuity, also visual imparement (CJD). Thalamus: Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI). Cerebellum : lose the control of body movements and difficulties to walk (kuru, GSS). Brain stem: In the mad cow disease (BSE), the brain stem is affected.
6. Prions infect animals & Humans… What are the Prion-Related Diseases? Are all known prion diseases fatal ? YES, they are. & where Prion-Related Diseases Occur?
7. TSEs T: Transmissible (Communicable) S: Spongiform (Look like sponge) E: Encephalopathy (Brain diseases) Prion diseases are often called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Because after the infection, the brain appearance become a sponge-like apearance.
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9. CJD - Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease The disease causes fatal degradation of brain tissue and produces a dementia that affects men and women, often between the ages of 50 and 65. 90% cases progress to death within a year There is no record of anyone recovering from the disease and there is no known treatment.
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12. BSEs: Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy How Cows are infected?
13. BSE Way of infection The cow eat offal of the infected sheep Prions are taken up from the gut and transported along nerve fibers to the brain stem. Prions accumulate and convert normal prion proteins to the disease-causing form, PrPSc. Years later, BSE results when a sufficient number of nerve cells have become damaged, affecting the behaviour of the cows. And eventually the cow is dead.