Prion Protein Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology, 459)

Description

Prion Protein Protocols brings together a collection of current protocols in the field of mammalian prion disease research. Since identification of the prion protein gene some 20 years ago, what were once thought to be rare, neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals have become a major research area. The major interest in this field results from the epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and the subsequent human prion disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which still poses an unknown risk to human health. The "unknowns" in the field stem from the enigmatic nature of infectious prions, the infectious agent that can transmit these diseases between individuals. Although much information has been gained over the past two decades about the molecular nature of prion proteins, only very recently have several research groups begun to cast light on how to turn the normal prion protein into its aberrant, infectious form. Prion Protein Protocols brings together a collection of protocols from 13 diff- ent laboratories in five countries covering basic science and diagnostic areas of prion research. Together, the chapters provide an up-to-date collection of current methods in this unique area of neuroscience. The notes section at the end of each methods chapter provides useful insight into the experimental techniques, and they are no doubt a benefit to researchers wanting to use these technologies.