When amyloids become prions

The Transcellular Spread of Cytosolic Amyloids, Prions, and Prionoids

Recent reports indicate that a growing number of intracellular proteins are not only prone to pathological aggregation but can also be released and "infect" neighboring cells. Therefore, many complex diseases may obey a simple model of propagation where the penetration of seeds into hosts determines spatial spread and disease progression. We term these proteins prionoids, as they appear to infe...

When Agents Become Principals:

This paper argues that the publishing of academic research by and large belongs to the public sector domain, and that the scientific knowledge stemming from the public sectors is important for innovation. In 2004 the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions (UHR) introduced an incentive based system in which academic institutions receive economic compensation as a function or thei...

Direct and selective elimination of specific prions and amyloids by 4,5-dianilinophthalimide and analogs.

Mechanisms to safely eliminate amyloids and preamyloid oligomers associated with many devastating diseases are urgently needed. Biophysical principles dictate that small molecules are unlikely to perturb large intermolecular protein-protein interfaces, let alone extraordinarily stable amyloid interfaces. Yet 4,5-dianilinophthalimide (DAPH-1) reverses Abeta42 amyloidogenesis and neurotoxicity, w...

When does conscientiousness become perfectionism ?

Gordon L. Flett, PhD Canada Research Chair in Personality and Health York University Toronto Mr. C is a 50-year-old professional writer who recently made a serious suicide attempt. At his initial session, Mr. C was hesitant to discuss his situation and reason for attending. He did, however, bring a copy of his résumé so the therapist could “get to know him quickly.” He said he had been depresse...

When Does Influence Become Undue?