A nine-octapeptide insertion in the prion protein (PrP) gene is associated with an inherited form of human prion disease. Transgenic (Tg) mice that express the mouse homolog of this mutation (designated PG14) spontaneously accumulate in their brains an insoluble and weakly protease-resistant form of the mutant protein. This form (designated PG14(Spon)) is highly neurotoxic, but is not infectiou...

Prion protein (PrP) is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein that functions as a unique pathogenic agent in transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). In the past decade, overexpression of PrP was observed in a number of human malignant tumors, such as gastric, breast and pancreatic cancer. However, the role of PrP expression in squamous cell carcinoma is rarely do...

BACKGROUND Proteolytic fragments of fibronectin have catabolic effects on cartilage and menisci. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly being used to treat a range of joint conditions, but it is unknown whether PRP influences fibronectin fragment (FN-f) procatabolic activity. HYPOTHESES The procatabolic activity of FN-f on meniscocytes and articular chondrocytes is attenuated by cotreatme...

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or “prion diseases” are a group of unconventional fatal disleases. TSEs are characterised by the accumulation of a modified form of the normal host glycoprotein, PrP (PrP’). In the course of infection PrP is converted to an abnormally protease resistant form, PrPSc. The exact nature of the infectious agent responsible for these diseases remains c...

The central role of the prion protein (PrP) in a family of fatal neurodegenerate diseases has garnered considerable research interest over the past two decades. Moreover, the role of PrP in neuronal development, as well as its apparent role in metal homeostasis, is increasingly of interest. The host-encoded form of the prion protein (PrP(C)) binds multiple copper atoms via its N-terminal domain...

Prion diseases are natural transmissible neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals. They are characterized by the accumulation of a protease-resistant scrapie-associated prion protein (PrPSc) of the host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC) mainly in the central nervous system. Polymorphisms in the PrP gene are linked to differences in susceptibility for prion diseases. The mechanisms ...

Prion disease refers to a group of fatal transmissible neurodegenerative diseases for which no pharmacological treatment is available. The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is required for both prion replication and pathogenesis, and reducing PrP(C) levels has been shown to extend survival time after prion infection. RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence-specific posttranscriptional gene silencin...

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is promising for treating skeletal muscle injuries in human athletes by promoting muscle regeneration. It might also be useful for treating muscle injuries in equine athletes. In the present study, muscle regeneration induced by injection of PRP into intact muscle of Thoroughbred was investigated. Autologous PRP and saline were injected twice into intact left ...