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The physical basis of how prion conformations determine strain phenotypes

Author

Listed:
  • Motomasa Tanaka

    (University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research
    PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency)

  • Sean R. Collins

    (University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research)

  • Brandon H. Toyama

    (University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research)

  • Jonathan S. Weissman

    (University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research)

Abstract

Prions divide then rule Particles of identical prion proteins can produce different phenotypes or 'strains' in vivo. This paradox is usually explained by differences in prion conformation. Tanaka et al. present an analytical model that describes how the interplay of various physical parameters of prions and prion particles in yeast leads to the emergence of a particular prion strain. Their experiments reveal that the strongest phenotype is in fact created by a slow growing particle with increased brittleness that promotes prion division. The tendency of prion particles to break up and generate new seeds for further growth may be a key factor in the large physiological impact of both infectious (prion) and non-infectious amyloids on their hosts.

Suggested Citation

  • Motomasa Tanaka & Sean R. Collins & Brandon H. Toyama & Jonathan S. Weissman, 2006. "The physical basis of how prion conformations determine strain phenotypes," Nature, Nature, vol. 442(7102), pages 585-589, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:442:y:2006:i:7102:d:10.1038_nature04922
    DOI: 10.1038/nature04922
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    Cited by:

    1. Yang-Nim Park & David Morales & Emily H Rubinson & Daniel Masison & Evan Eisenberg & Lois E Greene, 2012. "Differences in the Curing of [PSI+] Prion by Various Methods of Hsp104 Inactivation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(6), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Da-Wei Li & Sandipan Mohanty & Anders Irbäck & Shuanghong Huo, 2008. "Formation and Growth of Oligomers: A Monte Carlo Study of an Amyloid Tau Fragment," PLOS Computational Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(12), pages 1-12, December.

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