NR AEGX
AU Gabizon,R.; Taraboulos,A.
TI Of mice and (mad) cows - transgenic mice help to understand prions
QU Trends in Genetics 1997 Jul; 13(7): 264-9
PT journal article; review; review, tutorial
AB Prions present a most fascinating biological conundrum. These proteinaceous particles seem to propagate through a chain reaction in which a host protein, PrPc, is post-translationally misfolded to form new prions. By this mechanism they 'replicate' without involvement of specific nucleic acids. Due to their unique modus operandi, prions cause disorders that can be infectious, inherited and sporadic. Transgenetics has been invaluable in helping to understand this unique phenomenon. Here we describe some of the most salient contributions of transgenic mice to this field.
ZR 54
MH Animal; Cattle; Human; Mice; *Mice, Transgenic; Prion Diseases/*genetics; *Prions
AD Department of Neurology Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. gabizonr@hadassah.org.il
SP englisch
PO England