NR AWGZ
AU Herve,R.; Keevil,C.W.
TI A recently developed sensitive microscopy technique applied to a new neural stem cell model for assessing prion propagation
QU International Conference - Prion 2006: Strategies, advances and trends towards protection of society - 3.10.-6.10.2006, Torino, Italy, Lingotto Conference Centre - Poster sessions DIA-26
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal transmissible neurodegenerative diseases observed in various mammal species, including humans. The accumulation of an isoform of the host-encoded prion protein (PrPc) that has become resistant to degradation by proteases is a common feature of TSEs. Although different species possess their own PrP molecule, these are highly conserved and it has become clear that the protease-resistant PrP (PrPsc) is capable of crossing the species barrier, potentially affecting humans. Diagnostic tests rely on immunochemical techniques (Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Western blotting) using tissues obtained post-mortem. In the mean time, because of the long incubation period, animal models of infectivity are a constraint and pose ethical problems. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid and reliable method allowing the early detection, identification and characterisation of various strains of resistant PrP in animal tissues. In this project, we are using a Neural Stem Cell (NSC) model developed by our collaborators, which may allow to rapidly assess in vitro the infectivity of various strains of PrPsc. Episcopic Differential Interference Contrast / Epi-Fluorescence (EDIC/EF), a microscopy technique developed in our laboratory, can be used in combination with sensitive fluorescent thiazole dyes able to detect proteins particularly rich in beta-sheets. We are using the NSC model in combination with our detection methods as an alternative to longer and more costly immunochemical protocols. This technique may prove faster, more reliable and more cost effective than current immunochemical methods.
AD School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 7PX, UK. E-mail: R.Herve@soton.ac.uk
SP englisch
PO Italien