Infrared Microspectroscopy Detects Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA)-induced conformational alterations in hamster scrapie progeny seeds

Abstract

Background: It is currently under discussion whether protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) alters strain properties of prions. Results: An improved infrared microspectroscopic approach combined with biochemical and bioassay data revealed altered strain properties of hamster 263K scrapie prions due to PMCA. Conclusion: PMCA can alter strain properties of 263K prions. Significance: Our analytical approach may help to improve the understanding of prion strain conversion. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.