Techniques to elucidate the conformation of prions

Abstract

Prions (proteinaceous infectious particles) are misfolded isoforms of cellular proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases in mammals and humans. Several structural models are available for prions but a 3D-structure does still not exist. More structural information is demanded for the understanding of the conversion process and finally for the design of efficient therapeutic approaches. In this review, techniques that may contribute to the clarification of the conformation of prions are presented. Daus