Sandbox GGC9: Difference between revisions
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== Function == | == Function == | ||
Prions are proteins with compromised folds in their structure. They can convert a normal protein into a replicate of their own abnormal form. This can lead to deadly degenerative diseases of the brain. Studies have shown that prions are linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.<ref name="structure"/> | Prions are proteins with compromised folds in their structure. They can convert a normal protein into a replicate of their own abnormal form. This can lead to deadly degenerative diseases of the brain. Studies have shown that prions are linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.<ref name="structure">DOI doi: 10.1128/JVI.00555-16</ref> | ||
== Disease == | == Disease == | ||
There are different prions that arise from different conditions. Prion diseases are usually obtained via the consumption of infected meat products. Creutzfeldt-Jakob is the most common form of the disease that affects humans. Prions are found abnormally clustered in the brain. CJD can be inherited, so it is usually associated with family occurrences, thus given the name familial CJD. CJD also can also develop in individuals that are at the age of 60 years old. CJD can also be acquired through infected tissue and lack of sterilization in a medical procedure. An example of such acquired CJD in procedure would be a cornea transplant.<ref name="prion"/> | There are different prions that arise from different conditions. Prion diseases are usually obtained via the consumption of infected meat products. Creutzfeldt-Jakob is the most common form of the disease that affects humans. Prions are found abnormally clustered in the brain. CJD can be inherited, so it is usually associated with family occurrences, thus given the name familial CJD. CJD also can also develop in individuals that are at the age of 60 years old. CJD can also be acquired through infected tissue and lack of sterilization in a medical procedure. An example of such acquired CJD in procedure would be a cornea transplant.<ref name="prion">http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/prion_diseases_134,56/ | ||
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Variant CJD is one of the different kind of prion disease that is related to the infamous mad cow disease. This CJD can be obtained through the consumption of diseased meat. This variant of the disease usually affects younger individuals.<ref name="prion"/> | Variant CJD is one of the different kind of prion disease that is related to the infamous mad cow disease. This CJD can be obtained through the consumption of diseased meat. This variant of the disease usually affects younger individuals.<ref name="prion"/> | ||