Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
13:42
Quantitation of Rabies Virus in Various Bovine Brain Structures
Published on: May 22, 2021
The quantification of prion gene expression in sheep using real-time RT-PCR
Cai-Xia Han1, Hong-Xiang Liu, De-Ming Zhao
1National Animal Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China.
Virus Genes
|September 23, 2006
Summary
This study quantifies cellular prion protein (PrP) mRNA in sheep, revealing high expression in the brain and lymph nodes. These findings offer crucial insights into prion disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) function is poorly understood.
- Scrapie in sheep is a model prion disease.
- Detailed quantification of ovine PrP mRNA expression is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify PrP mRNA expression across various sheep tissues.
- To establish a quantitative baseline for PrP mRNA levels in sheep.
- To inform future research on prion disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Absolute quantitative real-time reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- RNA isolation from seven central nervous system regions and six peripheral organs of 18 sheep.
- Quantification using an externally calibrated standard curve with recombinant PrP plasmid.
Main Results:
- High PrP mRNA levels detected in all seven CNS regions examined.
- Obex and neocortex showed the highest PrP mRNA expression in the brain.
- Lymph nodes exhibited PrP expression levels comparable to the brain; kidneys showed the lowest.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first quantitative, tissue-specific data on PrP mRNA expression in sheep.
- The findings highlight significant PrP mRNA distribution in sheep's CNS and peripheral organs.
- This data is essential for advancing the understanding of prion disease development in sheep.
