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Investigating the Spreading and Toxicity of Prion-like Proteins Using the Metazoan Model Organism C. elegans
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Disease Transmission by Misfolded Prion-Protein Isoforms, Prion-Like Amyloids, Functional Amyloids and the Central

Martin L Daus1

  • 1ZBS6-Proteomics and Spectroscopy, Robert Koch-Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany. dausm@rki.de.

Biology
|January 8, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Prions, infectious proteins causing neurodegenerative diseases, challenge the Central Dogma. This review explores the historical "protein-only hypothesis" and prion infectivity, expanding our understanding of information transfer.

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Prions (proteinaceous infectious particles) were identified in 1982 as a novel infectious agent.
  • Initially mistaken for viruses, prions exhibit unconventional properties challenging the viral model.
  • The discovery of prions, devoid of nucleic acid, revolutionized understanding of infectious agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical perspective on prion research.
  • To explain how the "protein-only hypothesis" expands the Central Dogma.
  • To summarize current knowledge on prion infectivity and related amyloids.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of prion research and scientific literature.
  • Analysis of the "protein-only hypothesis" in relation to the Central Dogma.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of prion protein misfolding and infectivity.

Main Results:

  • The concept of prions expanded the understanding of biological information storage and transmission.
  • The "protein-only hypothesis" is now widely accepted, challenging traditional molecular biology principles.
  • Prion-like and functional amyloids exist in various organisms, indicating broader biological roles.

Conclusions:

  • Prions represent a unique mode of infection and information transfer, distinct from viral or genetic mechanisms.
  • Understanding prions necessitates an expansion of the Central Dogma to include protein-based inheritance.
  • Further research into prion-like structures may reveal new insights into cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
Keywords:
Central Dogmaamyloidfunctional amyloidsprionprion-like amyloidsprotein misfolding

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