Figure 2.1: Proposed three-dimensional structure (a) PrPC and (b) PrPSc
The
structure of the normal prion protein, PrPC, is characterised
by four 
-helices.
Conversion of PrPC to the disease-associated form of PrPSc
results in the loss of two of the helical structures (shown shaded in
brown), which are converted to linear structures known as 
-sheets.
It is this conversion that is associated with the aquisition of prion
infectivity.
-helices.
Conversion of PrPC to the disease-associated form of PrPSc
results in the loss of two of the helical structures (shown shaded in
brown), which are converted to linear structures known as -sheets.
It is this conversion that is associated with the aquisition of prion
infectivity.
© Crown Copyright 2000. Legal notice.
Any part of this report may be reproduced subject to acknowledgement.