Review

The PRNP gene in DNA codes for PrPc, which is the normal prion protein, whereas the misfolded protein is PrPSc, which interacts with the normal protein and induces it to misfold; when the misfolded proteins accumulate/aggregate, it leads to abnormal function

• prions are made only of protein; no RNA or DNA

• the gene PRNP codes for normal protein PrPc and misfolded is PrPSc, which induces normal protein to fold

• types of transmission:

  • sporadic: occurs without an identified or inherited cause or case

  • genetic: associated with inherited gene changes

  • latrogenic: acquired through health care/medical care exposure

  • variant: acquired form associated with BSE exposure

• Systems biology goals:

  • identify and understand a specific organism at all possible molecular levels, ideally in its natural environment

  • identify and understand microbial populations at all possible molecular levels, ideally in their natural environment

omics: the ability to identify and characterize large groups of organisms