Anti-Prion protein PrP antibody [8H4]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Prion protein also known as PrP or major prion protein plays a mechanical role in the normal functioning of brain cells. It is a glycoprotein with a flexible structure and has an approximate mass of 35-36 kDa. PrP expression is high in nervous tissue. It is present in neurons and glial cells but also surfaces in other tissues like heart and kidney. Alternate names like p-pr-p and f89 refer to specific conformations or studies related to its structure.

Biological function summary

Prion protein assists in maintaining normal cell activities. Researchers do not fully understand its exact biological role but it might be involved in copper ion uptake and protection against oxidative stress. PrP can form complexes with other cellular proteins some of which help in routing signals inside the cell. Additionally prion protein may have synaptic functions related to neurodevelopment and neuroprotection.

Pathways

Prion protein links to both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative pathways. It participates in signaling pathways that protect neurons from apoptosis. This protein associates closely with copper-dependent pathways possibly related to its capacity to bind copper ions which affects oxidative stress responses. Prion protein also interacts with proteins like synapsin to modulate synaptic transmission.

Associated diseases and disorders

Prion protein is directly related to prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and kuru. These diseases arise from misfolded forms of PrP which aggregate and cause neurodegeneration. The misfolded form referred to as PrP^Sc can induce normal PrP to misfold propagating disease. Dopamine receptor proteins and synaptic proteins can indirectly interact or be affected in these disorders highlighting a complex network of affected neural functions.