Prion protein at the crossroads of physiology and disease

摘要: The presence of the cellular prion protein (PrP C ) on cell surface is critical for neurotoxicity prions. Although several biological activities have been attributed to PrP , a definitive demonstration its physiological function remains elusive. In this review, we discuss some proposed functions focusing recently suggested roles in adhesion, regulation ionic currents at membrane and neuroprotection. We also recent evidence supporting idea that may as receptor soluble oligomers amyloid β peptide possibly other toxic aggregates. These data suggest surprising new connections between role neurodegenerative diseases beyond those caused by