From Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde Prpc The prion protein exists in two forms. the normal, innocuous protein(PrPc) can change its shape to a harmful, disease-causing form(PrpSc). The conversion from PrPc to prpsc then proceeds via a chain- reaction When enough PrPSc proteins have been made they form long filamentous aggregates PrPs that gradually damage neuronal tissue. The harmful PrpSc form is very resistant to high temperatures, UV-irradiation and strong degradative enzymes第一节 遗传的物质基础 三、朊病毒的发现与思考(参见 P191 和 P195) 亚病毒的一种:具有传染性的蛋白质致 病因子,迄今为止尚为发现该蛋白内含 有核酸。 其致病作用是因动物体内正常的蛋白 质PrP c改变折叠状态为PrP sc所致,而 这二种蛋白质的一级结构并没有改变