Evolutionary Mutation of Human Prion Protein May Prevent Prion Diseases? (NHS Choices / BBC News / Nature)

Summary

A natural human mutation (called V127) in the gene encoding prion protein may offer resistance to CJD. A study using mice with this genetic mutation appears to confirm resistance to prion diseases. This finding may in future help in the development of effective treatments for prion diseases, such as CJD, for which there are currently no known cure:

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Reference

Could brain-eating cannibals provide the key to treating CJD? London: NHS Choices, June 11^th 2015.

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Reference

Asante, EA. Smidak, M. [and] Grimshaw, A. [et al] (2015). A naturally occurring variant of the human prion protein completely prevents prion disease. Nature. June 10^th 2015. [Epub ahead of print]. (Click here to view the PubMed abstract).

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Reference

Telling, G. (2015). Neurodegeneration: Evolved protection against human prions. Nature. June 10^th 2015. [Epub ahead of print]. (Click here to view the PubMed record).

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Reference

Ghosh, P. (2015). Scientists find CJD resistance gene. London: BBC Health News, June 10^th 2015.