The physical basis of how prion conformations determine strain phenotypes

Motomasa Tanaka, Sean R. Collins, Brandon H. Toyama and Jonathan S. Weissman ()
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Motomasa Tanaka: University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research
Sean R. Collins: University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research
Brandon H. Toyama: University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research
Jonathan S. Weissman: University of California–San Francisco and California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research

Nature, 2006, vol. 442, issue 7102, 585-589

Abstract: Prions divide then rule Particles of identical prion proteins can produce different phenotypes or 'strains' in vivo. This paradox is usually explained by differences in prion conformation. Tanaka et al. present an analytical model that describes how the interplay of various physical parameters of prions and prion particles in yeast leads to the emergence of a particular prion strain. Their experiments reveal that the strongest phenotype is in fact created by a slow growing particle with increased brittleness that promotes prion division. The tendency of prion particles to break up and generate new seeds for further growth may be a key factor in the large physiological impact of both infectious (prion) and non-infectious amyloids on their hosts.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04922

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