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Biology/Biology question: Disease-causing proteins?

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Expert: - 10/4/2009


Question
What are some proteins that cause diseases, and how do they cause the disease

Answer
Dear Jorden,

I won't do all your project work for you.  :)  But I will give you a hint:  the most famous proteins that cause disease are called prions:  proteinaceous infections particles.  They cause such disorders as Mad Cow Disease, Krutzfeldt-Jacob disease, and other really horrible and untreatable problems.

They do this by affecting the way certain proteins, called PRP proteins, are folded when they are manufactured, turning them into prions, as well.  The prions attack the central nervous tissue, causing destruction and degeneration of the brain.  

Here's a good link, sponsored by the Center for Disease Control, that will help you with further information:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/prions/

Good luck on your project!

Dana

Biology

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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