New method for prions identification

In 2001 Protein misfolding cyclical amplification (PMCA) technique was described: ultrasound waves catalysed a process in which misfolded prions leaded normal prions to misfolding in tube test. In this way it has been demonstrated that misfolded prions replicate without the presence of DNA and translation machinery. Researchers from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, continue this work in order to simulate in vitro and in few hours what happens in human brain during prions generation lasting several decades.

In particular, PMCA technique was modified and further ultrasound waves cycles were added. They used homogenate from brain of hamster, mouse and human and applied their technique: they observed misfolded prions in hamster and mouse but not in human, probably because human prions have a lower probability to change their folding and the process is also slower. This technique has to be improved to allow to study sporadic origin of prions. By contrast, previous PMCA technique can be used as diagnostic tool to recognize the presence of misfolded – so dangerous- prions in patients that show neurodegenerative problems. Indeed, spontaneous prions are often associated in human to neurons disruption and neurodegenerative disease and early identification of their presence can allow the choice of better therapeutical approach.