YEAST PRION PROTEIN Ure2p – A USEFUL MODEL FOR HUMAN PRION DISEASES.

Abstract

Mammalian transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are uncommon and irreversible diseases caused by prions. Prions lack nucleic acid and can self-propagate by converting normal cell protein to isomeric prion form. In the pathogenesis of these diseases a long variable incubation period occurs, followed by progressive appearance of severe clinical symptoms and death. A major knowledge in the field of prions comes from studies on a functionally unrelated protein of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae – [URE3], which in normal state (Ure2p) possesses a variety of regulatory and enzymatic functions. Ure2p is a cytoplasmic homodimeric protein with structural homology to glutathione S-transferases and crucial role in nitrogen metabolism, oxidant protection and heavy metal resistance in yeast. In this work, we discuss the role of Ure2p to provide valuable information about protein infectivity, prion structure and functions.

Keywords

• Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
• Prion-Induced Disorders
• Yeast Prions
• Ure2p