Structural analysis of the mammalian prion protein
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Veterinary Medicine
Abstract
We employ a range of techniques to examine the relationship between the infectious, misfolded prion particle in its aggregate/fibril form, and the phenotypic differences observed between different prion diseases.
The neurodegenerative pattern of prion disease progression is investigated using a PrP transgenic Drosophila model, inoculated with PrPC or PrPSc at the larval stage, and assessed via negative geotaxis climbing assay.
Drosophila head homogenate from flies inoculated with PrPC/PrPSc brain homogenate is examined using TIRF microscopy, to visualise the number and size of the aggregates formed during disease progression.
By looking for correlations between climbing assay and TIRFM data, we may make assessments of the relationship between the physical characteristics of the misfolded PrPSc confomer, and the phenotype displayed in the Drosophila model.
The neurodegenerative pattern of prion disease progression is investigated using a PrP transgenic Drosophila model, inoculated with PrPC or PrPSc at the larval stage, and assessed via negative geotaxis climbing assay.
Drosophila head homogenate from flies inoculated with PrPC/PrPSc brain homogenate is examined using TIRF microscopy, to visualise the number and size of the aggregates formed during disease progression.
By looking for correlations between climbing assay and TIRFM data, we may make assessments of the relationship between the physical characteristics of the misfolded PrPSc confomer, and the phenotype displayed in the Drosophila model.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Oliver Fleck (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011194/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 2114178 | Studentship | BB/M011194/1 | 30/09/2018 | 19/08/2023 | Oliver Fleck |
| NE/W503204/1 | 31/03/2021 | 30/03/2022 | |||
| 2114178 | Studentship | NE/W503204/1 | 30/09/2018 | 19/08/2023 | Oliver Fleck |
| Description | Presentation of work to Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presented research up to October 2020, along with planned future work, and how the research group dealt with issues surrounding COVID-19 and lockdowns. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |