Measuring prion levels in cells
It has been shown that prion molecules can bind to copper and exert antioxidant activity, thus prolonging cell life in culture. EC-funded OXPRION project studied the effect of oxidative stress on the expression levels of prions and on the overall susceptibility to prion infection. A variety of oxidative-stress-inducing conditions were examined in order to gain knowledge on how oxidative stress mechanisms impact the cellular presence of prions. Detailed studies within the framework of OXPRION essentially studied the effect of different substances (related to oxidative stress) on prion expression. Project partners examined the effect of dimethoate presence on total prion content in infected and non-infected cells. The research team at the Joseph Fourrier University developed novel protocols relating to the quantification of cellular prion content. These new methods are based on the 96-well ELISA plate, which can be read on the spectrometer. The overall aim of these studies was the development of novel tools which can eventually lead to innovative therapies against prion infection.
