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In vitro investigation of neuron-PrP-glia interactions in the pathogenesis of scrapie

ReferenceBS204822
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Alun Williams
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution The Pirbright Institute
DepartmentNeuropathogenesis Unit
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 118,046
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/07/1995
End date 01/07/1998
Duration36 months

Abstract

Scrapie infection in the CNS results in the accumulation of pathologically-modified forms of PrP, neuronal death and marked microglial and astrocytic responses. However, the precise interactions between infected neurons, PrP metabolism and activated glia are unclear. We propose that glia become activated on exposure to pathologically-altered forms of PrP and that the neuronal survival/death in scrapie is mediated via the effects of activated glia. To test this, the effects of different PrP preparations on astrocytes and microglia in vitro will be examined. The effects that the glial conditioned media obtained have on cultured neurons will then be studied. Individual components of the conditioned medium will be tested for specific effects on neuron survival/death.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative Biology of Spongiform Encephalopathies - Phase 2 (BS2) [1993]
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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