Award details

The role of the prion protein in copper metabolism

Reference	BS410549
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Nigel Hooper
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor David Coates
Institution	University of Leeds
Department	Inst of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	177,116
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/03/1999
End date	01/03/2002
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Prion diseases are characterised by the conversion of the normal form of prion protein (PrPC) into an insoluble abnormal form (PrPSc). The prion protein is the causative agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The role of PrPC in normal cellular function is unclear, although recent studies have implicated PrPC in cellular copper metabolism. The aim of this project is to investigate the biological role of PrPC, particularly its potential role in copper metabolism. To this end we will investigate how PrPC binds copper and whether disrupting this binding affects cellular functions or alters the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc. We will also examine whether PrPC through interaction of its GPI anchor with caveolae is involved in the cellular uptake of copper, an initiate the characterisation of prion-like proteins in C. elegans.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Biology of Spongiform Encephalopathies - Phase 4 (BS4) [1998]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search