Award details

Genetic and biochemical analysis of prion elimination in yeast.

ReferenceG09663
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Emeritus Mick Tuite
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Dr B Cox
Institution University of Kent
DepartmentSch of Biosciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 162,495
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/10/1998
End date 01/10/2001
Duration36 months

Abstract

The realisation that PSI, a non-Mendelian genetic determinant of yeast, actually represents a prion-like state of the Sup35p protein has opened up an entirely new genetic approach to the study of prions. The [PSI] prion will be used to determine the mechanism by which certain non-mutagenic compounds (e.g. guanidine HC1) can eliminate yeast prions. The cellular response of yeast to such chemicals will be characterised paying particular attention to the stress response. The importance of heat shock proteins in the maintenance and curing of [PSI] will be defined using both in vitro and in vivo assays. Finally, genetic screens will be used to isolate non-curable forms of [PSI]. A full understanding of the mechanism of prion curing in yeast will facilitate the development of a chemical strategy for curing mammalian prions.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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