prionoids

Prionoids are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in the folding and assembly of other proteins, particularly those involved in the formation of prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases in humans and animals, most notably Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle. The term "prion" was coined by Stanley B. Prusiner, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1997 for his discovery of prions.

Prionoids are characterized by their ability to bind to and stabilize the misfolded conformations of other proteins, facilitating the conversion of normal proteins into prions. This process is known as protein misfolding cycling. Prionoids are found in all kingdoms of life, suggesting that they have evolved to play a fundamental role in protein folding and quality control.

One of the best-studied prionoids is Sup35, a protein found in yeast. Sup35 has been shown to bind to and stabilize the misfolded conformations of other proteins, promoting their aggregation and facilitating the formation of prions. Sup35 is also involved in the folding and assembly of other proteins, highlighting its multifunctional role in protein quality control.

The study of prionoids has important implications for our understanding of protein folding, aggregation, and neurodegenerative diseases. By elucidating the mechanisms by which prionoids facilitate protein misfolding, researchers hope to develop new strategies for preventing and treating prion-related diseases. Additionally, the study of prionoids may provide insights into the general principles of protein folding and quality control, which are fundamental to all forms of life.