A sensitive filter retention assay for the detection of PrP(Sc) and the screening of anti-prion compounds
FEBS Lett 503(1): 41-5
| Authors/Editors: |
Winklhofer KF Hartl FU |
|---|---|
| Publication Date: | 2001 |
| Type of Publication: | Journal Article |
A hallmark of prion diseases is the accumulation of an abnormally folded prion protein, denoted PrP(Sc). Here we describe a new and highly sensitive method for the detection of PrP(Sc) in brain and other tissue samples that utilizes both PrP(Sc) diagnostic criteria in combination; protease resistance and aggregation. Upon filtration of tissue extracts derived from scrapie- or bovine spongiform encephalopathy-infected animals, PrP(Sc) is retained and detected on the membranes. Laborious steps such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting are avoided with concomitant gain in sensitivity and reliability. The new procedure also proved useful in a screen for anti-prion compounds in a scrapie-infected cell culture model.
