Prion Seeded Conversion and Amplification Assays

The conversion of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into its misfolded, aggregation-prone and infectious (prion) isoform is central to the progression of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. Since the initial development of a cell free PrP conversion reaction, striking progress has been made in the development of much more continuous prion-induced conversion and amplification reactions. These studies have provided major insights into the molecular underpinnings of prion propagation and enabled the development of ultra-sensitive tests for prions and prion disease diagnosis. This chapter will provide an overview of such reactions and the practical and fundamental consequences of their development.