Prion protein and aging

The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) has been widely investigated ever since its conformational isoform, the prion (or PrP(Sc)), was identified as the etiological agent of prion disorders. The high homology shared by the PrP(C)-encoding gene among mammals, its high turnover rate and expression in every tissue strongly suggest that PrP(C) may possess key physiological functions. Therefore, defining PrP(C) roles, properties and fate in the...