Prion Biology and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Emerging Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting both humans and animals, including Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and chronic wasting disease. They are caused by structural conversion of the cellular isoform of prion protein (PrP^C) into its misfolded abnormal isoform (PrP^Sc), which then spreads due to a self-propagating mechanism, ultimately accumulating in the brain. The high resistance of prions to conventional sterilization methods and their potential for interspecies transmission raises serious concerns in terms of public health and food safety.

This Special Issue in Biomolecules calls for research articles, reviews, and communications that highlight recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of prion pathogenesis and transmission, the normal physiological functions of PrP^C, and prion aggregation kinetics and host–prion interactions. In addition, we particularly welcome contributions on emerging technologies including inactivation and decontaminating technologies, detection methods for diagnosis and surveillance, and therapeutic drugs and strategies to treat affected patients.

This Special Issue will enhance our understanding of the molecular and biochemical basis of prion diseases, as well as emphasizing translational and societally impactful technologies.

Prof. Dr. Takashi Onodera
Prof. Dr. Akikazu Sakudo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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