Iron is involved in prion disease-associated neuro...(and sequesters bound iron in the complex...)

Date:3/13/2009

and sequesters bound iron in the complex, creating a state of apparent iron deficiency. The brain cells respond to this condition by increasing their level of iron uptake, thus creating a vicious cycle of increased iron uptake in the presence of increased iron.

These observations contribute to our understanding of how the prion agent causes neurotoxicity, and may enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeted at restoring brain iron homeostasis in prion disorders.

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Contact: Dr. Neena Singh neena.singh@case.edu 216-368-2617 Public Library of Science Source:Eurekalert

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