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Some of the
future possibilities of the prion as a biological tool box
Can we use them to induce specific conformational
changes in other proteins that it interacts with? A key to understanding
the mechanism of the protein conformational transition is crucial. This
approach maybe useful in treating diseases associated with protein
conformational disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
It may also be possible to manipulate
protein structures and determine function of proteins based on the
assumption that the engineered prion proteins can induce conformational
changes.
Can we use these biological engineers
to engineer proteins in animals or humans? Could they be used to build new
networks and connections of neurons?
Unfortunately the solutions to these
fascinating questions will only be revealed once we have a more lucid
understanding of the mechanics of prion replication.
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