PRIONS, the shape-shifting proteins notorious for their role in mad cow
disease, may help each other multiply. This discovery raises the hope that human
diseases such as vCJD could be treated by preventing cooperation between
different sorts of prions.
Prions are twisted versions of ordinary proteins. When they encounter a
normal molecule of the same protein, they convert it to the twisted form,
starting a domino effect. Eventually the abnormal prions stick together in
insoluble clumps. Recent work suggests that many proteins in yeast, worms, flies
and perhaps even mammals may form benign prions. Until now, however, no one knew…
