Monday, February 11, 2008

Prions Link Cholesterol To Neurodegeneration

Prion infection of neurons increases the free cholesterol content in cell membranes. A new study suggests that disturbances in membrane cholesterol may be the mechanism by which prions cause neurodegeneration and could point to a role for cholesterol in other neurodegenerative diseases.

Basically, a study showed that cholesterol levels were much higher in neuronal cells infected by a prion than normal cells. Levels of cholesterol have been implicated in many neurological diseases.

Full Article

Nick

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