How Prions Kill Neurons: New Culture System Shows Early Toxicity to Dendritic Spines

Boston University School of Medicine

Prion diseases are fatal and incurable neurodegenerative conditions of humans and animals. Yet, how prions kill nerve cells (or neurons) remains unclear. A study by Biochemistry department Professor and Chair David Harris, MD, PhD, published on May 26 in PLOS Pathogens, describes a system in which to study the early assault by prions on brain cells of the infected host.