UMGC PRESENTS

UMGC Presents: Strange Infectious Agent

Presented by Professor Armand Hornia

An Introduction to Prions

Prions are intriguing and unique entities in the realm of biology. Unlike traditional infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses, prions are composed solely of misfolded proteins, devoid of genetic material. They have gained significant scientific interest due to their ability to cause severe neurological disorders in various organisms, including humans. What makes prions particularly fascinating is their remarkable ability to convert normal, properly folded proteins into the disease-causing misfolded form. This conversion occurs through a conformational change in protein structure, propagating the misfolded prions and perpetuating the disease process. Despite their unusual nature, prions have provided valuable insights into protein folding and misfolding, challenging conventional understandings of infectious agents. Research on prions carries implications for public health, agriculture, and our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.