Figure 1.
Proposed models of PrPSc-induced misfolding of PrPC. The prion protein normally adopts a mainly alpha-helical structure under homeostatic cellular conditions (PrPC). PrPC can potentially misfold to predominantly beta-sheet structure, thereby adopting an infectious and disease-causing conformation (PrPSc). Many possible intermediate conformations of variable secondary structure, composition can be adopted during transition from PrPC to PrPSc (PrPInt, denoted as a single structure for clarity).