bovine prion protein

Bovine prion protein is a naturally occurring protein found in the brains of cattle. Under normal conditions, it plays a role in cell functions, but the problem arises when this protein misfolds into an abnormal form. This misfolded version is contagious and can cause a group of fatal brain diseases in cattle, such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or "mad cow disease." The abnormal proteins can accumulate, damage brain tissues, and spread to other animals or humans through contaminated food, posing significant health risks.