The Prion Lab

The Prion Lab refers to research facilities focused on studying prions, which are misfolded proteins that can cause brain diseases in humans and animals, such as mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions lack genetic material and spread by inducing normal proteins in the brain to misfold as well. Research in these labs aims to understand the mechanisms of prion diseases, explore potential treatments, and develop diagnostic tests. The work is crucial for public health, as prion diseases are often fatal and can be transmitted through contaminated food or medical procedures.