"Problem Proteins" are caused by prions.
Prions are contagious agents that have the ability to induce abnormal protein structure. Prions attack cellular proteins in the brain, which lead to brain damage. All Prion Diseases are fatal.
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals.
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
One of the most familiar animal prion diseases is the mad cow disease or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
Further information can be found on this website about the chemical makeup of proteins, other known prion diseases and their symptoms, as well as current research being done on these diseases. |
