New generation QuIC assays for prion seeding activity

Prion. 2012 Apr-Jun;6(2):147-52. doi: 10.4161/pri.19430. Epub 2012 Apr 1.

Abstract

The ability of abnormal TSE-associated forms of PrP to seed the formation of amyloid fibrils from recombinant PrP(Sen) has served as the basis for several relatively rapid and highly sensitive tests for prion diseases. These tests include rPrP-PMCA (rPMCA), standard quaking-induced conversion (S-QuIC), amyloid seeding assay (ASA), real-time QuIC (RT-QuIC) and enhanced QuIC (eQuIC). Here, we summarize recent improvements in the RT-QuIC-based assays that enhance the practicality, sensitivity and quantitative attributes of assays QuIC and promote the detection of prion seeding activity in dilute, inhibitor-laden fluids such as blood plasma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / analysis
  • Amyloid / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Assay / methods*
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Prions / analysis*
  • Prions / blood
  • Prions / chemistry
  • Prions / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Prions
  • Recombinant Proteins