Prions link cholesterol to neurodegeneration

Prion infection of neurons increases the free cholesterol content in cell membranes. A new study published in the online open access journal BMC Biology suggests that disturbances in membrane cholesterol may be the mechanism by which prions cause neurodegeneration and could point to a role for cholesterol in other neurodegenerative diseases.

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<p><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news122017173.html">Prions link cholesterol to neurodegeneration</a></p> <p>Prion infection of neurons increases the free cholesterol content in cell membranes. A new study published in the online open access journal <i>BMC Biology</i> suggests that disturbances in membrane cholesterol may be the mechanism by which prions cause neurodegeneration and could point to a role for cholesterol in other neurodegenerative diseases.</p>