prion protein
noun
: a glycoprotein found especially on the cell surface of neurons in the brain and spinal cord that sometimes occurs in an abnormal misfolded form which proliferates by inducing the normal protein to convert to the misfolded pathogenic form
When the normal prion protein misfolds, it resists recycling and forms a hardy gunk. Some aspect of this process produces lethal sponge-like holes in brain cells.—
Sandra Blakeslee
—abbreviation PrP
see prion entry 2
Sandra BlakesleeExamples of prion protein in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Every cell in the brain has the gene for making the prion protein.
—
Karen Weintraub,
USA TODAY,
27 June 2024
Why these prion proteins change in harmful ways is not yet understood.
—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
20 Feb. 2019
Béringue also worked with mice that stocked the human prion protein, and exposed them to the strain that causes BSE in cows.
—
Ed Yong,
Discover Magazine,
30 Jan. 2012
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Karen Weintraub,
USA TODAY,
27 June 2024
Why these prion proteins change in harmful ways is not yet understood.
—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
20 Feb. 2019
Béringue also worked with mice that stocked the human prion protein, and exposed them to the strain that causes BSE in cows.
—
Ed Yong,
Discover Magazine,
30 Jan. 2012
Cite this Entry
“Prion protein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prion%20protein. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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