M03019: Identification of blood protein markers for TSE disease
Wednesday 25 June 2003
This research project aims to investigate whether certain proteins present in blood could be used as a diagnostic test for BSE in cattle and CJD in humans.
Background
There is a major requirement for an anti-mortem blood-based assay capable of identifying BSE infected cattle and CJD infected humans at the preclinical stages of these diseases.
Research Approach
A proteomics approach will be used to identify and isolate blood-borne protein markers specific to TSE diseases. A blood cell type that is clearly affected by TSE infections has been identified and this cell type will be isolated from uninfected and infected animals and a comprehensive 2-D PAGE analysis of the proteins expressed in this cell type at various stages throughout the progression of disease studied. Proteins displaying qualitative and quantitative changes as a result of TSE infection will be sequenced and antibodies generated. The potential of these markers as diagnostics for BSE in cattle and CJD in humans will be evaluated.