Cell Culture Models to Unravel Prion Protein Function and Aberrancies in Prion Diseases -- Investigation of PrPC Metabolism and Function in Live Cells -- Immunodetection of PrPSc Using Western and Slot Blotting Techniques -- Assaying Prions in Cell Culture -- Generation of Cell Lines Propagating Infectious Prions and the Isolation and Characterization of Cell-derived Exosomes -- Neurotoxicity of Prion Peptides on Cultured Cerebellar Neurons -- Understanding the Nature of Prion Diseases Using Cell-free Assays -- Methods for Conversion of Prion Protein into Amyloid Fibrils -- Amplification of Purified Prions In Vitro -- Expression and Purification of Full-Length Recombinant PrP of High Purity -- Analysis of PrP Conformation Using Circular Dichroism -- Effect of Copper on the De Novo Generation of Prion Protein Expressed in Pichia pastoris -- Biophysical Investigations of the Prion Protein Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance -- Molecular Diagnosis of Human Prion Disease -- Analysis of Endogenous PrPC Processing in Neuronal and Non-neuronal Cell Lines -- Molecular Typing of PrPres in Human Sporadic CJD Brain Tissue -- Transgenic Mouse Models of Prion Diseases -- Quantitative Bioassay of Surface-bound Prion Infectivity.

While much information has been gained over the last two decades regarding the molecular nature of prion proteins, only recently have several research groups begun to cast light on turning the normal prion protein into its aberrant, infectious form. In Prion Protein Protocols, an international team of experts provide an up-to-date collection of current methods in this unique area of neuroscience. The chapters contained in this volume, both protocols and useful review chapters, feature topics such as the cell biology of prions, techniques and approaches to studying prion infection in cultured cells, how these systems can be used as a rapid bioassay, and prion protein misfolding. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series, the chapters include readily reproducible, step-by-step laboratory protocols, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, and the Notes section, which provides tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Prion Protein Protocols is an ideal collection for researchers investigating the growing field of mammalian prion disease.