Role of the chaperone protein Hsp104 in propagation of the yeast prion-like factor [psi+
Chernoff, Y.O.; Lindquist, S.L.; Ono, B.; Inge-Vechtomov, S.G.; Liebman, S.W.
Science 268(5212): 880-884
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 7754373 Document Number: 445200
The yeast non-Mendelian factor (psi+) has been suggested to be a self-modified protein analogous to mammalian prions. Here it is reported that an intermediate amount of the chaperone protein Hsp104 was required for the propagation of the (psi+) factor. Overproduction or inactivation of Hsp104 caused the loss of (psi+). These results suggest that chaperone proteins play a role in prion-like phenomena, and that a certain level of chaperone expression can cure cells of prions without affecting viability. This may lead to antiprion treatments that involve the alteration of chaperone amounts or activity.