Beneficial Prions

Prions Show Their Good Side is a Science Daily article revealing what may be a positive aspect of proteins knowm as prions. Prions are known as disease agents which have been implicated in mad cow disease and a disease afflicting humans called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Gerald Zamponi and other researchers published a paper in the Journal of Cell Biology showing their finding that prions which are functioning normally may keep neurons alive by preventing hyperactivity. This would indicate that prions have beneficial functions unless they undergo abnormal conformations.

If interested in more details about prions this paper has them.