Figure 5From: Prion protein self-peptides modulate prion interactions and conversionSchematic representation of one incubation/sonication cycle of PMCA. Peptide is allowed to form a bond with PrPC (1), resulting in all PrPC binding peptide(s) (pre-incubation with an excess of peptide). The conversion reaction is initiated by adding PrPSc to the 'sensitized' PrPC (2). It is possible that the peptide remains associated with the formed PrPres during conversion (3). Sonication (4) shears PrPres, but does not necessarily release peptide from 'sensitized' PrPC and probably also not from the elongated PrPSc (#). The PrPres fragments are in turn capable of recruiting and converting 'sensitized' PrPC (5) during the next incubation cycle.Back to article page