1. Explain the “topology” problem as it relates to the movement of proteins from
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Question
1. Explain the “topology” problem as it relates to the movement of proteins from the cytoplasm into the endoplasmic reticulum. Why must these spaces remain separate, and why must a transporter be used to move proteins between them?
2. One method being explored for the treatment of neurodegenerative prion diseases like “mad cow” disease (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans) is to stimulate immune cells to specifically absorb prion proteins from brain tissue and destroy them. Explain, using the pathways, how an immune cell might be able to specifically absorb and destroy prion proteins.
Explanation / Answer
There are huge diversity in ER structure. Different subcompartments of the ER providing and ER protein which helps in transportation.
RER is continuous with nuclear envelope and consists mostly of stacked flattened sacules. Each sacules is limited by membrane with attached ribosomal particles. The tubules are linked by tripartite junctions and limit cytoplasmic regions. Thus the topology helps the proteins to transfer the particles.
A transporter does not disturb other functions of the cell also the cell membrane will not be damaged due to the transfer. So a transporter is always required.
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Immune response are always specific to proteins. In mad cow disease the neurological system is disturbed. So inspire if normal protein immune cell prion proteins are absorbed and destroyed by t cells. Prions damages central nervous system and triggers the normal protein to unfold.
If a particular antibody could be designed against the prion protein then this disease could be treated. But the antigen antibody response should be correct antibody mediated therapy could be used here.
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