Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk develop chronic wasting disease that belongs to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The PrP gene coding region has been analyzed in mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk. The predicted amino acid sequence of PrP was nearly identical (99.6%) between two species, with only a single difference at codon 226 (glutamine and glutamic acid, respectively). A polymorphism at codon 138 (serine to asparagine) has been detected in mule deer PrP gene coding region. Further investigation is underway to establish if this polymorphism plays a role in susceptibility of mule deer to chronic wasting disease. Analysis of 300 transmissions of different forms of TSEs to nonhuman primates revealed that rhesus monkeys had the lowest rate of successful transmission. Analysis of the PRNP gene has been initiated to elucidate the role of genetic factors in susceptibility of rhesus monkeys to TSE.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01NS002958-02
Application #
6111966
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (CNSS)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code