Resources & Expertise
Schaetzl Lab
The Schaetzl lab studies the molecular biology of prion infections and uses the gained understanding for delineating novel targets for intervention. We have focused our attempts on two main strategies. One is the endogenous cellular clearance capacity for prions, which we want to induce to a level that can halt prion infection. The other one is to target the normal prion protein isoform, expression of which is a prerequisite for prion conversion and execution of neurodegeneration.
Gilch Lab
The Gilch lab is interested in studying the impact of prion infection on neuronal cholesterol metabolism and endocytic vesicle trafficking, defining new treatment options for prion and prion-like diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and investigating chronic wasting disease (CWD) prion strains, transmission determinants and diagnosis.
Jirik lab
The Jirik lab has an interest in the physiological function of PrP and develops and tests various transgenic mouse lines in prion bioassays. Dr. Jirik is co-director of the Center for Genome Engineering (CEG) at UofC. The CGE is comprised of three integrated components: Embryonic Stem Cell Facility, Transgenic Mouse Facility and a newly created Molecular Biology Facility.
Peter Stys lab
Work in the Stys lab probes the central nervous system “amylome”, using advanced quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy in “prion-like” neurodegenerations. The lab has developed advanced new imaging and analysis techniques to detect and measure differences in extremely subtle amyloid deposits in human brain samples that are missed by traditional methods.
Braun lab
The Braun lab studies the role of HSPs in vitro, and test drugs and AAV-delivered secretory HSPs in prion-infected mice.The research program is aimed at understanding the role that molecular chaperones have in synaptic function.
Tsutsui lab
The Tsutsui lab develops blood tests, based on advanced optical engineering and laser design, for the diagnosis of AD and tests the challenging hypothesis that multiple sclerosis is in fact a member of prion and prion-like diseases.
Resources at CPRU
- Gene editing using CRISPR/Cas-9 technology (KO and gene replacement)
- Cell culture models for prion diseases, including primary cells
- Lentiviral and retroviral transduction
- Autophagy assays, preparation of exosomes
- Confocal microscopy (with live cell imaging)
- Bacterial expression of proteins and purification (AKTA, IMAC)
- Vaccine preparation and encapsulation; vaccine studies in animal models (rodents and reindeer)
- Real-time quaking-induced conversion (prion conversion assay, RT-QuIC)
- Elispot analysis and flow cytometry
- Immunohistochemistry suite
- Cell and tissue culture suites (BSL2, BSL2+/prion)
- Animal facility for mice, bank voles and transgenic mice (BSL2 and BSL2+/prion)