3 Apr 2014　Past and future problems surrouding dura mater graft-associated Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (dCJD)― dCJD can be divided into two subgroups that exhibit distinct clinical and neuropathological features: non-plaque-type and plaque-type. Recent progress in research of the pathogenesis of dCJD has revealed that two distinct subgroups of dCJD are caused by infection with different prion strains from sCJD. These studies have also revealed previously unrecognized problems as follows: (i) the numbers of patients with plaque-type dCJD may increase in the future, (ii) the potential risks of secondary infection from dCJD, particularly from plaque-type, may be considerable, and (iii) the effectiveness of the current prion decontamination procedures against plaque-type dCJD is uncertain. In our paper published in Acta Neuropathol Commun, we summarize the past and future problems surrounding dCJD.

1 Apr 2014　Registration for APPS2014 started.


20 Feb 2014　A brandnew structural model of prions― Detailed structure of the abnormal prion protein is one of the biggest enigma remained in the field of prion research. A number of structural models has been proposed so far, but unbiased comparison of these models has never been performed. In our paper published in Structure, these structural models were evaluated using a comprehensive dataset obtained from cell-based conversion assays using 2,641 mutant prion protein constructs carrying a single amino acid substitution. Furthermore, we propose a improved structural model of abnormal prion proteins.

13 Nov 2013　Revision of classification of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-MV2 (sCJD-MV2)― sCJD-MV2 has been divided into three subgroups due to its phenotypic heterogeneity. In our paper published in Acta Neuropathol Commun, a comprehensive analysis of the sCJD-MV2 cases shows that the three subgroups of sCJD-MV2 consist of different prion strain(s), reflecting their different origin(s). To classify this complicated entity more adequately, we propose a refined classification system.

21 June 2013　Unexpected susceptibility and lack of characteristic neuropathology in variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD)-inoculated humanized mice carrying the PRNP genotype formerly considered as vCJD-resistant ― Recently published our paper raises a concern regarding "second wave" of vCJD infection in individuals with the PRNP genotypes other than 129M/M, which is the sole genotype observed in clinical vCJD cases so far. If it occurs, our animal model would be useful for the differential diagnosis of these atypical vCJD cases.

29 May 2013　Registration for APPS2013 started.


20 May 2013　Website updated.