Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers against PrP(Sc).

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of zoonotic and fatal neurodegenerative disorders that affect humans and animals. The pathogenesis of TSEs involves a conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP) into abnormal isoforms. Currently, cellular and pathological forms of PrP are differentiated using specific antibody-based analyses that are resource intensive and not applicable to all species and strains.