prion protein
(PrP) a constitutively expressed cell surface glycoprotein, 33–35 kD, of uncertain function; in humans encoded by the PRNP gene at locus: 20pter-p12. The 27–30 kD protease-resistant core is the functional, and perhaps only, component of prions; several isoforms have been identified and are responsible for prion disease. Extracellular prion protein aggregates into rod-shaped structures that resemble amyloid.
Medical dictionary.
2011.