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Research Themes

The Prion Institute will focus on the following areas of research excellence:

Protein folding and misfolding

Applying tools of structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology and bio-computing to understand the mechanisms of BSE, TSEs and other diseases of protein misfolding.

Pathobiology of TSEs

Understanding BSE/TSE biology susceptibility, transmissibility and disease progression using genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and other innovative approaches that will contribute to the diagnosis, prevention, cure, and possible elimination of the diseases.

Surveillance and Control

Minimizing risks associated with prion exposure, including disposal of specified risk material, technologies for inactivation and decontamination of prions in water, wastewater, soil and the environment.

Also focused on diagnosing BSE based on prion genomics, focusing on immunologic and biomedical engineering technologies to apply, validate and improve antemortem tests developed elsewhere, and to explore opportunities for new tests to be developed in Alberta.

TSEs and Society

Studying policy and response modeling, assessing economic and sociological components of community impact, risk perceptions, consumer acceptance and impact on markets, and ensuring fair and accurate communication of scientific advances. This component will also provide information useful to all levels of government for the development of public policies regarding TSEs.