Project Number: 5348-32000-026-06
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 25, 2006
End Date: Jan 02, 2011

Objective:
Determine the extent and biological effect of strain variation in chronic wasting disease using transgenic mouse models.

Approach:
Candidate preparations of brain from sheep, goats, deer, and elk naturally infected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents of North American origin will be characterized by genetic and biochemical methods, including DNA sequence analysis of the PRNP open reading frame, glycoform analysis on western blot, and PrP-d distribution in the brain and lymphoid tissues and by epidemiology, including geographic location of the animal and potential exposure to TSEs from other species. Prioritization of candidates will be based on western blot patterns, potential exposure to TSEs of other species, and genotype, with other factors considered if sufficient numbers of Tg mice are available. Samples will be assayed in Tg mice expressing the cervid and/or ovine PRNP gene. Disease in the recipient mice will be characterized by incubation time, PrP-d distribution, intensity, and glycoform patterns, and microscopic lesion patterns. Results will be compared to those produced by well characterized isolates of ovine scrapie. BSL-1; 9-4-06. Documents SCA with U. of KY. Formerly 5348-32000-021-06S December 2006.