Prion proteins meet protein quality control.

Recent work on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) suggests a role for protein quality-control mechanisms in both prion protein aggregation and pathogenesis. Cytosolic accumulation of prion protein seems to be neurotoxic and might occur when proteasome function is compromised and quality control is overwhelmed. These findings are discussed in the light of other studies linking proteasome inhibition and neurodegeneration.