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Prions link cholesterol to neurodegeneration

Prion infection of neurons increases the free cholesterol content in cell membranes. A new study published in the online open access journal BMC Biology suggests that disturbances in membrane cholesterol may be the mechanism by which prions cause neurodegeneration and could point to a role for cholesterol in other neurodegenerative diseases.

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Keywords: prions, link, cholesterol, neurodegeneration, prion

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