Prion Disease Research

朊病毒疾病，如人类的克雅氏病、疯牛病或家畜的慢性消耗性疾病（CWD）是传染性神经退行性疾病，目前尚无治疗方法。CWD的人畜共患潜力可能被低估了，因此需要新的治疗方案。我的研究项目致力于验证具有重要转化潜力的新型治疗药物，并了解朊病毒对神经元代谢的影响。阐明CWD朊病毒成功经口或母婴传播的决定因素将增强我们对朊病毒株进化和传播特性的理解。总的来说，我的研究服务于加拿大和全世界的人类、动物和环境健康。

Prion disease such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, mad cow disease or chronic wasting disease (CWD) of cervids are infectious neurodegenerative disorders for which no treatment exists. The zoonotic potential of CWD likely has been underestimated, raising the need for new treatment options. My research program works towards validating novel therapeutic drugs with significant translational potential, and understanding the impact of prions on neuronal metabolism. Elucidating determinants of successful oral or mother-to-offspring transmission of CWD prions will enhance our understanding of prion strain evolution and transmission properties. Overall, my studies serve human, animal and environmental health in Canada and worldwide.