Animal Biotechnology

Judd Aiken

Judd Aiken's research is focused focuses on two areas: mitochondrial involvement in aging processes and characterization of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). TSEs include chronic wasting disease.

TSEs are a group of infectious neurodegenerative diseases that include chronic wasting disease, mad cow disease (BSE), scrapie in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. Some researchers believe these diseases are caused by a propagating change in the conformation of a specific cellular protein (prion protein). Aiken uses two hamster-adapted strains that differ in both clinical presentation and physicochemical properties of the disease-specific isoform of the prion protein.

These agents have provided the evidence that different strains of TSEs are associated with different conformations of the prion protein and are providing unique tools for understanding the biochemical phenomena associated with TSE infection. Current studies will test the hypothesis that transition metals such as copper play a role in both the disease process and in the conversion of the prion protein from the normal, cellular isoform to the protease resistant isoform in cell culture systems.

Summary: Judd Aiken's presentation will cover the latest scientific knowledge, discoveries and areas of interest regarding TSEs.

From The University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension

Sponsored by a grant from USDA
CSREES
IFAFS