Tg(Prnp/PRNP)1Drb

This transgene encodes a chimeric prion protein in which the N-terminal octameric repeat region of the mouse protein, comprising four tandem repeats of the amino acid sequence PHGGGWGQ, has been replaced by the analogous region from the chicken prion protein, which contains nine tandem copies of the hexapeptide sequence PHNPGY. Mice homozygous for the transgene and for a knockout allele of the endogenous Prnp gene express the chimeric protein at wild-type levels with correct membrane location and orientation. The substitution affects the metal-coordinating properties of the protein. (J:169366)