Creighton University

3 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Immunology and Infection

Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification of Prions

Samuel E. Saunders¹, Jason C. Bartz², Ronald A. Shikiya²

¹Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, ²Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University

Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is an in vitro assay for the study of prion conversion and strain and species barriers. It can also be used as a prion detection assay.

Immunology and Infection

Essential Components of Borreliella (Borrelia) burgdorferi In Vitro Transcription Assays

William K. Boyle¹, Hannah N. Sorensen¹, Travis J. Bourret¹

¹School of Medicine, Creighton University

In vitro transcription assays can decipher the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in Borreliella burgdorferi. This protocol describes the steps to purify B. burgdorferi RNA polymerase and perform in vitro transcription reactions. Experimental approaches using in vitro transcription assays require reliable purification and storage of active RNA polymerase.

Immunology and Infection

Prion Safety Laboratory Swipe Test

Sara M. Simmons¹, Qi Yuan¹, Jason C. Bartz¹

¹Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Creighton University

A method to assess commonly used areas in laboratory settings for prion contamination and effective decontamination is lacking. The protocol described here provides key fundamentals for implementing a laboratory prion safety swipe test that can easily be modified to meet the individual needs of specific laboratories.