Why are levels of 14-3-3 proteins elevated in CJD patients?

Levels of 14-3-3 proteins are elevated in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients due to the neurodegenerative processes associated with prion diseases. These proteins are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a result of neuronal damage and cell death. The presence of elevated 14-3-3 proteins serves as a biomarker for the disease, reflecting the underlying pathological changes occurring in the brain. Increased levels indicate the severity of neuronal injury, aiding in the diagnosis of CJD.