CML was shown to be extensively co-localized with PrPSc in the thalamic regions of the infected brains, and the CML was linked to at least one Lys residue at the N-terminus of PrPSc as well as to at least one of eight Lys residues on the PK-resistant core region of PrPSc. The gene discussed is BCR; the disease is chronic myelogenous leukemia, BCR-ABL1 positive.