1
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Esmaili M, Eldeeb M. Cellular toxicity of scrapie prions in prion diseases; a biochemical and molecular overview. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1743-1752. [PMID: 36446981 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases consist of a broad range of fatal neurological disorders affecting humans and animals. Contrary to Watson and Crick's 'central dogma', prion diseases are caused by a protein, devoid of DNA involvement. Herein, we briefly review various cellular and biological aspects of prions and prion pathogenesis focusing mainly on historical milestones, biosynthesis, degradation, structure-function of cellular and scrapie forms of prions .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoore Esmaili
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Mohamed Eldeeb
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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2
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Cortez LM, Nemani SK, Duque Velásquez C, Sriraman A, Wang Y, Wille H, McKenzie D, Sim VL. Asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation of prions reveals a strain-specific continuum of quaternary structures with protease resistance developing at a hydrodynamic radius of 15 nm. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009703. [PMID: 34181702 PMCID: PMC8270404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative disorders that affect mammals, including humans. The central molecular event is the conversion of cellular prion glycoprotein, PrPC, into a plethora of assemblies, PrPSc, associated with disease. Distinct phenotypes of disease led to the concept of prion strains, which are associated with distinct PrPSc structures. However, the degree to which intra- and inter-strain PrPSc heterogeneity contributes to disease pathogenesis remains unclear. Addressing this question requires the precise isolation and characterization of all PrPSc subpopulations from the prion-infected brains. Until now, this has been challenging. We used asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) to isolate all PrPSc subpopulations from brains of hamsters infected with three prion strains: Hyper (HY) and 263K, which produce almost identical phenotypes, and Drowsy (DY), a strain with a distinct presentation. In-line dynamic and multi-angle light scattering (DLS/MALS) data provided accurate measurements of particle sizes and estimation of the shape and number of PrPSc particles. We found that each strain had a continuum of PrPSc assemblies, with strong correlation between PrPSc quaternary structure and phenotype. HY and 263K were enriched with large, protease-resistant PrPSc aggregates, whereas DY consisted primarily of smaller, more protease-sensitive aggregates. For all strains, a transition from protease-sensitive to protease-resistant PrPSc took place at a hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of 15 nm and was accompanied by a change in glycosylation and seeding activity. Our results show that the combination of AF4 with in-line MALS/DLS is a powerful tool for analyzing PrPSc subpopulations and demonstrate that while PrPSc quaternary structure is a major contributor to PrPSc structural heterogeneity, a fundamental change, likely in secondary/tertiary structure, prevents PrPSc particles from maintaining proteinase K resistance below an Rh of 15 nm, regardless of strain. This results in two biochemically distinctive subpopulations, the proportion, seeding activity, and stability of which correlate with prion strain phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo M Cortez
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satish K Nemani
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Camilo Duque Velásquez
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aishwarya Sriraman
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - YongLiang Wang
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Holger Wille
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Debbie McKenzie
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Valerie L Sim
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Stepanchuk A, Tahir W, Nilsson KPR, Schatzl HM, Stys PK. Early detection of prion protein aggregation with a fluorescent pentameric oligothiophene probe using spectral confocal microscopy. J Neurochem 2020; 156:1033-1048. [PMID: 32799317 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Misfolding of the prion protein (PrP) and templating of its pathological conformation onto cognate proteins causes a number of lethal disorders of central nervous system in humans and animals, such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, chronic wasting disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Structural rearrangement of PrPC into PrPSc promotes aggregation of misfolded proteins into β-sheet-rich fibrils, which can be visualized by conformationally sensitive fluorescent probes. Early detection of prion misfolding and deposition might provide useful insights into its pathophysiology. Pentameric formyl thiophene acetic acid (pFTAA) is a novel amyloid probe that was shown to sensitively detect various misfolded proteins, including PrP. Here, we compared sensitivity of pFTAA staining and spectral microscopy with conventional methods of prion detection in mouse brains infected with mouse-adapted 22L prions. pFTAA bound to prion deposits in mouse brain sections exhibited a red-shifted fluorescence emission spectrum, which quantitatively increased with disease progression. Small prion deposits were detected as early as 50 days post-inoculation, well before appearance of clinical signs. Moreover, we detected significant spectral shifts in the greater brain parenchyma as early as 25 days post-inoculation, rivaling the most sensitive conventional method (real-time quaking-induced conversion). These results showcase the potential of pFTAA staining combined with spectral imaging for screening of prion-infected tissue. Not only does this method have comparable sensitivity to established techniques, it is faster and technically simpler. Finally, this readout provides valuable information about the spatial distribution of prion aggregates across tissue in the earliest stages of infection, potentially providing valuable pathophysiological insight into prion transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Stepanchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Waqas Tahir
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - K Peter R Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hermann M Schatzl
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter K Stys
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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PrPSc Oligomerization Appears Dynamic, Quickly Engendering Inherent M1000 Acute Synaptotoxicity. Biophys J 2020; 119:128-141. [PMID: 32562618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders pathogenically linked to cellular prion protein (PrPC) misfolding into abnormal conformers (PrPSc), with PrPSc underpinning both transmission and synaptotoxicity. Although the biophysical features of PrPSc required to induce acute synaptic dysfunction remain incompletely defined, we recently reported that acutely synaptotoxic PrPSc appeared to be oligomeric. We herein provide further insights into the kinetic and requisite biophysical characteristics of acutely synaptotoxic ex vivo PrPSc derived from the brains of mice dying from M1000 prion disease. Pooled fractions of M1000 PrPSc located within the molecular weight range approximating monomeric PrP (mM1000) generated through size exclusion chromatography were found to harbor acute synaptotoxicity equivalent to preformed oligomeric fractions (oM1000). Subsequent investigation showed mM1000 corresponded to PrPSc rapidly concatenating in physiological buffer to exist as predominantly, closely associated, small oligomers. The oligomerization of PrP in mM1000 could be substantially mitigated by treatment with the antiaggregation compound epigallocatechin gallate, thereby maintaining the PrPSc as primarily nonoligomeric with completely abrogated acute synaptotoxicity; moreover, despite epigallocatechin gallate treatment, pooled oM1000 remained oligomeric and acutely synaptotoxic. A similar tendency to rapid formation of oligomers was observed for PrPC when monomeric fractions derived from size exclusion chromatography of normal brain homogenates (mNBH) were pooled, but neither mNBH nor preformed higher-order NBH complexes (oNBH) were acutely synaptotoxic. Oligomers formed from mNBH could be reduced to mainly monomers (<100 kDa) after enzymatic digestion of nucleic acids, whereas higher-order PrP assemblies derived from pooled mM1000, oM1000, and oNBH resisted such treatment. Collectively, these findings support that oligomerization of PrPSc into small multimeric assemblies appears to be a critical biophysical feature for engendering inherent acute synaptotoxicity, with preformed oligomers found in oM1000 appearing to be stable, tightly self-associated ensembles that coexist in dynamic equilibrium with mM1000, with the latter appearing capable of rapid aggregation, albeit initially forming smaller, weakly self-associated, acutely synaptotoxic oligomers.
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Foliaki ST, Lewis V, Islam AMT, Ellett LJ, Senesi M, Finkelstein DI, Roberts B, Lawson VA, Adlard PA, Collins SJ. Early existence and biochemical evolution characterise acutely synaptotoxic PrPSc. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007712. [PMID: 30970042 PMCID: PMC6490942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although considerable evidence supports that misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) is the principal component of “prions”, underpinning both transmissibility and neurotoxicity, clear consensus around a number of fundamental aspects of pathogenesis has not been achieved, including the time of appearance of neurotoxic species during disease evolution. Utilizing a recently reported electrophysiology paradigm, we assessed the acute synaptotoxicity of ex vivo PrPSc prepared as crude homogenates from brains of M1000 infected wild-type mice (cM1000) harvested at time-points representing 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% of the terminal stage of disease (TSD). Acute synaptotoxicity was assessed by measuring the capacity of cM1000 to impair hippocampal CA1 region long-term potentiation (LTP) and post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) in explant slices. Of particular note, cM1000 from 30% of the TSD was able to cause significant impairment of LTP and PTP, with the induced failure of LTP increasing over subsequent time-points while the capacity of cM1000 to induce PTP failure appeared maximal even at this early stage of disease progression. Evidence that the synaptotoxicity directly related to PrP species was demonstrated by the significant rescue of LTP dysfunction at each time-point through immuno-depletion of >50% of total PrP species from cM1000 preparations. Moreover, similar to our previous observations at the terminal stage of M1000 prion disease, size fractionation chromatography revealed that capacity for acute synpatotoxicity correlated with predominance of oligomeric PrP species in infected brains across all time points, with the profile appearing maximised by 50% of the TSD. Using enhanced sensitivity western blotting, modestly proteinase K (PK)-resistant PrPSc was detectable at very low levels in cM1000 at 30% of the TSD, becoming robustly detectable by 70% of the TSD at which time substantial levels of highly PK-resistant PrPSc was also evident. Further illustrating the biochemical evolution of acutely synaptotoxic species the synaptotoxicity of cM1000 from 30%, 50% and 70% of the TSD, but not at 100% TSD, was abolished by digestion of immuno-captured PrP species with mild PK treatment (5μg/ml for an hour at 37°C), demonstrating that the predominant synaptotoxic PrPSc species up to and including 70% of the TSD were proteinase-sensitive. Overall, these findings in combination with our previous assessments of transmitting prions support that synaptotoxic and infectious M1000 PrPSc species co-exist from at least 30% of the TSD, simultaneously increasing thereafter, albeit with eventual plateauing of transmitting conformers. Although evidence clearly supports that misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) is the principal component of “prions”, underpinning both transmissibility and neurotoxicity, consensus is lacking around the time of appearance and biochemical profile of neurotoxic species during disease evolution. Employing an electrophysiology model, measuring the capacity of brain homogenates derived from across the disease time-course to impair CA1 region long-term potentiation (LTP) and post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) in hippocampal slices, we observed that synaptotoxic species were present from 30% of the terminal stage of disease (TSD). Evidence that synaptotoxicity directly related to PrP species was demonstrated by significant rescue of LTP dysfunction at each time-point through immuno-depleting >~50% of total PrP species from cM1000 preparations. Moreover, size fractionation chromatography revealed that acute synpatotoxicity correlated with predominance of oligomeric PrP species in infected brains across all time points, while additional characterisation of cM1000 demonstrated that the predominant synaptotoxic PrPSc species up to and including 70% of the TSD were quite proteinase-sensitive. These findings in combination with our previous assessments of transmitting prions support that synaptotoxic and infectious M1000 PrPSc species co-exist from at least 30% of the TSD, simultaneously increasing thereafter, with biochemical transformation of synaptotoxic conformers continuing until late in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simote Totauhelotu Foliaki
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria Lewis
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Laura Jane Ellett
- Department of Pathology The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matteo Senesi
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Blaine Roberts
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria A. Lawson
- Department of Pathology The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Anthony Adlard
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven John Collins
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Prion acute synaptotoxicity is largely driven by protease-resistant PrPSc species. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007214. [PMID: 30089152 PMCID: PMC6101418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although misfolding of normal prion protein (PrPC) into abnormal conformers (PrPSc) is critical for prion disease pathogenesis our current understanding of the underlying molecular pathophysiology is rudimentary. Exploiting an electrophysiology paradigm, herein we report that at least modestly proteinase K (PK)-resistant PrPSc (PrPres) species are acutely synaptotoxic. Brief exposure to ex vivo PrPSc from two mouse-adapted prion strains (M1000 and MU02) prepared as crude brain homogenates (cM1000 and cMU02) and cell lysates from chronically M1000-infected RK13 cells (MoRK13-Inf) caused significant impairment of hippocampal CA1 region long-term potentiation (LTP), with the LTP disruption approximating that reported during the evolution of murine prion disease. Proof of PrPSc (especially PrPres) species as the synaptotoxic agent was demonstrated by: significant rescue of LTP following selective immuno-depletion of total PrP from cM1000 (dM1000); modestly PK-treated cM1000 (PK+M1000) retaining full synaptotoxicity; and restoration of the LTP impairment when employing reconstituted, PK-eluted, immuno-precipitated M1000 preparations (PK+IP-M1000). Additional detailed electrophysiological analyses exemplified by impairment of post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) suggest possible heightened pre-synaptic vulnerability to the acute synaptotoxicity. This dysfunction correlated with cumulative insufficiency of replenishment of the readily releasable pool (RRP) of vesicles during repeated high-frequency stimulation utilised for induction of LTP. Broadly comparable results with LTP and PTP impairment were obtained utilizing hippocampal slices from PrPC knockout (PrPo/o) mice, with cM1000 serial dilution assessments revealing similar sensitivity of PrPo/o and wild type (WT) slices. Size fractionation chromatography demonstrated that synaptotoxic PrP correlated with PK-resistant species >100kDa, consistent with multimeric PrPSc, with levels of these species >6 ng/ml appearing sufficient to induce synaptic dysfunction. Biochemical analyses of hippocampal slices manifesting acute synaptotoxicity demonstrated reduced levels of multiple key synaptic proteins, albeit with noteworthy differences in PrPo/o slices, while such changes were absent in hippocampi demonstrating rescued LTP through treatment with dM1000. Our findings offer important new mechanistic insights into the synaptic impairment underlying prion disease, enhancing prospects for development of targeted effective therapies. Misfolding of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into disease-associated conformations (PrPSc) is the critical initiating step for prion diseases. Similar to other neurodegenerative disorders, progressive failure of brain synapses is considered a primary deleterious event underpinning prion disease evolution. Our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with synaptic failure is rudimentary contributing to difficulties in developing effective treatments. Herein we report the use of an electrophysiology paradigm that allowed us to demonstrate that at least modestly proteinase K (PK)-resistant PrPSc species from two mouse-adapted prion strains (M1000 and MU02) are directly synaptotoxic causing significant acute impairment of hippocampal CA1 region long-term potentiation (LTP). Of note, the LTP disruption approximated that reported in prion animal models. Additional detailed analyses provided novel pathophysiological insights suggesting possible heightened pre-synaptic vulnerability to the acute synaptotoxicity through impairment of replenishment of the readily releasable pool of neurotransmitter vesicles, while biochemical analyses demonstrated reduced levels of multiple key pre-and post-synaptic proteins. Broadly similar acute synaptic dysfunction and dose-response susceptibility were observed in slices from mice not expressing PrPC albeit with minor but noteworthy differences in electrophysiological and biochemical findings. Our study offers important new mechanistic insights into the synaptic impairment underlying prion disease, enhancing prospects for development effective therapies.
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Llorens F, Thüne K, Martí E, Kanata E, Dafou D, Díaz-Lucena D, Vivancos A, Shomroni O, Zafar S, Schmitz M, Michel U, Fernández-Borges N, Andréoletti O, del Río JA, Díez J, Fischer A, Bonn S, Sklaviadis T, Torres JM, Ferrer I, Zerr I. Regional and subtype-dependent miRNA signatures in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are accompanied by alterations in miRNA silencing machinery and biogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1006802. [PMID: 29357384 PMCID: PMC5794191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are contributing factors to neurodegeneration. Alterations in miRNA signatures have been reported in several neurodegenerative dementias, but data in prion diseases are restricted to ex vivo and animal models. The present study identified significant miRNA expression pattern alterations in the frontal cortex and cerebellum of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) patients. These changes display a highly regional and disease subtype-dependent regulation that correlates with brain pathology. We demonstrate that selected miRNAs are enriched in sCJD isolated Argonaute(Ago)-binding complexes in disease, indicating their incorporation into RNA-induced silencing complexes, and further suggesting their contribution to disease-associated gene expression changes. Alterations in the miRNA-mRNA regulatory machinery and perturbed levels of miRNA biogenesis key components in sCJD brain samples reported here further implicate miRNAs in sCJD gene expression (de)regulation. We also show that a subset of sCJD-altered miRNAs are commonly changed in Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and fatal familial insomnia, suggesting potential common mechanisms underlying these neurodegenerative processes. Additionally, we report no correlation between brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) miRNA-profiles in sCJD, indicating that CSF-miRNA profiles do not faithfully mirror miRNA alterations detected in brain tissue of human prion diseases. Finally, utilizing a sCJD MM1 mouse model, we analyzed the miRNA deregulation patterns observed in sCJD in a temporal manner. While fourteen sCJD-related miRNAs were validated at clinical stages, only two of those were changed at early symptomatic phase, suggesting that the miRNAs altered in sCJD may contribute to later pathogenic processes. Altogether, the present work identifies alterations in the miRNA network, biogenesis and miRNA-mRNA silencing machinery in sCJD, whereby contributions to disease mechanisms deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Llorens
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katrin Thüne
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Translational Studies and Biomarkers, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Eirini Kanata
- Prion Diseases Research Group, School of Health Sciences, Department Of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Dafou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Daniela Díaz-Lucena
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Vivancos
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Orr Shomroni
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Computational Systems Biology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Saima Zafar
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Translational Studies and Biomarkers, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Translational Studies and Biomarkers, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Michel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Olivier Andréoletti
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Toulouse, France
| | - José Antonio del Río
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Catalonian Institute for Bioengineering (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juana Díez
- Molecular Virology group, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andre Fischer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Bonn
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Computational Systems Biology, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tuebingen, Germany
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theodoros Sklaviadis
- Prion Diseases Research Group, School of Health Sciences, Department Of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Juan Maria Torres
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Senior consultant, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Translational Studies and Biomarkers, Göttingen, Germany
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Honda H, Sasaki K, Takashima H, Mori D, Koyama S, Suzuki SO, Iwaki T. Different Complicated Brain Pathologies in Monozygotic Twins With Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Disease. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2017; 76:854-863. [PMID: 28922846 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlx068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) is an autosomal, dominantly inherited prion disease. In this study, we present different complicated brain pathologies determined postmortem of monozygotic GSS twin sisters. Case 1 showed cerebellar ataxia at the age of 58 years, and died at 66 years. Case 2 became symptomatic at the age of 75 years, and died at 79 years. There was a 17-year difference in the age of onset between the twins. Postmortem examination revealed numerous prion protein (PrP) plaques in the brains of both cases. The spongiform change and brain atrophy in case 1 were more severe compared with those in case 2. Western-blot analysis identified proteinase-resistant PrP (PrPres) at the molecular weight of 21-30 kDa and 8 kDa in the twins. Gel filtration revealed that PrPres was mainly composed of PrP oligomer. PrPres signal patterns were similar between the twins. Additionally, case 1 showed α-synucleinopathy and case 2 showed Alzheimer disease pathology. These different proteinopathies were involved in the amyloid plaque formations of both cases. The degree of GSS pathology was mainly related to disease duration. The amyloid plaque formations could be decorated by concomitant neuropathological changes such as α-synucleinopathy and tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Kensuke Sasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takashima
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Sachiko Koyama
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Satoshi O Suzuki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Toru Iwaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan; Department of Pathology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
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9
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Mattei V, Martellucci S, Santilli F, Manganelli V, Garofalo T, Candelise N, Caruso A, Sorice M, Scaccianoce S, Misasi R. Morphine Withdrawal Modifies Prion Protein Expression in Rat Hippocampus. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169571. [PMID: 28081197 PMCID: PMC5231345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a vulnerable brain structure susceptible to damage during aging and chronic stress. Repeated exposure to opioids may alter the brain so that it functions normally when the drugs are present, thus, a prolonged withdrawal might lead to homeostatic changes headed for the restoration of the physiological state. Abuse of morphine may lead to Reacting Oxygen Species-induced neurodegeneration and apoptosis. It has been proposed that during morphine withdrawal, stress responses might be responsible, at least in part, for long-term changes of hippocampal plasticity. Since prion protein is involved in both, Reacting Oxygen Species mediated stress responses and synaptic plasticity, in this work we investigate the effect of opiate withdrawal in rats after morphine treatment. We hypothesize that stressful stimuli induced by opiate withdrawal, and the subsequent long-term homeostatic changes in hippocampal plasticity, might modulate the Prion protein expression. Our results indicate that abstinence from the opiate induced a time-dependent and region-specific modification in Prion protein content, indeed during morphine withdrawal a selective unbalance of hippocampal Prion Protein is observable. Moreover, Prion protein overexpression in hippocampal tissue seems to generate a dimeric structure of Prion protein and α-cleavage at the hydrophobic domain. Stress factors or toxic insults can induce cytosolic dimerization of Prion Protein through the hydrophobic domain, which in turn, it stimulates the α-cleavage and the production of neuroprotective Prion protein fragments. We speculate that this might be the mechanism by which stressful stimuli induced by opiate withdrawal and the subsequent long-term homeostatic changes in hippocampal plasticity, modulate the expression and the dynamics of Prion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Mattei
- Laboratorio di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia Ambientale, Polo Universitario di Rieti “Sabina Universitas”, Rieti, Italia
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Laboratorio di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia Ambientale, Polo Universitario di Rieti “Sabina Universitas”, Rieti, Italia
| | - Francesca Santilli
- Laboratorio di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia Ambientale, Polo Universitario di Rieti “Sabina Universitas”, Rieti, Italia
| | - Valeria Manganelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
| | - Tina Garofalo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
| | - Niccolò Candelise
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
| | - Alessandra Caruso
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia "Vittorio Erspamer”, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
| | - Sergio Scaccianoce
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia "Vittorio Erspamer”, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
| | - Roberta Misasi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma, Italia
- * E-mail:
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10
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Modulation of prion polymerization and toxicity by rationally designed peptidomimetics. Biochem J 2016; 474:123-147. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of cellular prion protein is associated with a large array of neurological disorders commonly called the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Designing inhibitors against prions has remained a daunting task owing to limited information about mechanism(s) of their pathogenic self-assembly. Here, we explore the anti-prion properties of a combinatorial library of bispidine-based peptidomimetics (BPMs) that conjugate amino acids with hydrophobic and aromatic side chains. Keeping the bispidine unit unaltered, a series of structurally diverse BPMs were synthesized and tested for their prion-modulating properties. Administration of Leu- and Trp-BPMs delayed and completely inhibited the amyloidogenic conversion of human prion protein (HuPrP), respectively. We found that each BPM induced the HuPrP to form unique oligomeric nanostructures differing in their biophysical properties, cellular toxicities and response to conformation-specific antibodies. While Leu-BPMs were found to stabilize the oligomers, Trp-BPMs effected transient oligomerization, resulting in the formation of non-toxic, non-fibrillar aggregates. Yet another aromatic residue, Phe, however, accelerated the aggregation process in HuPrP. Molecular insights obtained through MD (molecular dynamics) simulations suggested that each BPM differently engages a conserved Tyr 169 residue at the α2–β2 loop of HuPrP and affects the stability of α2 and α3 helices. Our results demonstrate that this new class of molecules having chemical scaffolds conjugating hydrophobic/aromatic residues could effectively modulate prion aggregation and toxicity.
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Honda H, Matsuzono K, Fushimi S, Sato K, Suzuki SO, Abe K, Iwaki T. C-Terminal-Deleted Prion Protein Fragment Is a Major Accumulated Component of Systemic PrP Deposits in Hereditary Prion Disease With a 2-Bp (CT) Deletion in
PRNP
Codon 178. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:1008-1019. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlw077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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12
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Honda H, Ishii R, Hamano A, Itoh K, Suzuki SO, Fushiki S, Nakagawa M, Iwaki T. Microsphere formation in a subtype of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with a V180I mutation and codon 129 MM polymorphism. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2014; 39:844-8. [PMID: 23531090 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Honda
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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13
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Aidt FH, Hasholt LF, Christiansen M, Laursen H. Localization of A11-reactive oligomeric species in prion diseases. Histopathology 2013; 62:994-1001. [PMID: 23570304 DOI: 10.1111/his.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate in prion diseases the in-situ localization of prion protein oligomers sharing a common epitope with amyloid oligomers involved in a range of neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed immunohistochemistry on sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) (n = 9) and hereditary Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) (n = 1) specimens with the anti-oligomer antibody A11 to determine the localization of reactive species. We found that A11 reactivity in the sCJD specimens was localized to the cerebral and cerebellar cortices both in spongiform and adjacent, non-spongiform areas, reminiscent of multicentric or diffuse plaques. In the GSS specimens, we found that staining was closely associated with kuru-like plaques, and that A11-reactive species colocalized with protease-resistant prion protein (Prp(Sc)). We also observed sporadic neuronal cytosolic staining in both types of specimen. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that intracellular and extracellular A11-reactive species are present in situ in sCJD cases and GSS, and that immunoreactivity for A11 and Prp(Sc) overlaps. We argue that the A11-reactive species are indeed composed of oligomeric Prp(Sc), and suggest that the toxic effects of Prp(Sc) oligomers could be related to the generic oligomeric conformation recognized by A11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik H Aidt
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Immunology and Genetics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Head MW. Human prion diseases: Molecular, cellular and population biology. Neuropathology 2013; 33:221-36. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Head
- National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences; School of Clinical Sciences; The University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh; UK
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15
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Shibano S, Sasaki K, Kidoaki S, Iwaki T. Detection of prion protein oligomers by single molecule fluorescence imaging. Neuropathology 2012; 33:1-6. [PMID: 22537088 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2012.01316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The degree of polymerization of PrP has a close relationship with the pathological mechanisms of prion diseases. We examined, at the molecular level, the polymerization state of PrP in lysates of prion-infected cells using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). The crude lysates were fractionated by gel-filtration spin columns according to their molecular size. Both the oligomer-rich and the monomer-rich fractions were probed with fluorescein-labeled anti-PrP antibodies (mAb SAF70 and mAb 8G8). Fluorescent spots of varying intensity were detected, with the ratio of intense fluorescent spots being greater in the oligomer fraction samples with mAb SAF70 than those with 8G8, the specific epitope of which is thought to be buried in abnormal PrP molecules. The results indicated that PrP oligomers could be specifically detected and conformational changes of abnormal PrP molecules observed. Imaging by TIRFM may aid in determining the polymerization state and properties of PrP oligomers in pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Shibano
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Division of Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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16
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Ladner CL, Wishart DS. Resolution-enhanced native acidic gel electrophoresis: a method for resolving, sizing, and quantifying prion protein oligomers. Anal Biochem 2012; 426:54-62. [PMID: 22490465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The formation of β-sheet-rich prion protein (PrP(β)) oligomers from native or cellular PrP(c) is thought to be a key step in the development of prion diseases. To assist in this characterization process we have developed a rapid and remarkably high resolution gel electrophoresis technique called RENAGE (resolution-enhanced native acidic gel electrophoresis) for separating, sizing, and quantifying oligomeric PrP(β) complexes. PrP(β) oligomers formed via either urea/salt or acid conversion can be resolved by RENAGE into a clear set of oligomeric bands differing by just one subunit. Calibration of the size of the PrP(β) oligomer bands was made possible with a cross-linked mouse PrP(90-232) ladder (1- to 11-mer) generated using ruthenium bipyridyl-based photoinduced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP). This PrP PICUP ladder allowed the size and abundance of PrP(β) oligomers formed from urea/salt and acid conversion to be determined. This distribution consists of 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, and 11-mers, with the most abundant species being the 8-mer. The high-resolution separation afforded by RENAGE has allowed us to investigate distinctive size and population changes in PrP(β) oligomers formed under various conversion conditions, with various construct lengths, from various species or in the presence of anti-prion compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Ladner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E8
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17
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Head MW, Ironside JW. The contribution of different prion protein types and host polymorphisms to clinicopathological variations in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Rev Med Virol 2012; 22:214-29. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Head
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, School of Molecular & Clinical Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - James W. Ironside
- The National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, School of Molecular & Clinical Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
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18
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Cardone F, Simoneau S, Arzel A, Puopolo M, Berardi VA, Abdel-Haq H, Galeno R, De Pascalis A, Sbriccoli M, Graziano S, Valanzano A, Porte P, Diringer H, Brown P, Flan B, Pocchiari M. Comparison of nanofiltration efficacy in reducing infectivity of centrifuged versus ultracentrifuged 263K scrapie-infected brain homogenates in "spiked" albumin solutions. Transfusion 2011; 52:953-62. [PMID: 22082124 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety of plasma-derived products is of concern for possible transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The absence of validated screening tests requires the use of procedures to remove or inactivate prions during the manufacture of plasma-derived products to minimize the risk of transmission. These procedures need proper validation studies based on spiking human plasma or intermediate fractions of plasma fractionation with prions in a form as close as possible to that present in blood. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Human albumin was spiked with low-speed or high-speed supernatants of 263K scrapie-infected hamster brain homogenates. Spiked albumin was then passed through a cascade of filters from 100 nm down to 20 to 15 nm. Residual infectivity was measured by bioassay. RESULTS The overall removal of infectivity spiked into albumin through serial nanofiltration steps was 4 to 5 logs using low-speed supernatant and 2 to 3 logs with high-speed supernatant. CONCLUSION These findings confirm the utility of nanofiltration in removing infectivity from plasma (or other products) spiked with scrapie brain homogenate supernatants. However, efficiency is diminished using supernatants that have been ultracentrifuged to reduce aggregated forms of the infectious agent. Thus, filtration removal data based on experiments using "standard" low-speed centrifugation supernatants might overestimate the amount of prion removal in plasma or urine-derived therapeutic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cardone
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
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Honda H, Sasaki K, Minaki H, Masui K, Suzuki SO, Doh-ura K, Iwaki T. Protease-resistant PrP and PrP oligomers in the brain in human prion diseases after intraventricular pentosan polysulfate infusion. Neuropathology 2011; 32:124-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2011.01245.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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