1
|
Pal S, Udgaonkar JB. Mutations of evolutionarily conserved aromatic residues suggest that misfolding of the mouse prion protein may commence in multiple ways. J Neurochem 2023; 167:696-710. [PMID: 37941487 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The misfolding of the mammalian prion protein from its α-helix rich cellular isoform to its β-sheet rich infectious isoform is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. The determination of the structural mechanism by which misfolding commences, still remains an unsolved problem. In the current study, native-state hydrogen exchange coupled with mass spectrometry has revealed that the N state of the mouse prion protein (moPrP) at pH 4 is in dynamic equilibrium with multiple partially unfolded forms (PUFs) capable of initiating misfolding. Mutation of three evolutionarily conserved aromatic residues, Tyr168, Phe174, and Tyr217 present at the interface of the β2-α2 loop and the C-terminal end of α3 in the structured C-terminal domain of moPrP significantly destabilize the native state (N) of the protein. They also reduce the free energy differences between the N state and two PUFs identified as PUF1 and PUF2**. It is shown that PUF2** in which the β2-α2 loop and the C-terminal end of α3 are disordered, has the same stability as the previously identified PUF2*, but to have a very different structure. Misfolding can commence from both PUF1 and PUF2**, as it can from PUF2*. Hence, misfolding can commence and proceed in multiple ways from structurally distinct precursor conformations. The increased extents to which PUF1 and PUF2** are populated at equilibrium in the case of the mutant variants, greatly accelerate their misfolding. The results suggest that the three aromatic residues may have been evolutionarily selected to impede the misfolding of moPrP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suman Pal
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, Pune, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gielnik M, Szymańska A, Dong X, Jarvet J, Svedružić ŽM, Gräslund A, Kozak M, Wärmländer SKTS. Prion Protein Octarepeat Domain Forms Transient β-Sheet Structures upon Residue-Specific Binding to Cu(II) and Zn(II) Ions. Biochemistry 2023. [PMID: 37163663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is associated with the development of fatal neurodegenerative diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Metal ions appear to play a crucial role in PrPC misfolding. PrPC is a combined Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal-binding protein, where the main metal-binding site is located in the octarepeat (OR) region. Thus, the biological function of PrPC may involve the transport of divalent metal ions across membranes or buffering concentrations of divalent metal ions in the synaptic cleft. Recent studies have shown that an excess of Cu(II) ions can result in PrPC instability, oligomerization, and/or neuroinflammation. Here, we have used biophysical methods to characterize Cu(II) and Zn(II) binding to the isolated OR region of PrPC. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy data suggest that the OR domain binds up to four Cu(II) ions or two Zn(II) ions. Binding of the first metal ion results in a structural transition from the polyproline II helix to the β-turn structure, while the binding of additional metal ions induces the formation of β-sheet structures. Fluorescence spectroscopy data indicate that the OR region can bind both Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions at neutral pH, but under acidic conditions, it binds only Cu(II) ions. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that binding of either metal ion to the OR region results in the formation of β-hairpin structures. As the formation of β-sheet structures can be a first step toward amyloid formation, we propose that high concentrations of either Cu(II) or Zn(II) ions may have a pro-amyloid effect in TSE diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gielnik
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, PL 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Aneta Szymańska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University, PL 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Xiaolin Dong
- Chemistry Section, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jüri Jarvet
- Chemistry Section, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- The National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Željko M Svedružić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, HR 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Chemistry Section, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, PL 61-614 Poznań, Poland
- National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, Jagiellonian University, PL 30-392 Kraków, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shafiq M, Da Vela S, Amin L, Younas N, Harris DA, Zerr I, Altmeppen HC, Svergun D, Glatzel M. The prion protein and its ligands: Insights into structure-function relationships. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119240. [PMID: 35192891 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prion protein is a multifunctional protein that exists in at least two different folding states. It is subject to diverse proteolytic processing steps that lead to prion protein fragments some of which are membrane-bound whereas others are soluble. A multitude of ligands bind to the prion protein and besides proteinaceous binding partners, interaction with metal ions and nucleic acids occurs. Although of great importance, information on structural and functional consequences of prion protein binding to its partners is limited. Here, we will reflect on the structure-function relationship of the prion protein and its binding partners considering the different folding states and prion protein fragments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Shafiq
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Da Vela
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg c/o German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ladan Amin
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Neelam Younas
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - David A Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hermann C Altmeppen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dmitri Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg c/o German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Roy M, Nath AK, Pal I, Dey SG. Second Sphere Interactions in Amyloidogenic Diseases. Chem Rev 2022; 122:12132-12206. [PMID: 35471949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Amyloids are protein aggregates bearing a highly ordered cross β structural motif, which may be functional but are mostly pathogenic. Their formation, deposition in tissues and consequent organ dysfunction is the central event in amyloidogenic diseases. Such protein aggregation may be brought about by conformational changes, and much attention has been directed toward factors like metal binding, post-translational modifications, mutations of protein etc., which eventually affect the reactivity and cytotoxicity of the associated proteins. Over the past decade, a global effort from different groups working on these misfolded/unfolded proteins/peptides has revealed that the amino acid residues in the second coordination sphere of the active sites of amyloidogenic proteins/peptides cause changes in H-bonding pattern or protein-protein interactions, which dramatically alter the structure and reactivity of these proteins/peptides. These second sphere effects not only determine the binding of transition metals and cofactors, which define the pathology of some of these diseases, but also change the mechanism of redox reactions catalyzed by these proteins/peptides and form the basis of oxidative damage associated with these amyloidogenic diseases. The present review seeks to discuss such second sphere modifications and their ramifications in the etiopathology of some representative amyloidogenic diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2Dm), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and prion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhuparna Roy
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Arnab Kumar Nath
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Ishita Pal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Somdatta Ghosh Dey
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gielnik M, Taube M, Zhukova L, Zhukov I, Wärmländer SKTS, Svedružić Ž, Kwiatek WM, Gräslund A, Kozak M. Zn(II) binding causes interdomain changes in the structure and flexibility of the human prion protein. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21703. [PMID: 34737343 PMCID: PMC8568922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a mainly α-helical 208-residue protein located in the pre- and postsynaptic membranes. For unknown reasons, PrPC can undergo a structural transition into a toxic, β-sheet rich scrapie isoform (PrPSc) that is responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Metal ions seem to play an important role in the structural conversion. PrPC binds Zn(II) ions and may be involved in metal ion transport and zinc homeostasis. Here, we use multiple biophysical techniques including optical and NMR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and small angle X-ray scattering to characterize interactions between human PrPC and Zn(II) ions. Binding of a single Zn(II) ion to the PrPC N-terminal domain via four His residues from the octarepeat region induces a structural transition in the C-terminal α-helices 2 and 3, promotes interaction between the N-terminal and C-terminal domains, reduces the folded protein size, and modifies the internal structural dynamics. As our results suggest that PrPC can bind Zn(II) under physiological conditions, these effects could be important for the physiological function of PrPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gielnik
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Michał Taube
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Lilia Zhukova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Igor Zhukov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warszawa, Poland
| | | | - Željko Svedružić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Wojciech M Kwiatek
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-342, Kraków, Poland
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
- National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, Jagiellonian University, 30-392, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harnessing the Physiological Functions of Cellular Prion Protein in the Kidneys: Applications for Treating Renal Diseases. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060784. [PMID: 34067472 PMCID: PMC8224798 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a ubiquitous cell surface glycoprotein, and its physiological functions have been receiving increased attention. Endogenous PrPC is present in various kidney tissues and undergoes glomerular filtration. In prion diseases, abnormal prion proteins are found to accumulate in renal tissues and filtered into urine. Urinary prion protein could serve as a diagnostic biomarker. PrPC plays a role in cellular signaling pathways, reno-protective effects, and kidney iron uptake. PrPC signaling affects mitochondrial function via the ERK pathway and is affected by the regulatory influence of microRNAs, small molecules, and signaling proteins. Targeting PrPC in acute and chronic kidney disease could help improve iron homeostasis, ameliorate damage from ischemia/reperfusion injury, and enhance the efficacy of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell or extracellular vesicle-based therapeutic strategies. PrPC may also be under the influence of BMP/Smad signaling and affect the progression of TGF-β-related renal fibrosis. PrPC conveys TNF-α resistance in some renal cancers, and therefore, the coadministration of anti-PrPC antibodies improves chemotherapy. PrPC can be used to design antibody-drug conjugates, aptamer-drug conjugates, and customized tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases to suppress cancer. With preclinical studies demonstrating promising results, further research on PrPC in the kidney may lead to innovative PrPC-based therapeutic strategies for renal disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gielnik M, Pietralik Z, Zhukov I, Szymańska A, Kwiatek WM, Kozak M. PrP (58-93) peptide from unstructured N-terminal domain of human prion protein forms amyloid-like fibrillar structures in the presence of Zn 2+ ions. RSC Adv 2019; 9:22211-22219. [PMID: 35519468 PMCID: PMC9066832 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra01510h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many transition metal ions modulate the aggregation of different amyloid peptides. Substoichiometric zinc concentrations can inhibit aggregation, while an excess of zinc can accelerate the formation of cytotoxic fibrils. In this study, we report the fibrillization of the octarepeat domain to amyloid-like structures. Interestingly, this self-assembling process occurred only in the presence of Zn(ii) ions. The formed peptide aggregates are able to bind amyloid specific dyes thioflavin T and Congo red. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of long, fibrillar structures. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies of the formed assemblies confirmed the presence of cross-β structure. Two-component analysis of synchrotron radiation SAXS data provided the evidence for a direct decrease in monomeric peptide species content and an increase in the fraction of aggregates as a function of Zn(ii) concentration. These results could shed light on Zn(ii) as a toxic agent and on the metal ion induced protein misfolding in prion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Gielnik
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 2 PL 61-614 Poznań Poland
| | - Zuzanna Pietralik
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 2 PL 61-614 Poznań Poland
| | - Igor Zhukov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences PL 02-106 Warszawa Poland
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University PL 61-614 Poznań Poland
| | - Aneta Szymańska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University PL 80-308 Gdańsk Poland
| | - Wojciech M Kwiatek
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences PL 31-342 Krakow Poland
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 2 PL 61-614 Poznań Poland
- Joint Laboratory for SAXS Studies, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University PL 61-614 Poznań Poland
- National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, Jagiellonian University PL 30-392 Kraków Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hashemi N, Vaezi Z, Sedghi M, Naderi-Manesh H. Hemoglobin-incorporated iron quantum clusters as a novel fluorometric and colorimetric probe for sensing and cellular imaging of Zn(II) and cysteine. Mikrochim Acta 2017; 185:60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00604-017-2600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
9
|
Copper- and Zinc-Promoted Interdomain Structure in the Prion Protein: A Mechanism for Autoinhibition of the Neurotoxic N-Terminus. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 150:35-56. [PMID: 28838668 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The function of the cellular prion protein (PrPC), while still poorly understood, is increasingly linked to its ability to bind physiological metal ions at the cell surface. PrPC binds divalent forms of both copper and zinc through its unstructured N-terminal domain, modulating interactions between PrPC and various receptors at the cell surface and ultimately tuning downstream cellular processes. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the molecular features of copper and zinc uptake by PrPC and summarize evidence implicating these metal ions in PrP-mediated physiology. We then focus our review on recent biophysical evidence revealing a physical interaction between the flexible N-terminal and globular C-terminal domains of PrPC. This interdomain cis interaction is electrostatic in nature and is promoted by the binding of Cu2+ and Zn2+ to the N-terminal octarepeat domain. These findings, along with recent cellular studies, suggest a mechanism whereby NC interactions serve to regulate the activity and/or toxicity of the PrPC N-terminus. We discuss this potential mechanism in relation to familial prion disease mutations, lethal deletions of the PrPC central region, and neurotoxicity induced by certain globular domain ligands, including bona fide prions and toxic amyloid-β oligomers.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pass R, Frudd K, Barnett JP, Blindauer CA, Brown DR. Prion infection in cells is abolished by a mutated manganese transporter but shows no relation to zinc. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 68:186-93. [PMID: 26253862 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein has been identified as a metalloprotein that binds copper. There have been some suggestions that prion protein also influences zinc and manganese homeostasis. In this study we used a series of cell lines to study the levels of zinc and manganese under different conditions. We overexpressed either the prion protein or known transporters for zinc and manganese to determine relations between the prion protein and both manganese and zinc homeostasis. Our observations supported neither a link between the prion protein and zinc metabolism nor any effect of altered zinc levels on prion protein expression or cellular infection with prions. In contrast we found that a gain of function mutant of a manganese transporter caused reduction of manganese levels in prion infected cells, loss of observable PrP(Sc) in cells and resistance to prion infection. These studies strengthen the link between manganese and prion disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Pass
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Karen Frudd
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - James P Barnett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - David R Brown
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pan K, Yi CW, Chen J, Liang Y. Zinc significantly changes the aggregation pathway and the conformation of aggregates of human prion protein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2015; 1854:907-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
12
|
Prakash A, Bharti K, Majeed ABA. Zinc: indications in brain disorders. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2015; 29:131-49. [PMID: 25659970 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is the authoritative metal which is present in our body, and reactive zinc metal is crucial for neuronal signaling and is largely distributed within presynaptic vesicles. Zinc also plays an important role in synaptic function. At cellular level, zinc is a modulator of synaptic activity and neuronal plasticity in both development and adulthood. Different importers and transporters are involved in zinc homeostasis. ZnT-3 is a main transporter involved in zinc homeostasis in the brain. It has been found that alterations in brain zinc status have been implicated in a wide range of neurological disorders including impaired brain development and many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, and mood disorders including depression, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion disease. Furthermore, zinc has also been implicated in neuronal damage associated with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and seizure. Understanding the mechanisms that control brain zinc homeostasis is thus critical to the development of preventive and treatment strategies for these and other neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atish Prakash
- Brain Degeneration and Therapeutics Group, Brain and Neuroscience Communities of Research, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, 40450, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacology, ISF college of Pharmacy, Ghal kalan, Moga, 142-001, India; Brain Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Puncak Alam, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Bandar Puncak Alam, 42300, Malaysia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Natale G, Turi I, Pappalardo G, Sóvágó I, Rizzarelli E. Cross-Talk Between the Octarepeat Domain and the Fifth Binding Site of Prion Protein Driven by the Interaction of Copper(II) with the N-terminus. Chemistry 2015; 21:4071-84. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201405502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
14
|
Rowinska-Zyrek M, Salerno M, Kozlowski H. Neurodegenerative diseases – Understanding their molecular bases and progress in the development of potential treatments. Coord Chem Rev 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2014.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
15
|
Hirsch TZ, Hernandez-Rapp J, Martin-Lannerée S, Launay JM, Mouillet-Richard S. PrP(C) signalling in neurons: from basics to clinical challenges. Biochimie 2014; 104:2-11. [PMID: 24952348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrP(C) was identified over twenty-five years ago as the normal counterpart of the scrapie prion protein PrP(Sc), itself the main if not the sole component of the infectious agent at the root of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). PrP(C) is a ubiquitous cell surface protein, abundantly expressed in neurons, which constitute the targets of PrP(Sc)-mediated toxicity. Converging evidence have highlighted that neuronal, GPI-anchored PrP(C) is absolutely required for prion-induced neuropathogenesis, which warrants investigating into the normal function exerted by PrP(C) in a neuronal context. It is now well-established that PrP(C) can serve as a cell signalling molecule, able to mobilize transduction cascades in response to interactions with partners. This function endows PrP(C) with the capacity to participate in multiple neuronal processes, ranging from survival to synaptic plasticity. A diverse array of data have allowed to shed light on how this function is corrupted by PrP(Sc). Recently, amyloid Aβ oligomers, whose accumulation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), were shown to similarly instigate toxic events by deviating PrP(C)-mediated signalling. Here, we provide an overview of the various signal transduction cascades ascribed to PrP(C) in neurons, summarize how their subversion by PrP(Sc) or Aβ oligomers contributes to TSE or AD neuropathogenesis and discuss the ensuing clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Théo Z Hirsch
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Sud 11, ED419 Biosigne, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Séverine Martin-Lannerée
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- AP-HP Service de Biochimie, Fondation FondaMental, INSERM U942 Hôpital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France; Pharma Research Department, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Zinc, the most abundant trace metal in the brain, has numerous functions in health and disease. It is released into the synaptic cleft alongside glutamate and this connection between zinc and glutamatergic neurotransmission allows the ion to modulate overall excitability of the brain and influence synaptic plasticity. To maintain healthy synapses, extracellular zinc levels need to be tightly regulated. We recently reported that the cellular prion protein (PrP (C) ) can directly influence neuronal zinc concentrations by promoting zinc uptake via AMPA receptors. The octapeptide repeat region of PrP (C) is involved in zinc sensing or scavenging and the AMPA receptor provides the channel for transport of the metal across the membrane, facilitated by a direct interaction between the N-terminal polybasic region of PrP (C) and AMPA receptors. PrP (C) has been evolutionarily linked to the Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP) metal ion transport family with the C-terminus of PrP (C) sharing sequence similarities with the N-terminal extracellular domains of ZIP 5, 6 and 10. By incorporating the properties of ZIP transporters (both zinc sensing and zinc transport) into two existing neuronal proteins, (PrP (C) as zinc sensor, AMPA receptor as zinc transporter), neuronal cells are enhancing their biological efficiency and functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Watt
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pfaender S, Grabrucker AM. Characterization of biometal profiles in neurological disorders. Metallomics 2014; 6:960-77. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mt00008k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the findings on dysregulation of metal ions in neurological diseases and tries to develop and predict specific biometal profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Ulm University
- Ulm, Germany
- WG Molecular Analysis of Synaptopathies
- Neurology Dept
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kawahara M, Mizuno D, Koyama H, Konoha K, Ohkawara S, Sadakane Y. Disruption of zinc homeostasis and the pathogenesis of senile dementia. Metallomics 2014; 6:209-19. [DOI: 10.1039/c3mt00257h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
19
|
McDonald AJ, Dibble JP, Evans EGB, Millhauser GL. A new paradigm for enzymatic control of α-cleavage and β-cleavage of the prion protein. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:803-13. [PMID: 24247244 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.502351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular form of the prion protein (PrP(C)) is found in both full-length and several different cleaved forms in vivo. Although the precise functions of the PrP(C) proteolytic products are not known, cleavage between the unstructured N-terminal domain and the structured C-terminal domain at Lys-109↓His-110 (mouse sequence), termed α-cleavage, has been shown to produce the anti-apoptotic N1 and the scrapie-resistant C1 peptide fragments. β-Cleavage, residing adjacent to the octarepeat domain and N-terminal to the α-cleavage site, is thought to arise from the action of reactive oxygen species produced from redox cycling of coordinated copper. We sought to elucidate the role of key members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) enzyme family, as well as Cu(2+) redox cycling, in recombinant mouse PrP (MoPrP) cleavage through LC/MS analysis. Our findings show that although Cu(2+) redox-generated reactive oxygen species do produce fragmentation corresponding to β-cleavage, ADAM8 also cleaves MoPrP in the octarepeat domain in a Cu(2+)- and Zn(2+)-dependent manner. Additional cleavage by ADAM8 was observed at the previously proposed location of α-cleavage, Lys-109↓His-110 (MoPrP sequencing); however, upon addition of Cu(2+), the location of α-cleavage shifted by several amino acids toward the C terminus. ADAM10 and ADAM17 have also been implicated in α-cleavage at Lys-109↓His-110; however, we observed that they instead cleaved MoPrP at a novel location, Ala-119↓Val-120, with additional cleavage by ADAM10 at Gly-227↓Arg-228 near the C terminus. Together, our results show that MoPrP cleavage is far more complex than previously thought and suggest a mechanism by which PrP(C) fragmentation responds to Cu(2+) and Zn(2+).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex J McDonald
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhou Z, Xiao G. Conformational conversion of prion protein in prion diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2013; 45:465-76. [PMID: 23580591 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmt027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of infectious fatal neurodegenerative diseases. The conformational conversion of a cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into an abnormal misfolded isoform (PrP(Sc)) is the key event in prion diseases pathology. Under normal conditions, the high-energy barrier separates PrP(C) from PrP(Sc) isoform. However, pathogenic mutations, modifications as well as some cofactors, such as glycosaminoglycans, nucleic acids, and lipids, could modulate the conformational conversion process. Understanding the mechanism of conformational conversion of prion protein is essential for the biomedical research and the treatment of prion diseases. Particularly, the characterization of cofactors interacting with prion protein might provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Emwas AHM, Al-Talla ZA, Guo X, Al-Ghamdi S, Al-Masri HT. Utilizing NMR and EPR spectroscopy to probe the role of copper in prion diseases. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2013; 51:255-268. [PMID: 23436479 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.3936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential nutrient for the normal development of the brain and nervous system, although the hallmark of several neurological diseases is a change in copper concentrations in the brain and central nervous system. Prion protein (PrP) is a copper-binding, cell-surface glycoprotein that exists in two alternatively folded conformations: a normal isoform (PrP(C)) and a disease-associated isoform (PrP(Sc)). Prion diseases are a group of lethal neurodegenerative disorders that develop as a result of conformational conversion of PrP(C) into PrP(Sc). The pathogenic mechanism that triggers this conformational transformation with the subsequent development of prion diseases remains unclear. It has, however, been shown repeatedly that copper plays a significant functional role in the conformational conversion of prion proteins. In this review, we focus on current research that seeks to clarify the conformational changes associated with prion diseases and the role of copper in this mechanism, with emphasis on the latest applications of NMR and EPR spectroscopy to probe the interactions of copper with prion proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Hamid M Emwas
- NMR Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ren K, Gao C, Zhang J, Wang K, Xu Y, Wang SB, Wang H, Tian C, Shi Q, Dong XP. Flotillin-1 mediates PrPc endocytosis in the cultured cells during Cu²⁺ stimulation through molecular interaction. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:631-46. [PMID: 23625312 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Flotillins are membrane association proteins consisting of two homologous members, flotillin-1 (Flot-1) and flotillin-2 (Flot-2). They define a clathrin-independent endocytic pathway in mammal cells, which are also distinct from some other endocytosis mechanisms. The implicated cargoes of the flotillin-dependent pathway are mainly some GPI-anchored proteins, such as CD59 and Thy-1, which positionally colocalize with flotillins at the plasma membrane microdomains. To see whether flotillins are involved in the endocytosis of PrP(C), the potential molecular interaction between PrP(C) and flotillins in a neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH was analyzed. Co-immunoprecipitation assays did not reveal a detectable complex in the cell lysates of a normal feeding situation. After stimulation of Cu(2+), PrP(C) formed a clear complex with Flot-1, but not with Flot-2. Immunofluorescent assays illustrated that PrP(C) colocalized well with Flot-1, and the complexes of PrP(C)-Flot-1 shifted from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm along with the treatment of Cu(2+). Down-regulating the expression of Flot-1 in SK-N-SH cells by Flot-1-specific RNAi obviously abolished the Cu(2+)-stimulated endocytosis process of PrP(C). Moreover, we also found that in the cell line human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) without detectable PrP(C) expression, the distribution of cellular Flot-1 maintained almost unchanged during Cu(2+) treatment. Cu(2+)-induced PrP(C)-Flot-1 molecular interaction and endocytosis in HEK293 cells were obtained when expressing wild-type human PrP (PrP(PG5)), but not in the preparation expressing octarepeat-deleted PrP (PrP(PG0)). Our data here provide direct evidences for the molecular interaction and endocytosis of PrP(C) with Flot-1 in the presence of copper ions, and the octarepeat region of PrP(C) is critical for this process, which strongly indicates that the Flot-1-dependent endocytic pathway seems to mediate the endocytosis process of PrP(C) in the special situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chang-Bai Rd 155, Beijing, 102206, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Johnson CJ, Gilbert P, Abrecht M, Baldwin KL, Russell RE, Pedersen JA, Aiken JM, McKenzie D. Low copper and high manganese levels in prion protein plaques. Viruses 2013; 5:654-62. [PMID: 23435237 PMCID: PMC3640519 DOI: 10.3390/v5020654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of aggregates rich in an abnormally folded form of the prion protein characterize the neurodegeneration caused by transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The molecular triggers of plaque formation and neurodegeneration remain unknown, but analyses of TSE-infected brain homogenates and preparations enriched for abnormal prion protein suggest that reduced levels of copper and increased levels of manganese are associated with disease. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess copper and manganese levels in healthy and TSE-infected Syrian hamster brain homogenates; (2) determine if the distribution of these metals can be mapped in TSE-infected brain tissue using X-ray photoelectron emission microscopy (X-PEEM) with synchrotron radiation; and (3) use X-PEEM to assess the relative amounts of copper and manganese in prion plaques in situ. In agreement with studies of other TSEs and species, we found reduced brain levels of copper and increased levels of manganese associated with disease in our hamster model. We also found that the in situ levels of these metals in brainstem were sufficient to image by X-PEEM. Using immunolabeled prion plaques in directly adjacent tissue sections to identify regions to image by X-PEEM, we found a statistically significant relationship of copper-manganese dysregulation in prion plaques: copper was depleted whereas manganese was enriched. These data provide evidence for prion plaques altering local transition metal distribution in the TSE-infected central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Johnson
- USGS National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA; E-Mails: (C.J.J.); (R.E.R)
| | - P.U.P.A. Gilbert
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1150 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mails: (P.U.P.A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Mike Abrecht
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1150 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mails: (P.U.P.A.G.); (M.A.)
| | - Katherine L. Baldwin
- Program in Cellular & Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 425-G Henry Mall Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mail: (K.L.B.)
| | - Robin E. Russell
- USGS National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA; E-Mails: (C.J.J.); (R.E.R)
| | - Joel A. Pedersen
- Program in Cellular & Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 425-G Henry Mall Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mail: (K.L.B.)
- Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1525 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA; E-Mail: (J.A.P.)
| | - Judd M. Aiken
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, AFNS, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M8, Canada; E-Mail: (J.M.A.)
| | - Debbie McKenzie
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M8, Canada; E-Mail: (D.M.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1 780 492-9377; Fax: +1 780 492-9352
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Spevacek AR, Evans EGB, Miller JL, Meyer HC, Pelton JG, Millhauser GL. Zinc drives a tertiary fold in the prion protein with familial disease mutation sites at the interface. Structure 2013; 21:236-46. [PMID: 23290724 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrP(C) consists of two domains--a flexible N-terminal domain, which participates in copper and zinc regulation, and a largely helical C-terminal domain that converts to β sheet in the course of prion disease. These two domains are thought to be fully independent and noninteracting. Compelling cellular and biophysical studies, however, suggest a higher order structure that is relevant to both PrP(C) function and misfolding in disease. Here, we identify a Zn²⁺-driven N-terminal to C-terminal tertiary interaction in PrP(C). The C-terminal surface participating in this interaction carries the majority of the point mutations that confer familial prion disease. Investigation of mutant PrPs finds a systematic relationship between the type of mutation and the apparent strength of this domain structure. The structural features identified here suggest mechanisms by which physiologic metal ions trigger PrP(C) trafficking and control prion disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann R Spevacek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Arena G, La Mendola D, Pappalardo G, Sóvágó I, Rizzarelli E. Interactions of Cu2+ with prion family peptide fragments: Considerations on affinity, speciation and coordination. Coord Chem Rev 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2012.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
27
|
Coordination of zinc ions to the key proteins of neurodegenerative diseases: Aβ, APP, α-synuclein and PrP. Coord Chem Rev 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
28
|
Watt NT, Taylor DR, Kerrigan TL, Griffiths HH, Rushworth JV, Whitehouse IJ, Hooper NM. Prion protein facilitates uptake of zinc into neuronal cells. Nat Commun 2012; 3:1134. [PMID: 23072804 PMCID: PMC3493655 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is released into the synaptic cleft upon exocytotic stimuli, although the mechanism for its reuptake into neurons is unresolved. Here we show that the cellular prion protein enhances the uptake of zinc into neuronal cells. This prion-protein-mediated zinc influx requires the octapeptide repeats and amino-terminal polybasic region in the prion protein, but not its endocytosis. Selective antagonists of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors block the prion protein-mediated zinc uptake, and the prion protein co-immunoprecipitates with both GluA1 and GluA2 AMPA receptor subunits. Zinc-sensitive intracellular tyrosine phosphatase activity is decreased in cells expressing prion protein and increased in the brains of prion-protein-null mice, providing evidence of a physiological consequence of this process. Prion protein-mediated zinc uptake is ablated in cells expressing familial associated mutants of the protein and in prion-infected cells. These data suggest that alterations in the cellular prion protein-mediated zinc uptake may contribute to neurodegeneration in prion and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T. Watt
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - David R. Taylor
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Talitha L. Kerrigan
- Division of Cardiovascular and Neuronal Remodelling, Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Present address: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Henry Wellcome LINE and MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Heledd H. Griffiths
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jo V. Rushworth
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Isobel J. Whitehouse
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nigel M. Hooper
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lichten LA, Ryu MS, Guo L, Embury J, Cousins RJ. MTF-1-mediated repression of the zinc transporter Zip10 is alleviated by zinc restriction. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21526. [PMID: 21738690 PMCID: PMC3124522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of cellular zinc uptake is a key process in the overall mechanism governing mammalian zinc homeostasis and how zinc participates in cellular functions. We analyzed the zinc transporters of the Zip family in both the brain and liver of zinc-deficient animals and found a large, significant increase in Zip10 expression. Additionally, Zip10 expression decreased in response to zinc repletion. Moreover, isolated mouse hepatocytes, AML12 hepatocytes, and Neuro 2A cells also respond differentially to zinc availability in vitro. Measurement of Zip10 hnRNA and actinomycin D inhibition studies indicate that Zip10 was transcriptionally regulated by zinc deficiency. Through luciferase promoter constructs and ChIP analysis, binding of MTF-1 to a metal response element located 17 bp downstream of the transcription start site was shown to be necessary for zinc-induced repression of Zip10. Furthermore, zinc-activated MTF-1 causes down-regulation of Zip10 transcription by physically blocking Pol II movement through the gene. Lastly, ZIP10 is localized to the plasma membrane of hepatocytes and neuro 2A cells. Collectively, these results reveal a novel repressive role for MTF-1 in the regulation of the Zip10 zinc transporter expression by pausing Pol II transcription. ZIP10 may have roles in control of zinc homeostasis in specific sites particularly those of the brain and liver. Within that context ZIP10 may act as an important survival mechanism during periods of zinc inadequacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis A. Lichten
- Center for Nutritional Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Moon-Suhn Ryu
- Center for Nutritional Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Liang Guo
- Center for Nutritional Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Embury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Cousins
- Center for Nutritional Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Singh N, Singh A, Das D, Mohan ML. Redox control of prion and disease pathogenesis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2010; 12:1271-94. [PMID: 19803746 PMCID: PMC2864664 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2009.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2009] [Revised: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 10/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Imbalance of brain metal homeostasis and associated oxidative stress by redox-active metals like iron and copper is an important trigger of neurotoxicity in several neurodegenerative conditions, including prion disorders. Whereas some reports attribute this to end-stage disease, others provide evidence for specific mechanisms leading to brain metal dyshomeostasis during disease progression. In prion disorders, imbalance of brain-iron homeostasis is observed before end-stage disease and worsens with disease progression, implicating iron-induced oxidative stress in disease pathogenesis. This is an unexpected observation, because the underlying cause of brain pathology in all prion disorders is PrP-scrapie (PrP(Sc)), a beta-sheet-rich conformation of a normal glycoprotein, the prion protein (PrP(C)). Whether brain-iron dyshomeostasis occurs because of gain of toxic function by PrP(Sc) or loss of normal function of PrP(C) remains unclear. In this review, we summarize available evidence suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress in prion-disease pathogenesis. Subsequently, we review the biology of PrP(C) to highlight its possible role in maintaining brain metal homeostasis during health and the contribution of PrP(Sc) in inducing brain metal imbalance with disease progression. Finally, we discuss possible therapeutic avenues directed at restoring brain metal homeostasis and alleviating metal-induced oxidative stress in prion disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neena Singh
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bolea R, Hortells P, Martín-Burriel I, Vargas A, Ryffel B, Monzón M, Badiola JJ. Consequences of dietary manganese and copper imbalance on neuronal apoptosis in a murine model of scrapie. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2010; 36:300-11. [PMID: 20070537 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2010.01065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Copper and manganese levels are altered in mice both lacking PrPc and prion-infected brains. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of manganese and copper imbalance on neuronal apoptosis in a scrapie-infected Tga20 mouse model. METHODS Immunoreactivities for the apoptotic proteins Bax and active caspase-3 were evaluated in nine regions of the brain of scrapie-infected and control Tga20 mice treated with one of several diets: depleted cooper (-Cu), loaded manganese (+Mn), depleted copper/loaded manganese (-Cu+Mn) and regular diet. Immunohistochemical determination of NeuN was used to detect possible neuronal loss. RESULTS Intracellular Bax detection was significantly decreased in animals fed with modified diets, particularly in those treated with copper-depleted diets. A decrease in active caspase-3 was primarily observed in animals fed with enhanced manganese diets. Our results show that the -Cu, -Cu+Mn and +Mn diets protected against apoptosis in scrapie-infected mice. However, NeuN immunolabelling quantification revealed that no diet was sufficient to arrest neuronal death. CONCLUSIONS With regard to apoptosis induction, the response of Tga20 mice to prion infection was similar to that reported for other mice models. Our results demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of -Cu, -Cu+Mn and +Mn diets in a murine model of scrapie. However, neuronal death induced by infection with prions seems to be independent of apoptosis marker signalling. Moreover, copper-modified diets were neuroprotective against the possible toxicity of the prion transgene in Tga20 control and infected mice even though manganese supplementation could not counteract this toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Bolea
- Animal Pathology Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Aspergillus fumigatus survival in alkaline and extreme zinc-limiting environments relies on the induction of a zinc homeostasis system encoded by the zrfC and aspf2 genes. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2009; 9:424-37. [PMID: 20038606 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00348-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus has three zinc transporter-encoding genes whose expression is regulated by both pH and the environmental concentration of zinc. We have previously reported that the zrfA and zrfB genes of A. fumigatus are transcribed at higher levels and are required for fungal growth under acidic zinc-limiting conditions whereas they are dispensable for growth in neutral or alkaline zinc-limiting media. Here we report that the transporter of the zinc uptake system that functions in A. fumigatus growing in neutral or alkaline environments is encoded by zrfC. The transcription of zrfC occurs divergently with respect to the adjacent aspf2 gene, which encodes an immunodominant antigen secreted by A. fumigatus. The two genes-zrfC and aspf2-are required to different extents for fungal growth in alkaline and extreme zinc-limiting media. Indeed, these environmental conditions induce the simultaneous transcription of both genes mediated by the transcriptional regulators ZafA and PacC. ZafA upregulates the expression of zrfC and aspf2 under zinc-limiting conditions regardless of the ambient pH, whereas PacC represses the expression of these genes under acidic growth conditions. Interestingly, the mode of action of PacC for zrfC-aspf2 transcription contrasts with the more widely accepted model for PacC function, according to which under alkaline growth conditions PacC would activate the transcription of alkaline-expressed genes but would repress the transcription of acid-expressed genes. In sum, this report provides a good framework for investigating several important aspects of the biology of species of Aspergillus, including the repression of alkaline genes by PacC at acidic pH and the interrelationship that must exist between tissue pH, metal availability in the host tissue, and fungal virulence.
Collapse
|
33
|
Prion metal interaction: Is prion pathogenesis a cause or a consequence of metal imbalance? Chem Biol Interact 2009; 181:282-91. [PMID: 19660443 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2009.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
34
|
Schmitt-Ulms G, Ehsani S, Watts JC, Westaway D, Wille H. Evolutionary descent of prion genes from the ZIP family of metal ion transporters. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7208. [PMID: 19784368 PMCID: PMC2745754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the more than twenty years since its discovery, both the phylogenetic origin and cellular function of the prion protein (PrP) have remained enigmatic. Insights into a possible function of PrP may be obtained through the characterization of its molecular neighborhood in cells. Quantitative interactome data demonstrated the spatial proximity of two metal ion transporters of the ZIP family, ZIP6 and ZIP10, to mammalian prion proteins in vivo. A subsequent bioinformatic analysis revealed the unexpected presence of a PrP-like amino acid sequence within the N-terminal, extracellular domain of a distinct sub-branch of the ZIP protein family that includes ZIP5, ZIP6 and ZIP10. Additional structural threading and orthologous sequence alignment analyses argued that the prion gene family is phylogenetically derived from a ZIP-like ancestral molecule. The level of sequence homology and the presence of prion protein genes in most chordate species place the split from the ZIP-like ancestor gene at the base of the chordate lineage. This relationship explains structural and functional features found within mammalian prion proteins as elements of an ancient involvement in the transmembrane transport of divalent cations. The phylogenetic and spatial connection to ZIP proteins is expected to open new avenues of research to elucidate the biology of the prion protein in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stawoska I, Wesełucha-Birczyńska A, Regonesi ME, Riva M, Tortora P, Stochel G. Interaction of selected divalent metal ions with human ataxin-3 Q36. J Biol Inorg Chem 2009; 14:1175-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-009-0561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
36
|
Rachidi W, Chimienti F, Aouffen M, Senator A, Guiraud P, Seve M, Favier A. Prion protein protects against zinc-mediated cytotoxicity by modifying intracellular exchangeable zinc and inducing metallothionein expression. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2009; 23:214-23. [PMID: 19486831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PrPC contains several octapeptide repeats sequences toward the N-terminus which have binding affinity for divalent metals such as copper, zinc, nickel and manganese. However, the link between PrPC expression and zinc metabolism remains elusive. Here we studied the relationship between PrPC and zinc ions intracellular homeostasis using a cell line expressing a doxycycline-inducible PrPC gene. No significant difference in 65Zn2+ uptake was observed in cells expressing PrPC when compared with control cells. However, PrPC-expressing cells were more resistant to zinc-induced toxicity, suggesting an adaptative mechanism induced by PrPC. Using zinquin-ethyl-ester, a specific fluorophore for vesicular free zinc, we observed a significant re-localization of intracellular exchangeable zinc in vesicles after PrPC expression. Finally, we demonstrated that PrPC expression induces metallothionein (MT) expression, a zinc-upregulated zinc-binding protein. Taken together, these results suggest that PrPC modifies the intracellular localization of zinc rather than the cellular content and induces MT upregulation. These findings are of major importance since zinc deregulation is implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders. It is postulated that in prion diseases the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc may deregulate zinc homeostasis mediated by metallothionein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walid Rachidi
- INAC/SCIB/LAN, CEA de Grenoble, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Szyrwiel L, Jankowska E, Janicka-Klos A, Szewczuk Z, Valensin D, Kozlowski H. Zn(II) ions bind very efficiently to tandem repeat region of "prion related protein" (PrP-rel-2) of zebra-fish. MS and potentiometric evidence. Dalton Trans 2008:6117-20. [PMID: 18985242 DOI: 10.1039/b811224j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Multi-histidine peptide fragments of zebra-fish prion protein are effective ligands for Zn(II) ions. Moreover the formation of a dinuclear complex species with a longer peptide can suggest the existence of the cooperative effect in the metal ion binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Szyrwiel
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Linden R, Martins VR, Prado MAM, Cammarota M, Izquierdo I, Brentani RR. Physiology of the prion protein. Physiol Rev 2008; 88:673-728. [PMID: 18391177 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), attributed to conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into an abnormal conformer that accumulates in the brain. Understanding the pathogenesis of TSEs requires the identification of functional properties of PrP(C). Here we examine the physiological functions of PrP(C) at the systemic, cellular, and molecular level. Current data show that both the expression and the engagement of PrP(C) with a variety of ligands modulate the following: 1) functions of the nervous and immune systems, including memory and inflammatory reactions; 2) cell proliferation, differentiation, and sensitivity to programmed cell death both in the nervous and immune systems, as well as in various cell lines; 3) the activity of numerous signal transduction pathways, including cAMP/protein kinase A, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways, as well as soluble non-receptor tyrosine kinases; and 4) trafficking of PrP(C) both laterally among distinct plasma membrane domains, and along endocytic pathways, on top of continuous, rapid recycling. A unified view of these functional properties indicates that the prion protein is a dynamic cell surface platform for the assembly of signaling modules, based on which selective interactions with many ligands and transmembrane signaling pathways translate into wide-range consequences upon both physiology and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Linden
- Instituto de Biofísica da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Alterations in Ca2+-buffering in prion-null mice: association with reduced afterhyperpolarizations in CA1 hippocampal neurons. J Neurosci 2008; 28:3877-86. [PMID: 18400886 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0675-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein (PrP) is a normal component of neurons, which confers susceptibility to prion diseases. Despite its evolutionary conservation, its normal function remains controversial. PrP-deficient (Prnp(0/0)) mice have weaker afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) in cerebellar and hippocampal neurons. Here we show that the AHP impairment in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells is selective for the slow AHP, and is not caused by an impairment of either voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels or Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. Instead, Prnp(0/0) neurons have twofold to threefold stronger Ca(2+) buffering and double the Ca(2+) extrusion rate. In Prnp(0/0) neurons thapsigargin abolished the stronger Ca(2+) buffering and extrusion, and thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid abolished the weakening of the slow AHPs. These data implicate sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase in the enhanced Ca(2+) buffering, and extrusion into the endoplasmic reticulum, which contains substantial amounts of PrP in wild-type mice. Altered Ca(2+) homeostasis can explain several phenotypes identified in Prnp(0/0) mice.
Collapse
|
40
|
Laffont-Proust I, Fonta C, Renaud L, Hässig R, Moya KL. Developmental changes in cellular prion protein in primate visual cortex. J Comp Neurol 2008; 504:646-58. [PMID: 17722030 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) is a cell surface glycoprotein highly expressed in neurons, and a protease-resistant conformer of the protein accumulates in the brain parenchyma in prion diseases. In human prion diseases, visual cortex and visual function can be affected. We examined both the levels and the localization of PrP(c) in developing visual cortex of the common marmoset. Western blot analysis showed that PrP(c) increased from the day of birth through adulthood, and this increase correlated with the progression of synapse formation. Immunohistochemistry showed that PrP(c) was present in fiber tracts of the neonate, and this immunoreactivity was lost with maturation. Within the neuropil, the laminar distribution of PrP(c) changed with age. In the neonate, PrP(c) immunoreactivity was strongest in layer 1, where the earliest synapses form. At the end of the first postnatal week, layer 4C, as identified by its strong cytochrome oxidase activity, was noticeably lighter in terms of PrP(c) immunoreactivity than the adjacent layers. The contrast between the strong immunoreactivity in both supragranular and infragranular layers and weak immunoreactivity in layer 4C increased with age. Layers 2/3 and 5 contained more intense PrP(c) immunoreactivity; these layers receive thalamic input from the koniocellular division of the LGN, and these layers of the LGN also had strong PrP(c) immunoreactivity. Together, these results provide evidence for PrP(c) localization in an identified functional pathway and may shed some light on prion disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Laffont-Proust
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Avenir Team--Human Prion Diseases, IFR70, Neuropathology, Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris 75013, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Walter ED, Stevens DJ, Visconte MP, Millhauser GL. The prion protein is a combined zinc and copper binding protein: Zn2+ alters the distribution of Cu2+ coordination modes. J Am Chem Soc 2007; 129:15440-1. [PMID: 18034490 PMCID: PMC2532507 DOI: 10.1021/ja077146j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PrP binds copper in the highly conserved, unstructured N-terminal half of the protein. The octarepeat region consists of 4 tandem repeats of PHGGGWGQ and binds four equivalents of copper at full occupancy. Adjacent to the octarepeats are two additional histidines that may also bind copper. We recently showed that when the octarepeat region is titrated with Cu2+, the copper binding mode depends on the number of equivalents of copper bound. In addition to copper, other metals have been associated with PrP, however zinc is the only metal other than copper that induces PrP endocytosis, inhibits fibril formation and promotes inter-molecular interactions. In this work we show that even large excesses of zinc (> 1mM) are unable to displace copper from either the octarepeat region or the full-length protein. However, EPR reveals that physiologically relevant levels of zinc significantly alter the distribution of copper among the available binding modes. Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) modification and Mass Spectrometry is used to identify the octarepeat region as the zinc binding site and to confirm that the affinity of PrP for zinc is ~200 μM. PrP can simultaneously bind both copper and zinc by shifting to binding modes that minimize the ratio of histidines to copper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Walter
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Daniel J. Stevens
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Micah P. Visconte
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Glenn L. Millhauser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Taylor DR, Hooper NM. Role of lipid rafts in the processing of the pathogenic prion and Alzheimer's amyloid-β proteins. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2007; 18:638-48. [PMID: 17822928 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2007.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 07/20/2007] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The conformational conversion of the cellular form of the prion protein (PrP C) into the infectious form (PrP Sc) and the proteolytic processing of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide are central pathogenetic events in the prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease, respectively. Cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich lipid rafts have emerged as important sites for the conversion of PrP C into PrP Sc, and for the proteolytic production, degradation and aggregation of Abeta. Here, we discuss these findings and their implications for our understanding of these disease processes. In addition, the potential for rafts as sites for therapeutic intervention in prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease is considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Taylor
- Proteolysis Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, and Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Watt NT, Routledge MN, Wild CP, Hooper NM. Cellular prion protein protects against reactive-oxygen-species-induced DNA damage. Free Radic Biol Med 2007; 43:959-67. [PMID: 17697940 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2007] [Revised: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 06/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although the cellular form of the prion protein (PrPC) is critical for the development of prion disease through its conformational conversion into the infectious form (PrPSc), the physiological role of PrPC is less clear. Using alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (the Comet assay), we show that expression of PrPC protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against DNA damage under basal conditions and following exposure to reactive oxygen species, either hydroxyl radicals following exposure to Cu2+ or Fe2+ or singlet oxygen following exposure to the photosensitizer methylene blue and white light. Cells expressing either PrPDeltaoct which lacks the octapeptide repeats or the prion-disease-associated mutants A116V or PG14 had increased levels of DNA damage compared to cells expressing PrPC. In PrPSc-infected mouse ScN2a cells there was a significant increase in DNA damage over noninfected N2a cells (median tail DNA 2.87 and 7.33%, respectively). Together, these data indicate that PrPC has a critical role to play in protecting cells against reactive-oxygen-species-mediated DNA damage; a function which requires the octapeptide repeats in the protein, is lost in disease-associated mutants of the protein or upon conversion to PrPSc, and thus provide further support for the neuroprotective role for PrPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Watt
- Proteolysis Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gains MJ, LeBlanc AC. Canadian Association of Neurosciences Review: prion protein and prion diseases: the good and the bad. Can J Neurol Sci 2007; 34:126-45. [PMID: 17598589 DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100005953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the 1700's a strange new disease affecting sheep was recognized in Europe. The disease later became known as "Scrapie" and was the first of a family of similar diseases affecting a number of species that are now known as the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). The appearance of a new disease in humans linked to the consumption of meat products from infected cattle has stimulated widespread public concern and scientific interest in the prion protein and related diseases. Nearly 300 years after the first report, these diseases still merit the descriptor "strange". This family of diseases is characterized by a unique profile of histological changes, can be transmitted as inherited or acquired diseases, as well as apparent sporadic spontaneous generation of the disease. These diseases are believed by many, to be caused by a unique protein only infectious agent. The "prion protein" (PrPC), a term first coined by Stanley Prusiner in 1982 is crucial to the development of these diseases, apparently by acting as a substrate for an abnormal disease associated form. However, aside from being critical to the pathogenesis of the disease, the function of PrPC, which is expressed in all mammals, has defied definitive description. Several roles have been proposed on the basis of in vitro studies, however, thus far, in vivo confirmation has not been forthcoming. The biological features of PrPC also seem to be unusual. Numerous mouse models have been generated in an attempt to understand the pathogenesis of these diseases. This review summarizes the current state of histological features, the etiologic agent, the normal metabolism and the function of the prion protein, as well as the limitations of the mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm J Gains
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Cattaneo E, Zuccato C, Tartari M. Normal huntingtin function: an alternative approach to Huntington's disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2007; 6:919-30. [PMID: 16288298 DOI: 10.1038/nrn1806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 436] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Several neurological diseases are characterized by the altered activity of one or a few ubiquitously expressed cell proteins, but it is not known how these normal proteins turn into harmful executors of selective neuronal cell death. We selected huntingtin in Huntington's disease to explore this question because the dominant inheritance pattern of the disease seems to exclude the possibility that the wild-type protein has a role in the natural history of this condition. However, even in this extreme case, there is considerable evidence that normal huntingtin is important for neuronal function and that the activity of some of its downstream effectors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is reduced in Huntington's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
|
47
|
Abstract
Prions, the infectious agents of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), have defied full characterization for decades. The dogma has been that prions lack nucleic acids and are composed of a pathological, self-inducing form of the host's prion protein (PrP). Recent progress in propagating TSE infectivity in cell-free systems has effectively ruled out the involvement of foreign nucleic acids. However, host-derived nucleic acids or other non-PrP molecules seem to be crucial. Interactions between TSE-associated PrP and its normal counterpart are also pathologically important, so the physiological functions of normal PrP and how they might be corrupted by TSE infections have been the subject of recent research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byron Caughey
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Jószai V, Nagy Z, Osz K, Sanna D, Di Natale G, La Mendola D, Pappalardo G, Rizzarelli E, Sóvágó I. Transition metal complexes of terminally protected peptides containing histidyl residues. J Inorg Biochem 2006; 100:1399-409. [PMID: 16730799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2006.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2005] [Revised: 04/10/2006] [Accepted: 04/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Histidine-containing peptide fragments of prion protein are efficient ligands to bind various transition metal ions and they have high selectivity in metal binding. The metal ion affinity follows the order: Pd(II)>>Cu(II)>>Ni(II)Zn(II)>Cd(II) approximately Co(II)>Mn(II). The high selectivity of metal binding is connected to the involvement of both imidazole and amide nitrogen atoms in metal binding for Pd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II), while only the monodentate N(im)-coordination is possible with the other metal ions. The stoichiometry and binding mode of palladium(II) complexes show great variety depending on the metal ion to ligand ratio, pH and especially the presence of coordinating donor atoms in the side chains of peptide fragments. It is also clear from our data that the peptide fragments containing histidine outside the octarepeat (His96, His111 and His187) are more efficient ligands than the monomer peptide fragments of the octarepeat domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Jószai
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 21, H-4010 Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Prions are the causative agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. In these prion diseases the normal cellular form of the prion protein (PrP(C)) undergoes a post-translational conformational conversion to the infectious form (PrP(Sc)). PrP(C) associates with cholesterol- and glycosphingolipid-rich lipid rafts through association of its glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor with saturated raft lipids and through interaction of its N-terminal region with an as yet unidentified raft associated molecule. PrP(C) resides in detergent-resistant domains that have different lipid and protein compositions to the domains occupied by another GPI-anchored protein, Thy-1. In some cells PrP(C) may endocytose through caveolae, but in neuronal cells, upon copper binding to the N-terminal octapeptide repeats, the protein translocates out of rafts into detergent-soluble regions of the plasma membrane prior to endocytosis through clathrin-coated pits. The current data suggest that the polybasic region at its N-terminus is required to engage PrP(C) with a transmembrane adaptor protein which in turn links with the clathrin endocytic machinery. PrP(C) associates in rafts with a variety of signalling molecules, including caveolin-1 and Fyn and Src tyrosine kinases. The clustering of PrP(C) triggers a range of signal transduction processes, including the recruitment of the neural cell adhesion molecule to rafts which in turn promotes neurite outgrowth. Lipid rafts appear to be involved in the conformational conversion of PrP(C) to PrP(Sc), possibly by providing a favourable environment for this process to occur and enabling disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Taylor
- Proteolysis Research Group, Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Brain ferritin iron may influence age- and gender-related risks of neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Aging 2006; 28:414-23. [PMID: 16563566 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2006.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2005] [Revised: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain iron promotes oxidative damage and protein oligomerization that result in highly prevalent age-related proteinopathies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Men are more likely to develop such diseases at earlier ages than women but brain iron levels increase with age in both genders. We hypothesized that brain iron may influence both the age- and gender-related risks of developing these diseases. METHODS The amount of iron in ferritin molecules (ferritin iron) was measured in vivo with MRI by utilizing the field dependent relaxation rate increase (FDRI) method. Ferritin iron was measured in four subcortical nuclei [caudate (C), putamen (P), globus pallidus (G), thalamus (T)], three white matter regions [frontal lobe (Fwm), genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (Gwm, Swm)] and hippocampus (Hipp) in 165 healthy adults aged 19-82. RESULTS There was a high correlation (r>0.99) between published post-mortem brain iron levels and FDRI. There were significant age-related changes in ferritin iron (increases in Hipp, C, P, G, and decreases in Fwm). Women had significantly lower ferritin iron than men in five regions (C, T, Fwm, Gwm, Swm). CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration of gender differences in brain ferritin iron levels. It is possible that brain iron accumulation is a risk factor that can be modified. MRI provides the opportunity to assess brain iron levels in vivo and may be useful in targeting individuals or groups for preventive therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|