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Jeong MJ, Kim YC, Jeong BH. The first report of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the open reading frame of the prion-like protein gene in rabbits. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1388339. [PMID: 38952802 PMCID: PMC11216025 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1388339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Natural cases of prion disease have not been reported in rabbits, and prior attempts to identify a prion conversion agent have been unsuccessful. However, recent applications of prion seed amplifying experimental techniques have sparked renewed interest in the potential susceptibility of rabbits to prion disease infections. Among several factors related to prion disease, polymorphisms within the prion-like protein gene (PRND), a member of the prion protein family, have been reported as significantly associated with disease susceptibility in various species. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate polymorphisms in the PRND gene of rabbits and analyze their genetic characteristics. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from 207 rabbit samples to investigate leporine PRND polymorphisms. Subsequently, amplicon sequencing targeting the coding region of the leporine PRND gene was conducted. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was employed to assess the connection within and between loci. The impact of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Doppel protein was evaluated using PolyPhen-2. Results We found nine novel SNPs in the leporine PRND gene: c.18A > G, c.76G > C, c.128C > T, c.146C > T, c.315A > G, c.488G > A, c.525G > C, c.544G > A, and c.579A > G. Notably, seven of these PRND SNPs, excluding c.525G > C and c.579A > G, exhibited strong LD values exceeding 0.3. In addition, LD analysis confirmed a robust link between PRNP SNP c.234C > T and PRND SNPs at c.525G > C and c.579A > G. Furthermore, according to PolyPhen-2 and SIFT analyses, the four non-synonymous SNPs were predicted to have deleterious effects on the function or structure of the Doppel protein. However, PANTHER and Missense3D did not indicate such effects. Conclusion In this paper, we have identified novel SNPs in the rabbit PRND gene and predicted their potential detrimental effects on protein function or structure through four non-synonymous SNPs. Additionally, we observed a genetic linkage between SNPs in the PRND and PRNP genes. These findings may provide insights into understanding the characteristics of rabbits as partially resistant species. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to genetically characterize PRND SNPs in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ju Jeong
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chan Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hoon Jeong
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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Svedružić ŽM, Ryou C, Choi D, Lee SH, Cheon YP. Physiology of Cellular Prion Proteins in Reproduction. Dev Reprod 2024; 28:29-36. [PMID: 39055100 PMCID: PMC11268893 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2024.28.2.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) encoded at Prnp gene is well-known to form a misfolded isoform, termed scrapie PrP (PrPSC) that cause transmissible degenerative diseases in central nervous system. The physiological role of PrPC has been proposed by many studies, showing that PrPC interacts with various intracellular, membrane, and extracellular molecules including mitochondrial inner membrane as a scaffold. PrPC is expressed in most cell types including reproductive organs. Numerous studies using PrPC knockout rodent models found no obvious phenotypic changes, in particular the clear phenotypes in development and reproduction have not demonstrated in these knockout models. However, various roles of PrPC have been evaluated at the cellular levels. In this review, we summarized the known roles of PrPC in various cell types and tissues with a special emphasis on those involved in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chongsuk Ryou
- Department of Pharmacy, College of
Pharmacy, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan 15588,
Korea
| | - Donchan Choi
- Department Life Science, College of
Health Science and Welfare, Yong-In University,
Yongin 17092, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and
Physiology, Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Basic Sciences,
Sungshin University, Seoul 02844,
Korea
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Merges GE, Arévalo L, Kovacevic A, Lohanadan K, de Rooij DG, Simon C, Jokwitz M, Witke W, Schorle H. Actl7b deficiency leads to mislocalization of LC8 type dynein light chains and disruption of murine spermatogenesis. Development 2023; 150:dev201593. [PMID: 37800308 PMCID: PMC10652042 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201593] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Actin-related proteins (Arps) are classified according to their similarity to actin and are involved in diverse cellular processes. ACTL7B is a testis-specific Arp, and is highly conserved in rodents and primates. ACTL7B is specifically expressed in round and elongating spermatids during spermiogenesis. Here, we have generated an Actl7b-null allele in mice to unravel the role of ACTL7B in sperm formation. Male mice homozygous for the Actl7b-null allele (Actl7b-/-) were infertile, whereas heterozygous males (Actl7b+/-) were fertile. Severe spermatid defects, such as detached acrosomes, disrupted membranes and flagella malformations start to appear after spermiogenesis step 9 in Actl7b-/- mice, finally resulting in spermatogenic arrest. Abnormal spermatids were degraded and levels of autophagy markers were increased. Co-immunoprecipitation with mass spectrometry experiments identified an interaction between ACTL7B and the LC8 dynein light chains DYNLL1 and DYNLL2, which are first detected in step 9 spermatids and mislocalized when ACTL7B is absent. Our data unequivocally establish that mutations in ACTL7B are directly related to male infertility, pressing for additional research in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina E. Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andjela Kovacevic
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Keerthika Lohanadan
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk G. de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Simon
- Cell Migration Unit, Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Jokwitz
- Cell Migration Unit, Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Walter Witke
- Cell Migration Unit, Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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4
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Nafe R, Arendt CT, Hattingen E. Human prion diseases and the prion protein - what is the current state of knowledge? Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220315. [PMID: 37854584 PMCID: PMC10579786 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases and the prion protein are only partially understood so far in many aspects. This explains the continued research on this topic, calling for an overview on the current state of knowledge. The main objective of the present review article is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date presentation of all major features of human prion diseases bridging the gap between basic research and clinical aspects. Starting with the prion protein, current insights concerning its physiological functions and the process of pathological conversion will be highlighted. Diagnostic, molecular, and clinical aspects of all human prion diseases will be discussed, including information concerning rare diseases like prion-associated amyloidoses and Huntington disease-like 1, as well as the question about a potential human threat due to the transmission of prions from prion diseases of other species such as chronic wasting disease. Finally, recent attempts to develop future therapeutic strategies will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Nafe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christophe T. Arendt
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elke Hattingen
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang-Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Lee JH, Park SH, Ryou C, Gye MC. Phthalate plasticizer decreases the prion-like protein doppel essential for structural integrity and function of spermatozoa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 246:114159. [PMID: 36215882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a well-known endocrine disruptor, causes male reproductive dysfunction. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we performed histological, endocrinological, and biochemical analyses and assessed the expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm function according to OECD test guideline 407. Following 28 days of administration of the lowest observed adverse effect level dose of DBP to mice, no significant changes in body weight, testis and epididymis weights and histology, serum testosterone level, or testicular daily sperm production were found. Nonetheless, the motility of the epididymal sperm of the DBP group was significantly decreased together with an increase in the incidence of bent tails and abnormal heads. In the testes of the DBP group, lipid peroxidation (LPO) level was significantly increased and testicular Bcl-2 mRNA level was significantly decreased together with an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio. In the testes of the DBP group, levels of Prnd mRNA and protein and Pou4f1 mRNA, an activator of the Prnd promotor, were significantly decreased. Of note, prion-like protein doppel (PRND) was significantly decreased together with decreased PRND immunoreactivity in the head, midpiece, and tail of sperm. In the testes of the DBP group, levels of Sox9, Sgp1, and Sgp2 mRNA, which are functional Sertoli cell markers, were significantly decreased. Level of Amh mRNA, a Sertoli cell immaturity marker, was significantly increased together with that of Inha mRNA, suggesting deregulation of the brain-gonadal axis. Together, our findings suggest that DBP at present dosage may potentiate LPO generation and Sertoli cell immaturity via downregulation of Sox9 and disruption of the Pou4f1-Prnd gene network in post-meiotic germ cells without visible changes in spermatogenesis or testosterone level. This may result in structural and functional abnormalities in spermatozoa. Additionally, our findings suggest that assessment of the male reproductive toxicity of phthalate ester plasticizers based on conventional OECD test guidelines should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Life Science, Institute for Natural Sciences and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science, Institute for Natural Sciences and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Chongsuk Ryou
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science, Institute for Natural Sciences and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Choi JU, Zhang X, Hasan MM, Karim M, Chung SW, Alam F, Alqahtani F, Reddy SY, Kim IS, Al-Hilal TA, Byun Y. Targeting angiogenic growth factors using therapeutic glycosaminoglycans on doppel-expressing endothelial cells for blocking angiogenic signaling in cancer. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121423. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Bosio AG, Zambito M, Barbieri F, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Emerging Role of Cellular Prion Protein in the Maintenance and Expansion of Glioma Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111458. [PMID: 31752162 PMCID: PMC6912268 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein representing the physiological counterpart of PrP scrapie (PrPSc), which plays a pathogenetic role in prion diseases. Relatively little information is however available about physiological role of PrPC. Although PrPC ablation in mice does not induce lethal phenotypes, impairment of neuronal and bone marrow plasticity was reported in embryos and adult animals. In neurons, PrPC stimulates neurite growth, prevents oxidative stress-dependent cell death, and favors antiapoptotic signaling. However, PrPC activity is not restricted to post-mitotic neurons, but promotes cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in adult. PrPC acts as scaffold to stabilize the binding between different membrane receptors, growth factors, and basement proteins, contributing to tumorigenesis. Indeed, ablation of PrPC expression reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration and restores cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, PrPC overexpression in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from different tumors, including gliomas—the most malignant brain tumors—is predictive for poor prognosis, and correlates with relapses. The mechanisms of the PrPC role in tumorigenesis and its molecular partners in this activity are the topic of the present review, with a particular focus on PrPC contribution to glioma CSCs multipotency, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessia G. Bosio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Martina Zambito
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
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8
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Paduch DA, Hilz S, Grimson A, Schlegel PN, Jedlicka AE, Wright WW. Aberrant gene expression by Sertoli cells in infertile men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216586. [PMID: 31071133 PMCID: PMC6508736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome is a severe form of human male infertility seemingly characterized by the lack all spermatogenic cells. However, tubules of some SCO testes contain small patches of active spermatogenesis and thus spermatogonial stem cells. We hypothesized that these stem cells cannot replicate and seed spermatogenesis in barren areas of tubule because as-of-yet unrecognized deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression disable most stem cell niches. Performing the first thorough comparison of the transcriptomes of human testes exhibiting complete spermatogenesis with the transcriptomes of testes with SCO syndrome, we defined transcripts that are both predominantly expressed by Sertoli cells and expressed at aberrant levels in SCO testes. Some of these transcripts encode proteins required for the proper assembly of adherent and gap junctions at sites of contact with other cells, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Other transcripts encode GDNF, FGF8 and BMP4, known regulators of mouse SSCs. Thus, most SCO Sertoli cells can neither organize junctions at normal sites of cell-cell contact nor stimulate SSCs with adequate levels of growth factors. We propose that the critical deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression we have identified contribute to the inability of spermatogonial stem cells within small patches of spermatogenesis in some SCO testes to seed spermatogenesis to adjacent areas of tubule that are barren of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we predict that one or more of these deficits in gene expression are primary causes of human SCO syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Hilz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Genomic Analysis and Sequencing Core Facility, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Jedlicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William W. Wright
- Consulting Research Services, Inc, North Bergen, N.J., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Won SY, Kim YC, Kim K, Kim AD, Jeong BH. The First Report of Polymorphisms and Genetic Features of the prion-like Protein Gene ( PRND) in a Prion Disease-Resistant Animal, Dog. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061404. [PMID: 30897750 PMCID: PMC6470729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion disease has displayed large infection host ranges among several species; however, dogs have not been reported to be infected and are considered prion disease-resistant animals. Case-controlled studies in several species, including humans and cattle, indicated a potent association of prion protein gene (PRNP) polymorphisms in the progression of prion disease. Thus, because of the proximal location and similar structure of the PRNP gene among the prion gene family, the prion-like protein gene (PRND) was noted as a novel candidate gene that contributes to prion disease susceptibility. Several case-controlled studies have confirmed the relationship of the PRND gene with prion disease vulnerability, and strong genetic linkage disequilibrium blocks were identified in prion-susceptible species between the PRNP and PRND genes. However, to date, polymorphisms of the dog PRND gene have not been reported, and the genetic linkage between the PRNP and PRND genes has not been examined thus far. Here, we first investigated dog PRND polymorphisms in 207 dog DNA samples using direct DNA sequencing. A total of four novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including one nonsynonymous SNP (c.149G>A, R50H), were identified in this study. We also found two major haplotypes among the four novel SNPs. In addition, we compared the genotype and allele frequencies of the c.149G>A (R50H) SNP and found significantly different distributions among eight dog breeds. Furthermore, we annotated the c.149G>A (R50H) SNP of the dog PRND gene using in silico tools, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, and PANTHER. Finally, we examined linkage disequilibrium between the PRNP and PRND genes in dogs. Interestingly, we did not find a strong genetic linkage between these two genes. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first genetic study of the PRND gene in a prion disease-resistant animal, a dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Young Won
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54531, Korea.
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Korea.
| | - Yong-Chan Kim
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54531, Korea.
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Korea.
| | - Kiwon Kim
- Haemalken Animal Hospital, Yangju, Gyeonggi 11492, Korea.
| | - An-Dang Kim
- Cool-Pet Animal Hospital, Anyang, Gyeonggi 14066, Korea.
| | - Byung-Hoon Jeong
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54531, Korea.
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Korea.
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Jeong MJ, Kim YC, Jeong BH. Prion-like protein gene (PRND) polymorphisms associated with scrapie susceptibility in Korean native black goats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206209. [PMID: 30359416 PMCID: PMC6201918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The polymorphisms of the prion protein (PRNP) gene, which encodes normal prion proteins (PrP), are known to be involved in the susceptibility of prion diseases. The prion-like protein (Doppel) gene (PRND) is the paralog of the PRNP gene and is closely located downstream of the PRNP gene. In addition, the polymorphisms of PRND correlate with disease susceptibility in several animals. We analyzed the genotype and allele frequencies of PRND polymorphisms in 246 Korean native black goats and found a total of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with one novel SNP, c.99C>T. We observed linkage disequilibrium (LD) within and between loci. PRND c.28T>C, c.151A>G, and c.385G>C and PRND c.65C>T and c.286G>A were in perfect LD and we have reported for the first time strong LD between PRND and PRNP or prion-related protein gene (PRNT) loci. Specifically, between the PRND c.28T>C, c.151A>G and c.385G>C and the PRNP codon 143, PRND c.99C>T and the PRNP codon 102 or PRND SNPs (c.28T>C, c.151A>G and c.385G>C) and PRNT SNP (c.321T>C). Furthermore, we confirmed that the genotype distribution of the PRNP p.His143Arg was significantly different according to that of the PRND c.28T>C (P < 0.0001). Finally, using PolyPhen-2 and PROVEAN, we predicted that two non-synonymous SNPs, c.65C>T and c.286G>A, in the PRND gene can have a detrimental effect on Doppel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of genetic characteristics of the PRND gene in Korean native black goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ju Jeong
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chan Kim
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hoon Jeong
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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11
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Kim YC, Jeong BH. First report of prion-related protein gene (PRNT
) polymorphisms in cattle. Vet Rec 2018; 182:717. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chan Kim
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences; Chonbuk National University; Jeonju Jeonbuk Republic of Korea
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, ChonbukNational University; Iksan Jeonbuk Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hoon Jeong
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences; Chonbuk National University; Jeonju Jeonbuk Republic of Korea
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, ChonbukNational University; Iksan Jeonbuk Republic of Korea
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Prion protein testis specific (PRNT) gene polymorphisms and transcript level in ovine spermatozoa: Implications in freezability, fertilization and embryo production. Theriogenology 2018; 115:124-132. [PMID: 29754043 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An essential role of prion protein testis specific (PRNT) and prion protein 2 dublet (PRND) genes in the male reproductive function has been highlighted, although a deeper knowledge for the mechanisms involved is still lacking. Our goal was to determine the importance of the PRNT haplotypic variants and mRNA expression levels in ovine spermatozoa freezability and ability for fertilization and embryo developmental processes. Their association with the PRND gene polymorphisms was also analyzed. DNA from rams belonging to three Portuguese sheep breeds (n = 28) was screened by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis to identify the PRNT and PRND polymorphisms. Semen collected from these rams was cryopreserved and fertility traits evaluated. The SSCP analyses revealed polymorphisms in the codons 6, 38, 43 and 48 of the PRNT coding region - respectively c.17C > T (p.Ser6Phe, which disrupts a consensus arginine-X-X serine/threonine motif); c.112G > C (p.Gly38 > Arg); and synonymous c.129T > C and c.144A > G. The polymorphisms in codons 6, 38 and 48 occur simultaneously while the one in codon 43 occurs independently. Six haplotypes were identified in the PRNT coding region, resulting in three different amino acid polymorphic variants (6S-38G-43C-48V, S6F-G38R-43C-48V and 6F-38R-43C-48V). The PRNT gene mRNA transcript level in spermatozoa was related to the identified haplotypic variants, either considering the codons 6-38-48 (P ≤ 0.0001) or the codon 43 alone (P ≤ 0.0001) or altogether (P ≤ 0.0001). An interaction between PRNT haplotypes and PRND genotypes on PRNT transcript level was also identified (P = 0.0003). Rams carrying the 17C-112G-144A PRNT haplotype had sperm with the highest post-thawed individual motility (P ≤ 0.03). Combined PRNT and PRND polymorphic variation influenced the post-thawed individual motility (P = 0.01). The male PRNT haplotypic, either considering the codons 6-38-48 and 43 altogether or the codon 43 alone, interfered (P ≤ 0.04) in embryo production rates. In conclusion, our data confirm that the PRNT gene is highly polymorphic in sheep and that the PRNT and PRND genotypes are associated. The identified polymorphisms of PRNT coding region seems to interfere on the ram spermatozoa mRNA transcript level and on male fertility, specifically in sperm freezability and ability for embryo development.
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The function of the cellular prion protein in health and disease. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:159-178. [PMID: 29151170 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The essential role of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) in prion disorders such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is well documented. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that PrPC may act as a receptor for protein aggregates and transduce neurotoxic signals in more common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although the pathological roles of PrPC have been thoroughly characterized, a general consensus on its physiological function within the brain has not yet been established. Knockout studies in various organisms, ranging from zebrafish to mice, have implicated PrPC in a diverse range of nervous system-related activities that include a key role in the maintenance of peripheral nerve myelination as well as a general ability to protect against neurotoxic stimuli. Thus, the function of PrPC may be multifaceted, with different cell types taking advantage of unique aspects of its biology. Deciphering the cellular function(s) of PrPC and the consequences of its absence is not simply an academic curiosity, since lowering PrPC levels in the brain is predicted to be a powerful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of prion disease. In this review, we outline the various approaches that have been employed in an effort to uncover the physiological and pathological functions of PrPC. While these studies have revealed important clues about the biology of the prion protein, the precise reason for PrPC's existence remains enigmatic.
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Reiten MR, Malachin G, Kommisrud E, Østby GC, Waterhouse KE, Krogenæs AK, Kusnierczyk A, Bjørås M, Jalland CMO, Nekså LH, Røed SS, Stenseth EB, Myromslien FD, Zeremichael TT, Bakkebø MK, Espenes A, Tranulis MA. Stress Resilience of Spermatozoa and Blood Mononuclear Cells without Prion Protein. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:1. [PMID: 29417049 PMCID: PMC5787566 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrPC is highly expressed in neurons, but also present in non-neuronal tissues, including the testicles and spermatozoa. Most immune cells and their bone marrow precursors also express PrPC. Clearly, this protein operates in highly diverse cellular contexts. Investigations into putative stress-protective roles for PrPC have resulted in an array of functions, such as inhibition of apoptosis, stimulation of anti-oxidant enzymes, scavenging roles, and a role in nuclear DNA repair. We have studied stress resilience of spermatozoa and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from non-transgenic goats that lack PrPC (PRNPTer/Ter) compared with cells from normal (PRNP+/+) goats. Spermatozoa were analyzed for freeze tolerance, DNA integrity, viability, motility, ATP levels, and acrosome intactness at rest and after acute stress, induced by Cu2+ ions, as well as levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after exposure to FeSO4 and H2O2. Surprisingly, PrPC-negative spermatozoa reacted similarly to normal spermatozoa in all read-outs. Moreover, in vitro exposure of PBMCs to Doxorubicin, H2O2 and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), revealed no effect of PrPC on cellular survival or global accumulation of DNA damage. Similar results were obtained with human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines stably expressing varying levels of PrPC. RNA sequencing of PBMCs (n = 8 of PRNP+/+ and PRNPTer/Ter) showed that basal level expression of genes encoding DNA repair enzymes, ROS scavenging, and antioxidant enzymes were unaffected by the absence of PrPC. Data presented here questions the in vitro cytoprotective roles previously attributed to PrPC, although not excluding such functions in other cell types or tissues during inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin R Reiten
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giulia Malachin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Faculty of Education and Natural Sciences, Inland University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Gunn C Østby
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karin E Waterhouse
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.,Spermvital AS Holsetgata, Hamar, Norway
| | - Anette K Krogenæs
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Kusnierczyk
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Clara M O Jalland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv Heidi Nekså
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Susan S Røed
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else-Berit Stenseth
- Faculty of Education and Natural Sciences, Inland University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Frøydis D Myromslien
- Faculty of Education and Natural Sciences, Inland University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Teklu T Zeremichael
- Faculty of Education and Natural Sciences, Inland University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Maren K Bakkebø
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arild Espenes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael A Tranulis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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Ricci A, Allende A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, Fernández Escámez PS, Gironés R, Herman L, Koutsoumanis K, Lindqvist R, Nørrung B, Robertson L, Ru G, Sanaa M, Skandamis P, Speybroeck N, Simmons M, Kuile BT, Threlfall J, Wahlström H, Acutis PL, Andreoletti O, Goldmann W, Langeveld J, Windig JJ, Ortiz Pelaez A, Snary E. Genetic resistance to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in goats. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04962. [PMID: 32625625 PMCID: PMC7010077 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breeding programmes to promote resistance to classical scrapie, similar to those for sheep in existing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) regulations, have not been established in goats. The European Commission requested a scientific opinion from EFSA on the current knowledge of genetic resistance to TSE in goats. An evaluation tool, which considers both the weight of evidence and strength of resistance to classical scrapie of alleles in the goat PRNP gene, was developed and applied to nine selected alleles of interest. Using the tool, the quality and certainty of the field and experimental data are considered robust enough to conclude that the K222, D146 and S146 alleles both confer genetic resistance against classical scrapie strains known to occur naturally in the EU goat population, with which they have been challenged both experimentally and under field conditions. The weight of evidence for K222 is greater than that currently available for the D146 and S146 alleles and for the ARR allele in sheep in 2001. Breeding for resistance can be an effective tool for controlling classical scrapie in goats and it could be an option available to member states, both at herd and population levels. There is insufficient evidence to assess the impact of K222, D146 and S146 alleles on susceptibility to atypical scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or on health and production traits. These alleles are heterogeneously distributed across the EU Member States and goat breeds, but often at low frequencies (< 10%). Given these low frequencies, high selection pressure may have an adverse effect on genetic diversity so any breeding for resistance programmes should be developed at Member States, rather than EU level and their impact monitored, with particular attention to the potential for any negative impact in rare or small population breeds.
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16
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Ferreira LM, Garcia-Herreros M, Domingos A, Marques CC, Mesquita P, Barbas JP, Baptista MC, Pimenta J, Horta AEM, Prates JAM, Pereira RMLN. Prion protein 2 (dublet) gene (PRND): role in ovine semen capacitation, cryopreservation and fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:985-997. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the role of Doppel protein in the capacitation process and fertilising ability of both fresh and frozen–thawed (FT) spermatozoa from rams carrying different prion protein 2 (dublet) (PRND) gene polymorphisms. The detection efficacy of new anti-Doppel monoclonal antibodies and PRND mRNA quantification were also explored in ovine spermatozoa. Three different genotypes (AA, GA, GG) were identified for codon 26 of ovine PRND-c.78G>A. Using flow cytometry, a higher fluorescence was detected in fresh compared with FT sperm samples incubated with anti-Doppel primary and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated secondary antibodies (P < 0.05). Capacitation was affected by semen treatment (fresh and FT) and male PRND genotype (P < 0.05). After IVF, the use of fresh semen resulted in a higher cleavage rate than the use of FT spermatozoa (P = 0.004). IVF using spermatozoa from individuals classified as carriers of the AA or GA PRND genotypes resulted in higher cleavage rates than seen using spermatozoa from GG carriers (P ≤ 0.0006). Finally, using semen from rams with the AA PRND genotype resulted in the highest Day 6 and Day 8 embryo rates (P ≤ 0.04). In conclusion, the results of the present study confirm that the identification of different PRND genotypes is important for studying the sperm capacitation process and for improving sperm cryoresistance and embryo production. Furthermore, the detection of Doppel in ejaculated ovine spermatozoa, along with its low expression after cryopreservation, strongly suggests an important physiological function of this protein in male fertility.
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17
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ONODERA T. Dual role of cellular prion protein in normal host and Alzheimer's disease. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2017; 93:155-173. [PMID: 28413194 PMCID: PMC5489426 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.93.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Using PrPC-knockout cell lines, it has been shown that the inhibition of apoptosis through STI1 is mediated by PrPC-dependent SOD activation. Antioxidant PrPC may contribute to suppression of inflammasome activation. PrPC is functionally involved in copper metabolism, signal transduction, neuroprotection, and cell maturation. Recently several reports have shown that PrPC participates in trans-membrane signaling processes associated with hematopoietic stem cell replication and neuronal differentiation. In another role, PrPC also tends to function as a neurotoxic protein. Aβ oligomer, which is associated with neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD), has also been reported to act as a ligand of PrPC. However, the physiological role of PrPC as an Aβ42-binding protein is not clear. Actually, PrPC is critical in Aβ42-mediated autophagy in neurons. PrPC shows a beneficial role in lipid rafts to promote autophagy. Further search for PrPC-interaction molecules using Prnp-/- mice and various types of Prnp-/- cell lines under various conditions may elucidate other important PrPC important functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi ONODERA
- Research Center for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Paltrinieri S, Comazzi S, Spagnolo V, Rondena M, Ponti W, Ceciliani F. Bovine Doppel (Dpl) and Prion Protein (PrP) Expression on Lymphoid Tissue and Circulating Leukocytes. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 52:1639-45. [PMID: 15557218 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.4a6441.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Doppel (Dpl) protein shares some structural features with prion protein (PrP), whose pathologic isoform (PrPsc) is considered to be the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Dpl is mainly expressed in testes but, when ectopically expressed in the central nervous system, is neurotoxic. We have examined the expression pattern of Dpl and PrP on bovine lymphoid tissues and circulating leukocytes. A polyclonal anti-Dpl antibody along with a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for leukocyte membrane antigens or PrP were used to examine frozen sections from spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow by immunohistochemistry. Blood was analyzed by flow cytometry. Double staining was used to study the possible coexpression of the two proteins and to characterize cells expressing Dpl and/or PrP. Dpl was expressed in B-cells, in dendritic cells within lymphoid follicles, bone marrow, circulating myeloid cells, and circulating B-cells. The distribution of Dpl was quite similar to that of PrP. The only differences in expression observed concerned the low number of Dpl + cells in lymph nodes and the strong Dpl positivity of circulating granulocytes. The two proteins were rarely co-expressed, suggesting an independent expression mechanism in resting cells. The role of Dpl+ leukocytes in the pathogenesis of Dpl- or PrP-induced diseases merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Hygiene and Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Al-Hilal TA, Chung SW, Choi JU, Alam F, Park J, Kim SW, Kim SY, Ahsan F, Kim IS, Byun Y. Targeting prion-like protein doppel selectively suppresses tumor angiogenesis. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1251-66. [PMID: 26950422 DOI: 10.1172/jci83427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled and site-specific regulation of growth factor signaling remains a major challenge for current antiangiogenic therapies, as these antiangiogenic agents target normal vasculature as well tumor vasculature. In this article, we identified the prion-like protein doppel as a potential therapeutic target for tumor angiogenesis. We investigated the interactions between doppel and VEGFR2 and evaluated whether blocking the doppel/VEGFR2 axis suppresses the process of angiogenesis. We discovered that tumor endothelial cells (TECs), but not normal ECs, express doppel; tumors from patients and mouse xenografts expressed doppel in their vasculatures. Induced doppel overexpression in ECs enhanced vascularization, whereas doppel constitutively colocalized and complexed with VEGFR2 in TECs. Doppel inhibition depleted VEGFR2 from the cell membrane, subsequently inducing the internalization and degradation of VEGFR2 and thereby attenuating VEGFR2 signaling. We also synthesized an orally active glycosaminoglycan (LHbisD4) that specifically binds with doppel. We determined that LHbisD4 concentrates over the tumor site and that genetic loss of doppel in TECs decreases LHbisD4 binding and targeting both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, LHbisD4 eliminated VEGFR2 from the cell membrane, prevented VEGF binding in TECs, and suppressed tumor growth. Together, our results demonstrate that blocking doppel can control VEGF signaling in TECs and selectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis.
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Allais-Bonnet A, Castille J, Pannetier M, Passet B, Elzaïat M, André M, Montazer-Torbati F, Moazami-Goudarzi K, Vilotte JL, Pailhoux E. A specific role for PRND in goat foetal Leydig cells is suggested by prion family gene expression during gonad development in goats and mice. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:4-15. [PMID: 27047737 PMCID: PMC4794797 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three genes of the prion protein gene family are expressed in gonads. Comparative analyses of their expression patterns in mice and goats revealed constant expression of PRNP and SPRN in both species and in both male and female gonads, but with a weaker expression of SPRN. By contrast, expression of PRND was found to be sex‐dimorphic, in agreement with its role in spermatogenesis. More importantly, our study revealed that PRND seems to be a key marker of foetal Leydig cells specifically in goats, suggesting a yet unknown role for its encoded protein Doppel during gonadal differentiation in nonrodent mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Allais-Bonnet
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France; ALLICE Paris France
| | - Johan Castille
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative INRA, UMR 1313 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Bruno Passet
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative INRA, UMR 1313 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Maëva Elzaïat
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Marjolaine André
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | | | | | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative INRA, UMR 1313 Jouy-en-Josas France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction INRA, UMR 1198 Jouy-en-Josas France
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Mesquita P, Garcia V, Marques MR, Santos Silva F, Oliveira Sousa MC, Carolino I, Pimenta J, Fontes CMGA, Horta AEM, Prates JAM, Pereira RM. The prion-related protein (testis-specific)
gene (PRNT
) is highly polymorphic in Portuguese sheep. Anim Genet 2015; 47:128-32. [DOI: 10.1111/age.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Mesquita
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
- CIISA; ULisboa; Avenida da Universidade Técnica; 1300-477 Lisboa Portugal
| | - V. Garcia
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
| | - M. R. Marques
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
- CIISA; ULisboa; Avenida da Universidade Técnica; 1300-477 Lisboa Portugal
| | - F. Santos Silva
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
| | | | - I. Carolino
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
| | - J. Pimenta
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
- CIISA; ULisboa; Avenida da Universidade Técnica; 1300-477 Lisboa Portugal
| | - C. M. G. A. Fontes
- CIISA; ULisboa; Avenida da Universidade Técnica; 1300-477 Lisboa Portugal
| | - A. E. M. Horta
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
| | - J. A. M. Prates
- CIISA; ULisboa; Avenida da Universidade Técnica; 1300-477 Lisboa Portugal
| | - R. M. Pereira
- INIAV; Quinta da Fonte Boa; 2005-048 Vale de Santarém Portugal
- CIISA; ULisboa; Avenida da Universidade Técnica; 1300-477 Lisboa Portugal
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Sakudo A, Onodera T. Prion protein (PrP) gene-knockout cell lines: insight into functions of the PrP. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 2:75. [PMID: 25642423 PMCID: PMC4295555 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of prion protein (PrP) functions is crucial to fully understand prion diseases. A major approach to studying PrP functions is the use of PrP gene-knockout (Prnp (-/-)) mice. So far, six types of Prnp (-/-) mice have been generated, demonstrating the promiscuous functions of PrP. Recently, other PrP family members, such as Doppel and Shadoo, have been found. However, information obtained from comparative studies of structural and functional analyses of these PrP family proteins do not fully reveal PrP functions. Recently, varieties of Prnp (-/-) cell lines established from Prnp (-/-) mice have contributed to the analysis of PrP functions. In this mini-review, we focus on Prnp (-/-) cell lines and summarize currently available Prnp (-/-) cell lines and their characterizations. In addition, we introduce the recent advances in the methodology of cell line generation with knockout or knockdown of the PrP gene. We also discuss how these cell lines have provided valuable insights into PrP functions and show future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akikazu Sakudo
- Laboratory of Biometabolic Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus Nishihara, Japan
| | - Takashi Onodera
- Research Center for Food Safety, School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
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Allais-Bonnet A, Pailhoux E. Role of the prion protein family in the gonads. Front Cell Dev Biol 2014; 2:56. [PMID: 25364761 PMCID: PMC4207050 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prion-gene family comprises four members named PRNP (PRPc), PRND (Doppel), PRNT (PRT), and SPRN (Shadoo). According to species, PRND is located 16–52 kb downstream from the PRNP locus, whereas SPRN is located on another chromosome. The fourth prion-family gene, PRNT, belongs to the same genomic cluster as PRNP and PRND in humans and bovidae. PRNT and PRND possibly resulted from a duplication event of PRND and PRNP, respectively, that occurred early during eutherian species divergence. Although most of the studies concerning the prion-family has been done on PRPc and its involvement in transmissible neurodegenerative disorders, different works report some potential roles of these proteins in the reproductive function of both sexes. Among them, a clear role of PRND, that encodes for the Doppel protein, in male fertility has been demonstrated through gene targeting studies in mice. In other species, Doppel seems to play a role in testis and ovary development but its cellular localization is variable according to the gonadal developmental stage and to the mammalian species considered. For the other three genes, their roles in reproductive function appear ill-defined and/or controversial. The present review aimed to synthesize all the available data on these prion-family members and their relations with reproductive processes, mainly in the gonad of both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Allais-Bonnet
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction Jouy-en-Josas, France
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25
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Makzhami S, Passet B, Halliez S, Castille J, Moazami-Goudarzi K, Duchesne A, Vilotte M, Laude H, Mouillet-Richard S, Béringue V, Vaiman D, Vilotte JL. The prion protein family: a view from the placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2014; 2:35. [PMID: 25364742 PMCID: PMC4207016 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on its developmental pattern of expression, early studies suggested the implication of the mammalian Prion protein PrP, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored ubiquitously expressed and evolutionary conserved glycoprotein encoded by the Prnp gene, in early embryogenesis. However, gene invalidation in several species did not result in obvious developmental abnormalities and it was only recently that it was associated in mice with intra-uterine growth retardation and placental dysfunction. A proposed explanation for this lack of easily detectable developmental-related phenotype is the existence in the genome of one or more gene (s) able to compensate for the absence of PrP. Indeed, two other members of the Prnp gene family have been recently described, Doppel and Shadoo, and the consequences of their invalidation alongside that of PrP tested in mice. No embryonic defect was observed in mice depleted for Doppel and PrP. Interestingly, the co-invalidation of PrP and Shadoo in two independent studies led to apparently conflicting observations, with no apparent consequences in one report and the observation of a developmental defect of the ectoplacental cone that leads to early embryonic lethality in the other. This short review aims at summarizing these recent, apparently conflicting data highlighting the related biological questions and associated implications in terms of animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Makzhami
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Bruno Passet
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sophie Halliez
- INRA, U892 Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Johan Castille
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Amandine Duchesne
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marthe Vilotte
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hubert Laude
- INRA, U892 Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM, UMR-S1124 Signalisation et Physiopathologie Neurologique, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Vincent Béringue
- INRA, U892 Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Daniel Vaiman
- Faculté Paris Descartes, UMR8104 CNRS, U1016 INSERM, Institut Cochin Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Wang S, Zhao H, Zhang Y. Advances in research on Shadoo, shadow of prion protein. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-014-0129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Mays CE, Coomaraswamy J, Watts JC, Yang J, Ko KW, Strome B, Mercer RC, Wohlgemuth SL, Schmitt-Ulms G, Westaway D. Endoproteolytic processing of the mammalian prion glycoprotein family. FEBS J 2013; 281:862-76. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Mays
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
| | | | - Joel C. Watts
- Department of Biochemistry and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases; University of Toronto; ON Canada
| | - Jing Yang
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
| | - Kerry W.S. Ko
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
| | - Bob Strome
- Department of Biochemistry and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases; University of Toronto; ON Canada
| | - Robert C.C. Mercer
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
| | - Serene L. Wohlgemuth
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Department of Biochemistry and Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases; University of Toronto; ON Canada
| | - David Westaway
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
- Division of Neurology; Department of Biochemistry; University of Alberta; Edmonton Canada
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Qin K, Ding T, Xiao Y, Ma W, Wang Z, Gao J, Zhao L. Differential responses of neuronal and spermatogenic cells to the doppel cytotoxicity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82130. [PMID: 24339999 PMCID: PMC3858285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although structurally and biochemically similar to the cellular prion (PrP(C)), doppel (Dpl) is unique in its biological functions. There are no reports about any neurodegenerative diseases induced by Dpl. However the artificial expression of Dpl in the PrP-deficient mouse brain causes ataxia with Purkinje cell death. Abundant Dpl proteins have been found in testis and depletion of the Dpl gene (Prnd) causes male infertility. Therefore, we hypothesize different regulations of Prnd in the nerve and male productive systems. In this study, by electrophoretic mobility shift assays we have determined that two different sets of transcription factors are involved in regulation of the Prnd promoter in mouse neuronal N2a and GC-1 spermatogenic (spg) cells, i.e., upstream stimulatory factors (USF) in both cells, Brn-3 and Sp1 in GC-1 spg cells, and Sp3 in N2a cells, leading to the expression of Dpl in GC-1 spg but not in N2a cells. We have further defined that, in N2a cells, Dpl induces oxidative stress and apoptosis, which stimulate ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-modulating bindings of transcription factors, p53 and p21, to Prnp promoter, resulting the PrP(C) elevation for counteraction of the Dpl cytotoxicity; in contrast, in GC-1 spg cells, phosphorylation of p21 and N-terminal truncated PrP may play roles in the control of Dpl-induced apoptosis, which may benefit the physiological function of Dpl in the male reproduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefeng Qin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tianbing Ding
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenyu Ma
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jimin Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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29
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Miranda A, Ramos-Ibeas P, Pericuesta E, Ramirez MA, Gutierrez-Adan A. The role of prion protein in stem cell regulation. Reproduction 2013; 146:R91-9. [PMID: 23740082 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) has been well described as an essential partner of prion diseases due to the existence of a pathological conformation (PrP(Sc)). Recently, it has also been demonstrated that PrP(C) is an important element of the pluripotency and self-renewal matrix, with an increasing amount of evidence pointing in this direction. Here, we review the data that demonstrate its role in the transcriptional regulation of pluripotency, in the differentiation of stem cells into different lineages (e.g. muscle and neurons), in embryonic development, and its involvement in reproductive cells. Also highlighted are recent results from our laboratory that describe an important regulation by PrP(C) of the major pluripotency gene Nanog. Together, these data support the appearance of new strategies to control stemness, which could represent an important advance in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Miranda
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Avenida Puerta de Hierro no. 12, Local 10, Madrid 28040, Spain
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30
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Kishimoto Y, Hirono M, Atarashi R, Sakaguchi S, Yoshioka T, Katamine S, Kirino Y. Age-dependent impairment of eyeblink conditioning in prion protein-deficient mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60627. [PMID: 23593266 PMCID: PMC3622692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking the prion protein (PrP(C)) gene (Prnp), Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice, show late-onset cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration because of ectopic overexpression of PrP(C)-like protein (PrPLP/Dpl). Because PrP(C) is highly expressed in cerebellar neurons (including PCs and granule cells), it may be involved in cerebellar synaptic function and cerebellar cognitive function. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the possible involvement of PrP(C) and/or PrPLP/Dpl in cerebellum-dependent discrete motor learning. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study was designed to examine cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning in Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice in adulthood (16, 40, and 60 weeks of age). The aims of the present study were two-fold: (1) to examine the role of PrP(C) and/or PrPLP/Dpl in cerebellum-dependent motor learning and (2) to confirm the age-related deterioration of eyeblink conditioning in Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice as an animal model of progressive cerebellar degeneration. Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice aged 16 weeks exhibited intact acquisition of conditioned eyeblink responses (CRs), although the CR timing was altered. The same result was observed in another line of PrP(c)-deficient mice, ZrchI PrnP (0/0) mice. However, at 40 weeks of age, CR incidence impairment was observed in Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice. Furthermore, Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice aged 60 weeks showed more significantly impaired CR acquisition than Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice aged 40 weeks, indicating the temporal correlation between cerebellar PC degeneration and motor learning deficits. Our findings indicate the importance of the cerebellar cortex in delay eyeblink conditioning and suggest an important physiological role of prion protein in cerebellar motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kishimoto
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Hirono
- Laboratory for Motor Learning Control, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Atarashi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Suehiro Sakaguchi
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, The Institute for Enzyme Research, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tohru Yoshioka
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shigeru Katamine
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Center for International Collaborative Research, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kirino
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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31
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Pimenta J, Sardinha J, Marques CC, Domingos A, Baptista MC, Barbas JP, Martins IC, Mesquita P, Pessa P, Soares R, Viegas A, Cabrita E, Horta EMA, Fontes CA, Prates AMJ, Pereira MLNR. Inhibition of ovine in vitro fertilization by anti-Prt antibody: hypothetical model for Prt/ZP interaction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:25. [PMID: 23531155 PMCID: PMC3617107 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of prion proteins in the rules that dictate biological reproduction is still poorly understood. Likewise, the role of prnt gene, encoding the prion-like protein testis specific (Prt), in ram reproductive physiology remains largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of Prt in ovine fertilization by using an anti-Prt antibody (APPA) in fertilization medium incubated with spermatozoa and oocytes. Moreover, a computational model was constructed to infer how the results obtained could be related to a hypothetical role for Prt in sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding. METHODS Mature ovine oocytes were transferred to fertilization medium alone (control) or supplemented with APPA, or pre-immune serum (CSerum). Oocytes were inseminated with ovine spermatozoa and after 18 h, presumptive zygotes (n=142) were fixed to evaluate fertilization rates or transferred (n=374) for embryo culture until D6-7. Predicted ovine Prt tertiary structure was compared with data obtained by circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) and a protein-protein computational docking model was estimated for a hypothetical Prt/ZP interaction. RESULTS The fertilizing rate was lower (P=0.006) in APPA group (46.0+/-6.79%) when compared to control (78.5+/-7.47%) and CSerum (64.5+/-6.65%) groups. In addition, the cleavage rate was higher (P<0.0001) in control (44.1+/-4.15%) than in APPA group (19.7+/-4.22%). Prt CD spectroscopy showed a 22% alpha-helical structure in 30% (m/v) aqueous trifluoroethanol (TFE) and 17% alpha in 0.6% (m/v) TFE. The predominant alpha-helical secondary structure detected correlates with the predicted three dimensional structure for ovine Prt, which was subsequently used to test Prt/ZP docking. Computational analyses predicted a favorable Prt-binding activity towards ZP domains. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates that the presence of APPA reduces the number of fertilized oocytes and of cleaved embryos. Moreover, the CD analysis data reinforces the predicted ovine Prt trend towards an alpha-helical structure. Predicted protein-protein docking suggests a possible interaction between Prt and ZP, thus supporting an important role for Prt in ovine fertilization.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Circular Dichroism
- Egg Proteins/chemistry
- Egg Proteins/genetics
- Egg Proteins/metabolism
- Embryo, Mammalian/drug effects
- Embryo, Mammalian/embryology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Female
- Fertilization in Vitro/drug effects
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/chemistry
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Prions/chemistry
- Prions/immunology
- Prions/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Protein Conformation/drug effects
- Protein Structure, Secondary/drug effects
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, Cell Surface/chemistry
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Sheep
- Sperm-Ovum Interactions/drug effects
- Time Factors
- Trifluoroethanol/chemistry
- Trifluoroethanol/pharmacology
- Zona Pellucida/metabolism
- Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Pimenta
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Sardinha
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carla C Marques
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- IHMT-CMDT – Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Centro de Malária e Doenças Tropicais, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria C Baptista
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
| | - João P Barbas
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
| | - Ivo C Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pessa
- Hospital Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Soares
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Aldino Viegas
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Eurico Cabrita
- REQUIMTE/CQFB, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - EM António Horta
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Fontes
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - AM José Prates
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - MLN Rosa Pereira
- Unidade de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, 2005-048, Portugal
- Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
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Kasimanickam V, Kasimanickam R, Arangasamy A, Saberivand A, Stevenson J, Kastelic J. Association between mRNA abundance of functional sperm function proteins and fertility of Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 2012; 78:2007-2019.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Passet B, Halliez S, Béringue V, Laude H, Vilotte JL. The prion protein family: looking outside the central nervous system. Prion 2012; 7:127-30. [PMID: 23154632 PMCID: PMC3609118 DOI: 10.4161/pri.22851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the pivotal implication of the host-encoded Prion protein, PrP, in the neuropathology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy is known for decades, its biological role remains mostly elusive. Genetic inactivation is one way to assess such issue but, so far, PrP-knockout mice did not help much. However, recent reports involving (1) further studies of these mice during embryogenesis, (2) knockdown experiments in Zebrafish and (3) knockdown of Shadoo, a protein with PrP-like functional domains, in PrP-knockout mice, all suggested a role of the Prion protein family in early embryogenesis. This view is challenged by the recent report that PrP/Shadoo knockout mice are healthy and fertile. Although puzzling, these apparently contradictory data may on the contrary help at deciphering the Prion protein family role through focusing scientific attention outside the central nervous system and by helping the identification of other loci involved in the genetic robustness associated with PrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Passet
- UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Institut Nationale de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Abstract
The human cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored membrane glycoprotein with two N-glycosylation sites at residues 181 and 197. This protein migrates in several bands by Western blot analysis (WB). Interestingly, PNGase F treatment of human brain homogenates prior to the WB, which is known to remove the N-glycosylations, unexpectedly gives rise to two dominant bands, which are now known as C-terminal (C1) and N-terminal (N1) fragments. This resembles the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in Alzheimer disease (AD), which can be physiologically processed by α-, β-, and γ-secretases. The processing of APP has been extensively studied, while the identity of the cellular proteases involved in the proteolysis of PrP(C) and their possible role in prion biology has remained limited and controversial. Nevertheless, there is a strong correlation between the neurotoxicity caused by prion proteins and the blockade of their normal proteolysis. For example, expression of non-cleavable PrP(C) mutants in transgenic mice generates neurotoxicity, even in the absence of infectious prions, suggesting that PrP(C) proteolysis is physiologically and pathologically important. As many mouse models of prion diseases have recently been developed and the knowledge about the proteases responsible for the PrP(C) proteolysis is accumulating, we examine the historical experimental evidence and highlight recent studies that shed new light on this issue.
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35
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Pimenta J, Domingos A, Santos P, Marques CC, Cantante C, Santos A, Barbas JP, Baptista MC, Horta AEM, Viegas A, Mesquita P, Gonçalves J, Fontes CA, Prates JAM, Pereira RMLN. Is prnt a pseudogene? Identification of ram Prt in testis and ejaculated spermatozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42957. [PMID: 22937002 PMCID: PMC3427297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopaties is the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)), expressed by the prion gene (prnp), into an abnormally folded isoform (PrP(Sc)) with amyloid-like features that causes scrapie in sheep among other diseases. prnp together with prnd (which encodes a prion-like protein designated as Doppel), and prnt (that encodes the prion protein testis specific--Prt) with sprn (shadow of prion protein gene, that encodes Shadoo or Sho) genes, constitute the "prion gene complex". Whereas a role for prnd in the proper functioning of male reproductive system has been confirmed, the function of prnt, a recently discovered prion family gene, comprises a conundrum leading to the assumption that ruminant prnt is a pseudogene with no protein expression. The main objective of the present study was to identify Prt localization in the ram reproductive system and simultaneously to elucidate if ovine prnt gene is transcribed into protein-coding RNA. Moreover, as Prt is a prnp-related protein, the amyloid propensity was also tested for ovine and caprine Prt. Recombinant Prt was used to immunize BALB/c mice, and the anti-Prt polyclonal antibody (APPA) immune response was evaluated by ELISA and Western Blot. When tested by indirect immunofluorescence, APPA showed high avidity to the ram sperm head apical ridge subdomain, before and after induced capacitation, but did not show the same behavior against goat spermatozoa, suggesting high antibody specificity against ovine-Prt. Prt was also found in the testis when assayed by immunohistochemistry during ram spermatogenesis, where spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa, stained positive. These observations strongly suggest ovine prnt to be a translated protein-coding gene, pointing to a role for Prt protein in the ram reproductive physiology. Besides, caprine Prt appears to exhibit a higher amyloid propensity than ovine Prt, mostly associated with its phenylalanine residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Pimenta
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- IHMT-CMDT – Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Centro de Malária e Doenças Tropicais, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Santos
- Hospital Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla C. Marques
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Cátia Cantante
- Unidade de Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas (URIA), ADEIM-Centro de Patogénese Molecular/Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Unidade de Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas (URIA), ADEIM-Centro de Patogénese Molecular/Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João P. Barbas
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Maria C. Baptista
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - António E. M. Horta
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Aldino Viegas
- REQUIMTE/CQFB Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- Unidade de Retrovírus e Infecções Associadas (URIA), ADEIM-Centro de Patogénese Molecular/Instituto de Medicina Molecular (IMM), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. Fontes
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José A. M. Prates
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FMV), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
- Unidade de Recursos Genéticos, Reprodução e Melhoramento Animal, Instituto Nacional dos Recursos Biológicos (INRB) L-INIA Santarém, Quinta da Fonte Boa, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
- Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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36
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Passet B, Young R, Makhzami S, Vilotte M, Jaffrezic F, Halliez S, Bouet S, Marthey S, Khalifé M, Kanellopoulos-Langevin C, Béringue V, Le Provost F, Laude H, Vilotte JL. Prion protein and Shadoo are involved in overlapping embryonic pathways and trophoblastic development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41959. [PMID: 22860039 PMCID: PMC3408428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential requirement of either the Prion or Shadoo protein for early mouse embryogenesis was recently suggested. However, the current data did not allow to precise the developmental process that was affected in the absence of both proteins and that led to the observed early lethal phenotype. In the present study, using various Prnp transgenic mouse lines and lentiviral vectors expressing shRNAs that target the Shadoo-encoding mRNA, we further demonstrate the specific requirement of at least one of these two PrP-related proteins at early developmental stages. Histological analysis reveals developmental defect of the ectoplacental cone and important hemorrhage surrounding the Prnp-knockout-Sprn-knockdown E7.5 embryos. By restricting the RNA interference to the trophoblastic cell lineages, the observed lethal phenotype could be attributed to the sole role of these proteins in this trophectoderm-derived compartment. RNAseq analysis performed on early embryos of various Prnp and Sprn genotypes indicated that the simultaneous down-regulation of these two proteins affects cell-adhesion and inflammatory pathways as well as the expression of ectoplacental-specific genes. Overall, our data provide biological clues in favor of a crucial and complementary embryonic role of the prion protein family in Eutherians and emphasizes the need to further evaluate its implication in normal and pathological human placenta biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Passet
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Rachel Young
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Samira Makhzami
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marthe Vilotte
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Florence Jaffrezic
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sophie Halliez
- INRA, UR892, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphan Bouet
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sylvain Marthey
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Manal Khalifé
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Colette Kanellopoulos-Langevin
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Gestation and Autoimmunity, J. Monod Institute, UMR 7592 (CNRS and University Diderot), Paris, France
| | - Vincent Béringue
- INRA, UR892, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Fabienne Le Provost
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hubert Laude
- INRA, UR892, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRA, UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- * E-mail:
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Young R, Bouet S, Polyte J, Le Guillou S, Passet B, Vilotte M, Castille J, Beringue V, Le Provost F, Laude H, Vilotte JL. Expression of the prion-like protein Shadoo in the developing mouse embryo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 416:184-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Watts JC, Stöhr J, Bhardwaj S, Wille H, Oehler A, DeArmond SJ, Giles K, Prusiner SB. Protease-resistant prions selectively decrease Shadoo protein. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002382. [PMID: 22163178 PMCID: PMC3219722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The central event in prion diseases is the conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into PrPSc, a partially protease-resistant and infectious conformer. However, the mechanism by which PrPSc causes neuronal dysfunction remains poorly understood. Levels of Shadoo (Sho), a protein that resembles the flexibly disordered N-terminal domain of PrPC, were found to be reduced in the brains of mice infected with the RML strain of prions [1], implying that Sho levels may reflect the presence of PrPSc in the brain. To test this hypothesis, we examined levels of Sho during prion infection using a variety of experimental systems. Sho protein levels were decreased in the brains of mice, hamsters, voles, and sheep infected with different natural and experimental prion strains. Furthermore, Sho levels were decreased in the brains of prion-infected, transgenic mice overexpressing Sho and in infected neuroblastoma cells. Time-course experiments revealed that Sho levels were inversely proportional to levels of protease-resistant PrPSc. Membrane anchoring and the N-terminal domain of PrP both influenced the inverse relationship between Sho and PrPSc. Although increased Sho levels had no discernible effect on prion replication in mice, we conclude that Sho is the first non-PrP marker specific for prion disease. Additional studies using this paradigm may provide insight into the cellular pathways and systems subverted by PrPSc during prion disease. Shadoo is a protein that resembles the prion protein, which causes prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and “mad cow” disease. In this paper, we demonstrate that during prion disease in animals, levels of Shadoo were reduced in the brain and correlated with levels of infectious prions. This phenomenon occurred following infection with 14 different prion strains but was not observed following the accumulation of other aggregated proteins, including those that cause Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Thus, Shadoo levels in the brain are a specific indicator of prion disease status, and it may be possible to exploit this observation for diagnostic purposes. Although we show that Shadoo itself is unlikely to influence prion disease, using Shadoo as a tool to probe the biology of prions may be a useful strategy for deciphering how prions damage the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C. Watts
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jan Stöhr
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sumita Bhardwaj
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Holger Wille
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Abby Oehler
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. DeArmond
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kurt Giles
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stanley B. Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Young R, Le Guillou S, Tilly G, Passet B, Vilotte M, Castille J, Beringue V, Le Provost F, Laude H, Vilotte JL. Generation of Sprn-regulated reporter mice reveals gonadic spatial expression of the prion-like protein Shadoo in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 412:752-6. [PMID: 21871438 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The protein Shadoo (Sho) is a paralogue of prion protein, and encoded by the gene Sprn. Like prion protein it is primarily expressed in central nervous system, and has been shown to have a similar expression pattern in certain regions of the brain. We have generated reporter mice carrying a transgene encompassing the Sprn promoter, exon 1, intron 1 and the 5'-end of exon 2 driving expression of either the LacZ or GFP reporter gene to study the expression profile of Shadoo in mice. Expression of the reporter genes was analysed in brains of these transgenic mice and was shown to mimic that of the endogenous gene expression, previously described by Watts et al. [1]. Consequently, the Sprn-LacZ mice were used to study the spatial expression of Sho in other tissues of the adult mouse. Several tissues were collected and stained for β-gal activity, including the thymus, heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, intestine, muscle, and gonads. From this array of tissues, the transgene was consistently expressed only in specific cell types of the testicle and ovary, suggesting a role for Shadoo in fertility and reproduction. These mice may serve as a useful tool in deciphering the regulation of the prion-like gene Sprn and thus, indirectly, of the Shadoo protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Young
- INRA UMR 1313, Equipe Différenciation et Spécialisation Cellulaires (DISC), Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative (GABI), Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Pimenta J, Dias FMV, Marques CC, Baptista MC, Vasques MI, Horta AEM, Barbas JP, Soares R, Mesquita P, Cabrita E, Fontes CMGA, Prates JA, Pereira RM. The Prion-like Protein Doppel Enhances Ovine Spermatozoa Fertilizing Ability. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:196-202. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01827.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Miranda A, Pericuesta E, Ramírez MÁ, Gutierrez-Adan A. Prion protein expression regulates embryonic stem cell pluripotency and differentiation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18422. [PMID: 21483752 PMCID: PMC3070729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PRNP) is a glycoprotein involved in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Although the physiological function of PRNP is largely unknown, its key role in prion infection has been extensively documented. This study examines the functionality of PRNP during the course of embryoid body (EB) differentiation in mouse Prnp-null (KO) and WT embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines. The first feature observed was a new population of EBs that only appeared in the KO line after 5 days of differentiation. These EBs were characterized by their expression of several primordial germ cell (PGC) markers until Day 13. In a comparative mRNA expression analysis of genes playing an important developmental role during ESC differentiation to EBs, Prnp was found to participate in the transcription of a key pluripotency marker such as Nanog. A clear switching off of this gene on Day 5 was observed in the KO line as opposed to the WT line, in which maximum Prnp and Nanog mRNA levels appeared at this time. Using a specific antibody against PRNP to block PRNP pathways, reduced Nanog expression was confirmed in the WT line. In addition, antibody-mediated inhibition of ITGB5 (integrin αvβ5) in the KO line rescued the low expression of Nanog on Day 5, suggesting the regulation of Nanog transcription by Prnp via this Itgb5. mRNA expression analysis of the PRNP-related proteins PRND (Doppel) and SPRN (Shadoo), whose PRNP function is known to be redundant, revealed their incapacity to compensate for the absence of PRNP during early ESC differentiation. Our findings provide strong evidence for a relationship between Prnp and several key pluripotency genes and attribute Prnp a crucial role in regulating self-renewal/differentiation status of ESC, confirming the participation of PRNP during early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Miranda
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal y Conservación de Recursos Zoogenéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain.
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Wang H, Wan J, Wang W, Wang D, Li S, Liao P, Hao Z, Wu S, Xu J, Li N, Ouyang H, Gao H. Overexpression of Shadoo protein in transgenic mice does not impact the pathogenesis of scrapie. Neurosci Lett 2011; 496:1-4. [PMID: 21458534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Shadoo is a glycoprotein expressed in the adult brain that is an interacting protein of prion protein; however, its function remains to be determined. To elucidate its role in prion pathogenesis, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing wild-type (wt) Shadoo driven by the murine PrP promoter. Expression of the murine Sprn transgene significantly increased brain Shadoo protein levels in all three mouse lines generated. Following infection with mouse-adapted scrapie strain 22L, all transgenic mice tested exhibited characteristics of scrapie disease. Importantly, there was no correlation between the expression level or incubation time of Shadoo with disease phenotype. We therefore conclude that Shadoo has little or no influence on the outcome of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) disease in transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Wang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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Prcina M, Kontsekova E. Has prion protein important physiological function? Med Hypotheses 2011; 76:567-9. [PMID: 21277689 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the great effort aimed at uncovering the physiological function of cellular prion protein, its role remains unclear. The highly conserved amino acid sequence of PrP indicates its important function, but normally developing PrP knockout mice and cattle were prepared. Here we propose hypothesis that prion protein has no function or a redundant one and more importantly, that the conserved amino acid sequence of mammalian PrPs is not the result of their important function, but rather due to cytotoxicity of most mutations occurring in the PrP molecule. It is possible that the majority of mutations in PrP dramatically destabilizes the PrP(C) structure and causes a pathological change in conformation, so that natural selection favours individuals with non-mutated PrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Prcina
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Westaway D, Daude N, Wohlgemuth S, Harrison P. The PrP-Like Proteins Shadoo and Doppel. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2011; 305:225-56. [DOI: 10.1007/128_2011_190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
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La Mendola D, Magrì A, Campagna T, Campitiello MA, Raiola L, Isernia C, Hansson O, Bonomo RP, Rizzarelli E. A doppel alpha-helix peptide fragment mimics the copper(II) interactions with the whole protein. Chemistry 2010; 16:6212-23. [PMID: 20411530 DOI: 10.1002/chem.200902405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The doppel protein (Dpl) is the first homologue of the prion protein (PrP(C)) to be discovered; it is overexpressed in transgenic mice that lack the prion gene, resulting in neurotoxicity. The whole prion protein is able to inhibit Dpl neurotoxicity, and its N-terminal domain is the determinant part of the protein function. This region represents the main copper(II) binding site of PrP(C). Dpl is able to bind at least one copper ion, and the specific metal-binding site has been identified as the histidine residue at the beginning of the third helical region. However, a reliable characterization of copper(II) coordination features has not been reported. In a previous paper, we studied the copper(II) interaction with a peptide that encompasses only the loop region potentially involved in metal binding. Nevertheless, we did not find a complete match between the EPR spectroscopic parameters of the copper(II) complexes formed with the synthesized peptide and those reported for the copper(II) binding sites of the whole protein. Herein, the synthesis of the human Dpl peptide fragment hDpl(122-139) (Ac-KPDNKLHQQVLWRLVQEL-NH(2)) and its copper(II) complex species are reported. This peptide encompasses the third alpha helix and part of the loop linking the second and the third helix of human doppel protein. The single-point-mutated peptide, hDpl(122-139)D124N, in which aspartate 124 replaces an asparagine residue, was also synthesized. This peptide was used to highlight the role of the carboxylate group on both the conformation preference of the Dpl fragment and its copper(II) coordination features. NMR spectroscopic measurements show that the hDpl(122-139) peptide fragment is in the prevailing alpha-helix conformation. It is localized within the 127-137 amino acid residue region that represents a reliable conformational mimic of the related protein domain. A comparison with the single-point-mutated hDpl(122-139)D124N reveals the significant role played by the aspartic residue in addressing the peptide conformation towards a helical structure. It is further confirmed by CD measurements. Potentiometric titrations were carried out in aqueous solutions to obtain the stability constant values of the species formed by copper(II) with the hDpl peptides. Spectroscopic studies (EPR, NMR, CD, UV/Vis) were performed to characterize the coordination environments of the different metal complexes. The EPR parameters of the copper(II) complexes with hDpl(122-139) match those of the previously reported copper(II) binding sites of the whole hDpl. Addition of the copper(II) ion to the peptide fragment does not alter the helical conformation of hDpl(122-139), as shown by CD spectra in the far-UV region. The aspartate-driven preorganized secondary structure is not significantly modified by the involvement of Asp124 in the copper(II) complex species that form in the physiological pH range. To elaborate on the potential role of copper(II) in the recently reported interaction between the PrP(C) and Dpl, the affinity of the copper(II) complexes towards the prion N terminus domain and the binding site of Dpl was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego La Mendola
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Biochemical signatures of doppel protein in human astrocytomas to support prediction in tumor malignancy. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:301067. [PMID: 20981146 PMCID: PMC2957138 DOI: 10.1155/2010/301067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Revised: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Doppel (Dpl) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein mainly expressed in the testis of adult healthy people. It is generally absent in the central nervous system, but its coding gene sequence is ectopically expressed in astrocytoma specimens and in derived cell lines. In this paper, we investigated the expression and the biochemical features of Dpl in a panel of 49 astrocytoma specimens of different WHO malignancy grades. As a result, Dpl was expressed in the majority of the investigated specimens (86%), also including low grade samples. Importantly, Dpl exhibited different cellular localizations and altered glycan moieties composition, depending on the tumor grade. Most low-grade astrocytomas (83%) showed a membrane-bound Dpl, like human healthy testis tissue, whereas the majority of high-grade astrocytomas (75%) displayed a cytosolic Dpl. Deglycosylation studies with N-glycosidase F and/or neuraminidase highlighted defective glycan moieties and an unexpected loss of sialic acid. To find associations between glial tumor progression and Dpl biochemical features, predictive bioinformatics approaches were produced. In particular, Decision tree and Nomogram analysis showed well-defined Dpl-based criteria that separately clustered low-and high-grade astrocytomas. Taken together, these findings show that in astrocytomas, Dpl undergoes different molecular processes that might constitute additional helpful tools to characterize the glial tumor progression.
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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Mesquita P, Batista M, Marques MR, Santos IC, Pimenta J, Silva Pereira M, Carolino I, Santos Silva F, Oliveira Sousa MC, Gama LT, Fontes CM, Horta AEM, Prates JAM, Pereira RM. Prion-like Doppel gene polymorphisms and scrapie susceptibility in portuguese sheep breeds. Anim Genet 2010; 41:311-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2009.01992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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49
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Bremer J, Baumann F, Tiberi C, Wessig C, Fischer H, Schwarz P, Steele AD, Toyka KV, Nave KA, Weis J, Aguzzi A. Axonal prion protein is required for peripheral myelin maintenance. Nat Neurosci 2010; 13:310-8. [PMID: 20098419 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The integrity of peripheral nerves relies on communication between axons and Schwann cells. The axonal signals that ensure myelin maintenance are distinct from those that direct myelination and are largely unknown. Here we show that ablation of the prion protein PrP(C) triggers a chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy (CDP) in four independently targeted mouse strains. Ablation of the neighboring Prnd locus, or inbreeding to four distinct mouse strains, did not modulate the CDP. CDP was triggered by depletion of PrP(C) specifically in neurons, but not in Schwann cells, and was suppressed by PrP(C) expression restricted to neurons but not to Schwann cells. CDP was prevented by PrP(C) variants that undergo proteolytic amino-proximal cleavage, but not by variants that are nonpermissive for cleavage, including secreted PrP(C) lacking its glycolipid membrane anchor. These results indicate that neuronal expression and regulated proteolysis of PrP(C) are essential for myelin maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Bremer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are inevitably lethal neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and a large variety of animals. The infectious agent responsible for TSEs is the prion, an abnormally folded and aggregated protein that propagates itself by imposing its conformation onto the cellular prion protein (PrPC) of the host. PrPCis necessary for prion replication and for prion-induced neurodegeneration, yet the proximal causes of neuronal injury and death are still poorly understood. Prion toxicity may arise from the interference with the normal function of PrPC, and therefore, understanding the physiological role of PrPCmay help to clarify the mechanism underlying prion diseases. Here we discuss the evolution of the prion concept and how prion-like mechanisms may apply to other protein aggregation diseases. We describe the clinical and the pathological features of the prion diseases in human and animals, the events occurring during neuroinvasion, and the possible scenarios underlying brain damage. Finally, we discuss potential antiprion therapies and current developments in the realm of prion diagnostics.
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