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Burato A, Legname G. Comparing Prion Proteins Across Species: Is Zebrafish a Useful Model? Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z. [PMID: 38918277 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite the considerable body of research dedicated to the field of neurodegeneration, the gap in knowledge on the prion protein and its intricate involvement in brain diseases remains substantial. However, in the past decades, many steps forward have been taken toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying both the physiological role of the prion protein and the misfolding event converting it into its pathological counterpart, the prion. This review aims to provide an overview of the main findings regarding this protein, highlighting the advantages of many different animal models that share a conserved amino acid sequence and/or structure with the human prion protein. A particular focus will be given to the species Danio rerio, a compelling research organism for the investigation of prion biology, thanks to its conserved orthologs, ease of genetic manipulation, and cost-effectiveness of high-throughput experimentation. We will explore its potential in filling some of the gaps on physiological and pathological aspects of the prion protein, with the aim of directing the future development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burato
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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2
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Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Dietary Trace Elements and the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:2067. [PMID: 37432185 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) are absorbed from food via the gastrointestinal tract, transported into the brain, and play central roles in normal brain functions. An excess of these trace elements often produces reactive oxygen species and damages the brain. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that the dyshomeostasis of these metals is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases, and Lewy body diseases. The disease-related amyloidogenic proteins can regulate metal homeostasis at the synapses, and thus loss of the protective functions of these amyloidogenic proteins causes neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, metal-induced conformational changes of the amyloidogenic proteins contribute to enhancing their neurotoxicity. Moreover, excess Zn and Cu play central roles in the pathogenesis of vascular-type senile dementia. Here, we present an overview of the intake, absorption, and transport of four essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and one non-essential element (aluminum: Al) in food and their connections with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases based on metal-protein, and metal-metal cross-talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Midori Kato-Negishi
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Tanaka
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
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3
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Cellular Prion Protein Attenuates OGD/R-Induced Damage by Skewing Microglia toward an Anti-inflammatory State via Enhanced and Prolonged Activation of Autophagy. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1297-1316. [PMID: 36441478 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of microglial pro/anti-inflammatory states and autophagy are promising new therapies for ischemic stroke, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. The objective of the study is to determine the intrinsic role of PrPC (cellular prion protein) in the regulation of microglial inflammatory states and autophagy in ischemic stroke. PrPC was expressed in murine microglia, and an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model was established in microglia of different PRNP genotypes. During reperfusion following OGD, wild-type (WT) microglia had significantly increased pro/anti-inflammatory microglial percentages and related cytokine [interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon-gamma] release at reperfusion after 48 or 72 h. WT microglia also showed greater accumulation of the autophagy markers LC3B-II/I (microtubule-associated protein B-light chain 3), but not of p62 or LAMP1 (lysosome-associated membrane protein) at reperfusion after 24 h and 48 h. Inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine or bafilomycin A1 aggravated the OGD/R-induced pro-inflammatory state, and the effect of 3-methyladenine was significantly stronger than that of bafilomycin A1. Concomitantly, PRNP knockout shortened the accumulation of LC3B-II/I, suppressed microglial anti-inflammatory states, and further aggravated the pro-inflammatory states. Conversely, PRNP overexpression had the opposite effects. Bafilomycin A1 reversed the effect of PrPC on microglial inflammatory state transformation. Moreover, microglia with PRNP overexpression exhibited higher levels of LAMP1 expression in the control and OGD/R groups and delayed the OGD/R-induced decrease of LAMP1 to reperfusion after 48 h. PrPC attenuates OGD/R-induced damage by skewing microglia toward an anti-inflammatory state via enhanced and prolonged activation of autophagy.
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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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5
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Cellular prion protein offers neuroprotection in astrocytes submitted to amyloid β oligomer toxicity. Mol Cell Biochem 2022:10.1007/s11010-022-04631-w. [PMID: 36576715 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC), in its native conformation, performs numerous cellular and cognitive functions in brain tissue. However, despite the cellular prion research in recent years, there are still questions about its participation in oxidative and neurodegenerative processes. This study aims to elucidate the involvement of PrPC in the neuroprotection cascade in the presence of oxidative stressors. For that, astrocytes from wild-type mice and knockout to PrPC were subjected to the induction of oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and with the toxic oligomer of the amyloid β protein (AβO). We observed that the presence of PrPC showed resistance in the cell viability of astrocytes. It was also possible to monitor changes in basic levels of metals and associate them with an induced damage condition, indicating the precise role of PrPC in metal homeostasis, where the absence of PrPC leads to metallic unbalance, culminating in cellular vulnerability to oxidative stress. Increased caspase 3, p-Tau, p53, and Bcl2 may establish a relationship between a PrPC and an induced damage condition. Complementarily, it has been shown that PrPC prevents the internalization of AβO and promotes its degradation under oxidative stress induction, thus preventing protein aggregation in astrocytes. It was also observed that the presence of PrPC can be related to translocating SOD1 to cell nuclei under oxidative stress, probably controlling DNA damage. The results of this study suggest that PrPC acts against oxidative stress activating the cellular response and defense by displaying neuroprotection to neurons and ensuring the functionality of astrocytes.
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Huntingtin and Other Neurodegeneration-Associated Proteins in the Development of Intracellular Pathologies: Potential Target Search for Therapeutic Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415533. [PMID: 36555175 PMCID: PMC9779313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are currently incurable. Numerous experimental data accumulated over the past fifty years have brought us closer to understanding the molecular and cell mechanisms responsible for their development. However, these data are not enough for a complete understanding of the genesis of these diseases, nor to suggest treatment methods. It turns out that many cellular pathologies developing during neurodegeneration coincide from disease to disease. These observations give hope to finding a common intracellular target(s) and to offering a universal method of treatment. In this review, we attempt to analyze data on similar cellular disorders among neurodegenerative diseases in general, and polyglutamine neurodegenerative diseases in particular, focusing on the interaction of various proteins involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases with various cellular organelles. The main purposes of this review are: (1) to outline the spectrum of common intracellular pathologies and to answer the question of whether it is possible to find potential universal target(s) for therapeutic intervention; (2) to identify specific intracellular pathologies and to speculate about a possible general approach for their treatment.
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Grimaldi I, Leser FS, Janeiro JM, da Rosa BG, Campanelli AC, Romão L, Lima FRS. The multiple functions of PrP C in physiological, cancer, and neurodegenerative contexts. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:1405-1425. [PMID: 36056255 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycoprotein, present both anchored in the cell membrane and soluble in the extracellular medium. It has a diversity of ligands and is variably expressed in numerous tissues and cell subtypes, most notably in the central nervous system (CNS). Its importance has been brought to light over the years both under physiological conditions, such as embryogenesis and immune system homeostasis, and in pathologies, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. During development, PrPC plays an important role in CNS, participating in axonal growth and guidance and differentiation of glial cells, but also in other organs such as the heart, lung, and digestive system. In diseases, PrPC has been related to several types of tumors, modulating cancer stem cells, enhancing malignant properties, and inducing drug resistance. Also, in non-neoplastic diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, PrPC seems to alter the dynamics of neurotoxic aggregate formation and, consequently, the progression of the disease. In this review, we explore in detail the multiple functions of this protein, which proved to be relevant for understanding the dynamics of organism homeostasis, as well as a promising target in the treatment of both neoplastic and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Grimaldi
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saceanu Leser
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Marcos Janeiro
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Gomes da Rosa
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Campanelli
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana Romão
- Cell Morphogenesis Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavia Regina Souza Lima
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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8
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Matamoros-Angles A, Hervera A, Soriano J, Martí E, Carulla P, Llorens F, Nuvolone M, Aguzzi A, Ferrer I, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM, Del Río JA. Analysis of co-isogenic prion protein deficient mice reveals behavioral deficits, learning impairment, and enhanced hippocampal excitability. BMC Biol 2022; 20:17. [PMID: 35027047 PMCID: PMC8759182 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a cell surface GPI-anchored protein, usually known for its role in the pathogenesis of human and animal prionopathies. However, increasing knowledge about the participation of PrPC in prion pathogenesis contrasts with puzzling data regarding its natural physiological role. PrPC is expressed in a number of tissues, including at high levels in the nervous system, especially in neurons and glial cells, and while previous studies have established a neuroprotective role, conflicting evidence for a synaptic function has revealed both reduced and enhanced long-term potentiation, and variable observations on memory, learning, and behavior. Such evidence has been confounded by the absence of an appropriate knock-out mouse model to dissect the biological relevance of PrPC, with some functions recently shown to be misattributed to PrPC due to the presence of genetic artifacts in mouse models. Here we elucidate the role of PrPC in the hippocampal circuitry and its related functions, such as learning and memory, using a recently available strictly co-isogenic Prnp0/0 mouse model (PrnpZH3/ZH3). Results We performed behavioral and operant conditioning tests to evaluate memory and learning capabilities, with results showing decreased motility, impaired operant conditioning learning, and anxiety-related behavior in PrnpZH3/ZH3 animals. We also carried in vivo electrophysiological recordings on CA3-CA1 synapses in living behaving mice and monitored spontaneous neuronal firing and network formation in primary neuronal cultures of PrnpZH3/ZH3 vs wildtype mice. PrPC absence enhanced susceptibility to high-intensity stimulations and kainate-induced seizures. However, long-term potentiation (LTP) was not enhanced in the PrnpZH3/ZH3 hippocampus. In addition, we observed a delay in neuronal maturation and network formation in PrnpZH3/ZH3 cultures. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that PrPC promotes neuronal network formation and connectivity. PrPC mediates synaptic function and protects the synapse from excitotoxic insults. Its deletion may underlie an epileptogenic-susceptible brain that fails to perform highly cognitive-demanding tasks such as associative learning and anxiety-like behaviors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01203-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Matamoros-Angles
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Hervera
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Materia Condensada, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Martí
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Bioinformatics and Genomics, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Carulla
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Llorens
- CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Göttingen, Germany.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Nuvolone
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Amyloidosis Center, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - I Ferrer
- CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Senior Consultant, Bellvitge University Hospital, IDIBELL (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Centre), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - J M Delgado-García
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013, Seville, Spain.
| | - J A Del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBERNED (Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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Dexter E, Kong Q. Neuroprotective effect and potential of cellular prion protein and its cleavage products for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders part II: strategies for therapeutics development. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:983-991. [PMID: 34470554 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1965882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The cellular prion protein (PrPC), some of its derivatives (especially PrP N-terminal N1 peptide and shed PrP), and PrPC-containing exosomes have strong neuroprotective activities, which have been reviewed in the companion article (Part I) and are briefly summarized here.Areas covered: We propose that elevating the extracellular levels of a protective PrP form using gene therapy and other approaches is a very promising novel avenue for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments against prion disease, Alzheimer's disease, and several other neurodegenerative diseases. We will dissect the pros and cons of various potential PrP-based treatment options and propose a few strategies that are more likely to succeed. The cited references were obtained from extensive PubMed searches of recent literature, including peer-reviewed original articles and review articles.Expert opinion: Concurrent knockdown of celllular PrP expression and elevation of the extracellular levels of a neuroprotective PrP N-terminal peptide via optimized gene therapy vectors is a highly promising broad-spectrum prophylactic and therapeutic strategy against several neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dexter
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Qingzhong Kong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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10
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Marques CMS, Pedron T, Batista BL, Cerchiaro G. Cellular prion protein activates Caspase 3 for apoptotic defense mechanism in astrocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2149-2158. [PMID: 33547547 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is anchored in the plasma membrane of cells, and it is highly present in cells of brain tissue, exerting numerous cellular and cognitive functions. The present study proves the importance of PrPC in the cellular defense mechanism and metal homeostasis in astrocytes cells. Through experimental studies using cell lines of immortalized mice astrocytes (wild type and knockout for PrPC), we showed that PrPc is involved in the apoptosis cell death process by the activation of Caspase 3, downregulation of p53, and cell cycle maintenance. Metal homeostasis was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, indicating the crucial role of PrPC to lower intracellular calcium. The lowered calcium concentration and the Caspase 3 downregulation in the PrPC-null astrocytes resulted in a faster growth rate in cells, comparing with PrPC wild-type one. The presence of PrPC shows to be essential to cell death and healthy growth. In conclusion, our results show for the first time that astrocyte knockout cells for the cellular prion protein could modulate apoptosis-dependent cell death pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M S Marques
- Center for Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Bl.B, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Pedron
- Center for Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Bl.B, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Bruno L Batista
- Center for Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Bl.B, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Giselle Cerchiaro
- Center for Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Bl.B, Santo André, SP, 09210-580, Brazil.
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11
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Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Neurometals in the Pathogenesis of Prion Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031267. [PMID: 33525334 PMCID: PMC7866166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are progressive and transmissive neurodegenerative diseases. The conformational conversion of normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) into abnormal pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) is critical for its infection and pathogenesis. PrPC possesses the ability to bind to various neurometals, including copper, zinc, iron, and manganese. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that PrPC plays essential roles in the maintenance of homeostasis of these neurometals in the synapse. In addition, trace metals are critical determinants of the conformational change and toxicity of PrPC. Here, we review our studies and other new findings that inform the current understanding of the links between trace elements and physiological functions of PrPC and the neurotoxicity of PrPSc.
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12
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Prado MB, Melo Escobar MI, Alves RN, Coelho BP, Fernandes CFDL, Boccacino JM, Iglesia RP, Lopes MH. Prion Protein at the Leading Edge: Its Role in Cell Motility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6677. [PMID: 32932634 PMCID: PMC7555277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is a central process involved in fundamental biological phenomena during embryonic development, wound healing, immune surveillance, and cancer spreading. Cell movement is complex and dynamic and requires the coordinated activity of cytoskeletal, membrane, adhesion and extracellular proteins. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) has been implicated in distinct aspects of cell motility, including axonal growth, transendothelial migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, formation of lamellipodia, and tumor migration and invasion. The preferential location of PrPC on cell membrane favors its function as a pivotal molecule in cell motile phenotype, being able to serve as a scaffold protein for extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface receptors, and cytoskeletal multiprotein complexes to modulate their activities in cellular movement. Evidence points to PrPC mediating interactions of multiple key elements of cell motility at the intra- and extracellular levels, such as integrins and matrix proteins, also regulating cell adhesion molecule stability and cell adhesion cytoskeleton dynamics. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern cell motility is critical for tissue homeostasis, since uncontrolled cell movement results in pathological conditions such as developmental diseases and tumor dissemination. In this review, we discuss the relevant contribution of PrPC in several aspects of cell motility, unveiling new insights into both PrPC function and mechanism in a multifaceted manner either in physiological or pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marilene Hohmuth Lopes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.B.P.); (M.I.M.E.); (R.N.A.); (B.P.C.); (C.F.d.L.F.); (J.M.B.); (R.P.I.)
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13
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Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Amyloids: Regulators of Metal Homeostasis in the Synapse. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061441. [PMID: 32210005 PMCID: PMC7145306 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformational changes in amyloidogenic proteins, such as β-amyloid protein, prion proteins, and α-synuclein, play a critical role in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, prion disease, and Lewy body disease. The disease-associated proteins possess several common characteristics, including the ability to form amyloid oligomers with β-pleated sheet structure, as well as cytotoxicity, although they differ in amino acid sequence. Interestingly, these amyloidogenic proteins all possess the ability to bind trace metals, can regulate metal homeostasis, and are co-localized at the synapse, where metals are abundantly present. In this review, we discuss the physiological roles of these amyloidogenic proteins in metal homeostasis, and we propose hypothetical models of their pathogenetic role in the neurodegenerative process as the loss of normal metal regulatory functions of amyloidogenic proteins. Notably, these amyloidogenic proteins have the capacity to form Ca2+-permeable pores in membranes, suggestive of a toxic gain of function. Therefore, we focus on their potential role in the disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis in amyloid-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
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14
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Small-molecule induction of Aβ-42 peptide production in human cerebral organoids to model Alzheimer's disease associated phenotypes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209150. [PMID: 30557391 PMCID: PMC6296660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mini-brains (MB) are cerebral organoids that recapitulate in part the complexity of the human brain in a unique three-dimensional in vitro model, yielding discrete brain regions reminiscent of the cerebral cortex. Specific proteins linked to neurodegenerative disorders are physiologically expressed in MBs, such as APP-derived amyloids (Aβ), whose physiological and pathological roles and interactions with other proteins are not well established in humans. Here, we demonstrate that neuroectodermal organoids can be used to study the Aβ accumulation implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To enhance the process of protein secretion and accumulation, we adopted a chemical strategy of induction to modulate post-translational pathways of APP using an Amyloid-β Forty-Two Inducer named Aftin-5. Secreted, soluble Aβ fragment concentrations were analyzed in MB-conditioned media. An increase in the Aβ42 fragment secretion was observed as was an increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio after drug treatment, which is consistent with the pathological-like phenotypes described in vivo in transgenic animal models and in vitro in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cultures obtained from AD patients. Notably in this context we observe time-dependent Aβ accumulation, which differs from protein accumulation occurring after treatment. We show that mini-brains obtained from a non-AD control cell line are responsive to chemical compound induction, producing a shift of physiological Aβ concentrations, suggesting that this model can be used to identify environmental agents that may initiate the cascade of events ultimately leading to sporadic AD. Increases in both Aβ oligomers and their target, the cellular prion protein (PrPC), support the possibility of using MBs to further understand the pathophysiological role that underlies their interaction in a human model. Finally, the potential application of MBs for modeling age-associated phenotypes and the study of neurological disorders is confirmed.
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Salvesen Ø, Tatzelt J, Tranulis MA. The prion protein in neuroimmune crosstalk. Neurochem Int 2018; 130:104335. [PMID: 30448564 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a medium-sized glycoprotein, attached to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. PrPC is encoded by a single-copy gene, PRNP, which is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system and at lower levels in non-neuronal cells, including those of the immune system. Evidence from experimental knockout of PRNP in rodents, goats, and cattle and the occurrence of a nonsense mutation in goat that prevents synthesis of PrPC, have shown that the molecule is non-essential for life. Indeed, no easily recognizable phenotypes are associate with a lack of PrPC, except the potentially advantageous trait that animals without PrPC cannot develop prion disease. This is because, in prion diseases, PrPC converts to a pathogenic "scrapie" conformer, PrPSc, which aggregates and eventually induces neurodegeneration. In addition, endogenous neuronal PrPC serves as a toxic receptor to mediate prion-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, PrPC is an interesting target for treatment of prion diseases. Although loss of PrPC has no discernable effect, alteration of its normal physiological function can have very harmful consequences. It is therefore important to understand cellular processes involving PrPC, and research of this topic has advanced considerably in the past decade. Here, we summarize data that indicate the role of PrPC in modulating immune signaling, with emphasis on neuroimmune crosstalk both under basal conditions and during inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Salvesen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Michael A Tranulis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
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Abstract
The cellular prion protein, PrPC, is a small, cell surface glycoprotein with a function that is currently somewhat ill defined. It is also the key molecule involved in the family of neurodegenerative disorders called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which are also known as prion diseases. The misfolding of PrPC to a conformationally altered isoform, designated PrPTSE, is the main molecular process involved in pathogenesis and appears to precede many other pathologic and clinical manifestations of disease, including neuronal loss, astrogliosis, and cognitive loss. PrPTSE is also believed to be the major component of the infectious "prion," the agent responsible for disease transmission, and preparations of this protein can cause prion disease when inoculated into a naïve host. Thus, understanding the biochemical and biophysical properties of both PrPC and PrPTSE, and ultimately the mechanisms of their interconversion, is critical if we are to understand prion disease biology. Although entire books could be devoted to research pertaining to the protein, herein we briefly review the state of knowledge of prion biochemistry, including consideration of prion protein structure, function, misfolding, and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Gill
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom; Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew R Castle
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Role of hypoxia‑mediated cellular prion protein functional change in stem cells and potential application in angiogenesis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:5747-5751. [PMID: 28901450 PMCID: PMC5865755 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) can replace other pivotal molecules due to its interaction with several partners in performing a variety of important biological functions that may differ between embryonic and mature stem cells. Recent studies have revealed major advances in elucidating the putative role of PrPC in the regulation of stem cells and its application in stem cell therapy. What is special about PrPC is that its expression may be regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, which is the transcriptional factor of cellular response to hypoxia. Hypoxic conditions have been known to drive cellular responses that can enhance cell survival, differentiation and angiogenesis through adaptive processes. Our group recently reported hypoxia-enhanced vascular repair of endothelial colony-forming cells on ischemic injury. Hypoxia-induced AKT/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation eventually increases neovasculogenesis. In stem cell biology, hypoxia promotes the expression of growth factors. According to other studies, aspects of tissue regeneration and cell function are influenced by hypoxia, which serves an essential role in stem cell HIF-1α signaling. All these data suggest the possibility that hypoxia-mediated PrPC serves an important role in angiogenesis. Therefore, the present review summarizes the characteristics of PrPC, which is produced by HIF-1α in hypoxia, as it relates to angiogenesis.
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Hirsch TZ, Martin-Lannerée S, Mouillet-Richard S. Functions of the Prion Protein. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 150:1-34. [PMID: 28838656 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although initially disregarded compared to prion pathogenesis, the functions exerted by the cellular prion protein PrPC have gained much interest over the past two decades. Research aiming at unraveling PrPC functions started to intensify when it became appreciated that it would give clues as to how it is subverted in the context of prion infection and, more recently, in the context of Alzheimer's disease. It must now be admitted that PrPC is implicated in an incredible variety of biological processes, including neuronal homeostasis, stem cell fate, protection against stress, or cell adhesion. It appears that these diverse roles can all be fulfilled through the involvement of PrPC in cell signaling events. Our aim here is to provide an overview of our current understanding of PrPC functions from the animal to the molecular scale and to highlight some of the remaining gaps that should be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Z Hirsch
- INSERM UMR 1124, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Martin-Lannerée
- INSERM UMR 1124, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM UMR 1124, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, Paris, France.
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Castle AR, Gill AC. Physiological Functions of the Cellular Prion Protein. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:19. [PMID: 28428956 PMCID: PMC5382174 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prion protein, PrPC, is a small, cell-surface glycoprotein notable primarily for its critical role in pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative disorders known as prion diseases. A hallmark of prion diseases is the conversion of PrPC into an abnormally folded isoform, which provides a template for further pathogenic conversion of PrPC, allowing disease to spread from cell to cell and, in some circumstances, to transfer to a new host. In addition to the putative neurotoxicity caused by the misfolded form(s), loss of normal PrPC function could be an integral part of the neurodegenerative processes and, consequently, significant research efforts have been directed toward determining the physiological functions of PrPC. In this review, we first summarise important aspects of the biochemistry of PrPC before moving on to address the current understanding of the various proposed functions of the protein, including details of the underlying molecular mechanisms potentially involved in these functions. Over years of study, PrPC has been associated with a wide array of different cellular processes and many interacting partners have been suggested. However, recent studies have cast doubt on the previously well-established links between PrPC and processes such as stress-protection, copper homeostasis and neuronal excitability. Instead, the functions best-supported by the current literature include regulation of myelin maintenance and of processes linked to cellular differentiation, including proliferation, adhesion, and control of cell morphology. Intriguing connections have also been made between PrPC and the modulation of circadian rhythm, glucose homeostasis, immune function and cellular iron uptake, all of which warrant further investigation.
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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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21
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Black SAG, Stys PK, Zamponi GW, Tsutsui S. Cellular prion protein and NMDA receptor modulation: protecting against excitotoxicity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2014; 2:45. [PMID: 25364752 PMCID: PMC4207032 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well established that misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the β-sheet-rich, aggregated scrapie conformation (PrPSc) causes a variety of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), the physiological roles of PrPC are still incompletely understood. There is accumulating evidence describing the roles of PrPC in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Recently, we identified a functional regulation of NMDA receptors by PrPC that involves formation of a physical protein complex between these proteins. Excessive NMDA receptor activity during conditions such as ischemia mediates enhanced Ca2+ entry into cells and contributes to excitotoxic neuronal death. In addition, NMDA receptors and/or PrPC play critical roles in neuroinflammation and glial cell toxicity. Inhibition of NMDA receptor activity protects against PrPSc-induced neuronal death. Moreover, in mice lacking PrPC, infarct size is increased after focal cerebral ischemia, and absence of PrPC increases susceptibility of neurons to NMDA receptor-dependent death. Recently, PrPC was found to be a receptor for oligomeric beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, suggesting a role for PrPC in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our recent findings suggest that Aβ peptides enhance NMDA receptor current by perturbing the normal copper- and PrPC-dependent regulation of these receptors. Here, we review evidence highlighting a role for PrPC in preventing NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and inflammation. There is a need for more detailed molecular characterization of PrPC-mediated regulation of NMDA receptors, such as determining which NMDA receptor subunits mediate pathogenic effects upon loss of PrPC-mediated regulation and identifying PrPC binding site(s) on the receptor. This knowledge will allow development of novel therapeutic interventions for not only TSEs, but also for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders involving dysfunction of PrPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A G Black
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter K Stys
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shigeki Tsutsui
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
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Kovacs GG, Adle-Biassette H, Milenkovic I, Cipriani S, van Scheppingen J, Aronica E. Linking pathways in the developing and aging brain with neurodegeneration. Neuroscience 2014; 269:152-72. [PMID: 24699227 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The molecular and cellular mechanisms, which coordinate the critical stages of brain development to reach a normal structural organization with appropriate networks, are progressively being elucidated. Experimental and clinical studies provide evidence of the occurrence of developmental alterations induced by genetic or environmental factors leading to the formation of aberrant networks associated with learning disabilities. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that suggests that also late-onset neurological disorders, even Alzheimer's disease, might be considered disorders of aberrant neural development with pathological changes that are set up at early stages of development before the appearance of the symptoms. Thus, evaluating proteins and pathways that are important in age-related neurodegeneration in the developing brain together with the characterization of mechanisms important during brain development with relevance to brain aging are of crucial importance. In the present review we focus on (1) aspects of neurogenesis with relevance to aging; (2) neurodegenerative disease (NDD)-associated proteins/pathways in the developing brain; and (3) further pathways of the developing or neurodegenerating brains that show commonalities. Elucidation of complex pathogenetic routes characterizing the earliest stage of the detrimental processes that result in pathological aging represents an essential first step toward a therapeutic intervention which is able to reverse these pathological processes and prevent the onset of the disease. Based on the shared features between pathways, we conclude that prevention of NDDs of the elderly might begin during the fetal and childhood life by providing the mothers and their children a healthy environment for the fetal and childhood development.
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Affiliation(s)
- G G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - H Adle-Biassette
- Inserm U1141, F-75019 Paris, France; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 676, F-75019 Paris, France; Department of Pathology, Lariboisière Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - I Milenkovic
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - J van Scheppingen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; SEIN - Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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McDonald A, Pushie MJ, Millhauser GL, George GN. New insights into metal interactions with the prion protein: EXAFS analysis and structure calculations of copper binding to a single octarepeat from the prion protein. J Phys Chem B 2013; 117:13822-41. [PMID: 24102071 PMCID: PMC3890359 DOI: 10.1021/jp408239h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Copper coordination to the prion protein (PrP) has garnered considerable interest for almost 20 years, due in part to the possibility that this interaction may be part of the normal function of PrP. The most characterized form of copper binding to PrP has been Cu(2+) interaction with the conserved tandem repeats in the N-terminal domain of PrP, termed the octarepeats, with many studies focusing on single and multiple repeats of PHGGGWGQ. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy has been used in several previous instances to characterize the solution structure of Cu(2+) binding into the peptide backbone in the HGGG portion of the octarepeats. All previous EXAFS studies, however, have benefitted from crystallographic structure information for [Cu(II) (Ac-HGGGW-NH2)(-2H)] but have not conclusively demonstrated that the complex EXAFS spectrum represents the same coordination environment for Cu(2+) bound to the peptide backbone. Density functional structure calculations as well as full multiple scattering EXAFS curve fitting analysis are brought to bear on the predominant coordination mode for Cu(2+) with the Ac-PHGGGWGQ-NH2 peptide at physiological pH, under high Cu(2+) occupancy conditions. In addition to the structure calculations, which provide a thermodynamic link to structural information, methods are also presented for extensive deconvolution of the EXAFS spectrum. We demonstrate how the EXAFS data can be analyzed to extract the maximum structural information and arrive at a structural model that is significantly improved over previous EXAFS characterizations. The EXAFS spectrum for the chemically reduced form of copper binding to the Ac-PHGGGWGQ-NH2 peptide is presented, which is best modeled as a linear two-coordinate species with a single His imidazole ligand and a water molecule. The extent of in situ photoreduction of the copper center during standard data collection is also presented, and EXAFS curve fitting of the photoreduced species reveals an intermediate structure that is similar to the Cu(2+) form with reduced coordination number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex McDonald
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada
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Non-neuronal cell responses differ between normal and Down syndrome developing brains. Int J Dev Neurosci 2013; 31:796-803. [PMID: 24113258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most common genetic cause of mental retardation, is characterized by reduced number of neurons and delayed myelination. Though non-neuronal cells in the brain are vital for the development, survival, and function of neurons, there is a paucity of comparative studies of normal development and DS, in particular in the temporal lobe, a region of interest for cognitive decline. We evaluated immunoreactivity for CD68 (macrophage), HLA-DR (microglia), Olig2 and TPPP/p25 (oligodendroglia), and GFAP (astroglia) in the germinal matrix (GM), temporal lobe white matter (TeWM) and hippocampus from 14 weeks of gestations to newborn in 28 DS patients and 30 age-matched controls. The rate of increase of CD68 positive cells in the GM, CA1 hippocampal subregion and subiculum was significantly higher in DS. The density of Olig2 positive cells in the GM was lower in DS brains at early stages, then showed a transient increase contrasting controls. Olig2 expression increased more in the TeWM in DS, suggesting an altered pattern of oligodendrocyte progenitor generation. GFAP-immunoreactivity in DS was significantly lower in the middle pregnancy period in the TeWM and did not increase between early and middle periods in the GM compared to controls, likely reflecting a defect in astrocyte production. The altered expression of non-neuronal cell markers during normal development and DS may play a role in, or reflect, defective neurogenesis, leading to reduced number of neurons and delayed myelination in the developing DS brain. This has implications for the understanding of the mental retardation in DS patients.
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Lee YJ, Baskakov IV. The cellular form of the prion protein is involved in controlling cell cycle dynamics, self-renewal, and the fate of human embryonic stem cell differentiation. J Neurochem 2012; 124:310-22. [PMID: 22860629 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07913.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Prion protein (PrP(C) ), is a glycoprotein that is expressed on the cell surface. The current study examines the role of PrP(C) in early human embryogenesis using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and tetracycline-regulated lentiviral vectors that up-regulate or suppresses PrP(C) expression. Here, we show that expression of PrP(C) in pluripotent hESCs cultured under self-renewal conditions induced cell differentiation toward lineages of three germ layers. Silencing of PrP(C) in hESCs undergoing spontaneous differentiation altered the dynamics of the cell cycle and changed the balance between the lineages of the three germ layers, where differentiation toward ectodermal lineages was suppressed. Moreover, over-expression of PrP(C) in hESCs undergoing spontaneous differentiation inhibited differentiation toward lineages of all three germ layers and helped to preserve high proliferation activity. These results illustrate that PrP(C) is involved in key activities that dictate the status of hESCs including regulation of cell cycle dynamics, controlling the switch between self-renewal and differentiation, and determining the fate of hESCs differentiation. This study suggests that PrP(C) is at the crossroads of several signaling pathways that regulate the switch between preservation of or departure from the self-renewal state, control cell proliferation activity, and define stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jin Lee
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Martin GR, Alvarez AL, Bashashati M, Keenan CM, Jirik FR, Sharkey KA. Endogenous cellular prion protein regulates contractility of the mouse ileum. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2012; 24:e412-24. [PMID: 22762267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2012.01970.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular prion protein (PrP(C) ) is expressed in the enteric nervous system (ENS), however, its physiological role has not been identified. Studies suggest that PrP(C) can function as a metal-binding protein, as absence of the protein has been linked to altered copper metabolism and atypical synaptic activity. Because copper is known to modulate smooth muscle relaxation, we tested the hypothesis that PrP(C) deficiency would alter intestinal contractility. METHODS We examined electrically evoked ileal contractility in Prnp(-/-) or wild type littermate mice and the effects of copper or copper chelation. PrP(C) expression was studied in whole mount ileal preparations of mice and guinea pigs by immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS Relative to wild type mice, ileal tissues of Prnp(-/-) mice exhibited reduced electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked contractility. Furthermore, EFS-induced relaxation, as a percentage of that induced by a nitric oxide donor, was enhanced. Addition of a copper donor to the organ bath increased, whereas the addition of a copper chelator inhibited, nitric oxide donor-induced ileal relaxation in Prnp(-/-) mice. PrP(C) was expressed on nerve fibers or terminals, and some cell bodies in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of wild type mice. PrP(C) colocalized with a neuron-specific ectonucleotidase, nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 3 (NTPDase3), but to only a limited extent with GFAP, a marker of enteric glia. Guinea pigs expressed PrP(C) in nerve fibers or terminals and enteric glia in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Our findings suggest that PrP(C) , which is abundant in the ENS, has a role in the regulation of ileal contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Martin
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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27
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Abstract
Prion protein (PrP) can be considered a pivotal molecule because it interacts with several partners to perform a diverse range of critical biological functions that might differ in embryonic and adult cells. In recent years, there have been major advances in elucidating the putative role of PrP in the basic biology of stem cells in many different systems. Here, we review the evidence indicating that PrP is a key molecule involved in driving different aspects of the potency of embryonic and tissue-specific stem cells in self-perpetuation and differentiation in many cell types. It has been shown that PrP is involved in stem cell self-renewal, controlling pluripotency gene expression, proliferation, and neural and cardiomyocyte differentiation. PrP also has essential roles in distinct processes that regulate tissue-specific stem cell biology in nervous and hematopoietic systems and during muscle regeneration. Results from our own investigations have shown that PrP is able to modulate self-renewal and proliferation in neural stem cells, processes that are enhanced by PrP interactions with stress inducible protein 1 (STI1). Thus, the available data reveal the influence of PrP in acting upon the maintenance of pluripotent status or the differentiation of stem cells from the early embryogenesis through adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilene H Lopes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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28
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Lopes JP, Agostinho P. Cdk5: multitasking between physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 94:49-63. [PMID: 21473899 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a peculiar proline-directed serine/threonine kinase. Unlike the other members of the Cdk family, Cdk5 is not directly involved in cell cycle regulation, being normally associated with neuronal processes such as migration, cortical layering and synaptic plasticity. This kinase is present mainly in post-mitotic neurons and its activity is tightly regulated by the interaction with the specific activators, p35 and p39. Despite its pivotal role in CNS development, Cdk5 dysregulation has been implicated in different pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and, most recently, prion-related encephalopathies (PRE). In these neurodegenerative conditions, Cdk5 overactivation and relocalization occurs upon association with p25, a truncated form of the normal activator p35. This activator switching will cause a shift in the phosphorylative pattern of Cdk5, with an alteration both in targets and activity, ultimately leading to neuronal demise. In AD and PRE, two disorders that share clinical and neuropathological features, Cdk5 dysregulation is a linking event between the major neuropathological markers: amyloid plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic and neuronal loss. Moreover, this kinase was shown to be involved in abortive cell cycle re-entry, a feature recently proposed as a possible step in the neuronal apoptosis mechanism of several neurological diseases. This review focuses on the role of Cdk5 in neurons, namely in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, synaptic function and cell survival, both in physiological and in pathological conditions, highlighting the relevance of Cdk5 in the main mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao P Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Peralta OA, Huckle WR, Eyestone WH. Expression and knockdown of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells. Differentiation 2011; 81:68-77. [PMID: 20926176 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2010.09.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is a highly conserved glycoprotein that may undergo conversion into a conformationally altered isoform (scrapie prion protein or PrP(Sc)), widely believed to be the pathogenic agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Although much is known about pathogenic PrP conversion and its role in TSEs, the normal function of PrP(C) is poorly understood. Given the abundant expression of PrP(C) in the developing mammalian CNS and the spatial association with differentiated stages of neurogenesis, recently it has been proposed that PrP(C) participates in neural cell differentiation. In the present study, we investigated the role of PrP(C) in neural development during early embryogenesis. In bovine fetuses, PrP(C) was differentially expressed in the neuroepithelium, showing higher levels at the intermediate and marginal layers where more differentiated states of neurogenesis were located. We utilized differentiating mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to test whether PrP(C) contributed to the process of neural differentiation during early embryogenesis. PrP(C) showed increasing levels of expression starting on Day 9 until Day 18 of ES cell differentiation. PrP(C) expression was negatively correlated with pluripotency marker Oct-4 confirming that ES cells had indeed differentiated. Induction of ES cells differentiation by retinoic acid (RA) resulted in up-regulation of PrP(C) at Day 20 and nestin at Day 12. PrP(C) expression was knocked down in PrP-targeted siRNA ES cells between Days 12 and 20. PrP(C) knockdown in ES cells resulted in nestin reduction at Days 16 and 20. Analysis of bovine fetuses suggests the participation of PrP(C) in neural cell differentiation during early embryogenesis. The positive association between PrP(C) and nestin expression provide evidence for the contribution of PrP(C) to ES cell differentiation into neural progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A Peralta
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442, USA.
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Pushie MJ, Pickering IJ, Martin GR, Tsutsui S, Jirik FR, George GN. Prion protein expression level alters regional copper, iron and zinc content in the mouse brain. Metallomics 2011; 3:206-14. [PMID: 21264406 DOI: 10.1039/c0mt00037j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The central role of the prion protein (PrP) in a family of fatal neurodegenerate diseases has garnered considerable research interest over the past two decades. Moreover, the role of PrP in neuronal development, as well as its apparent role in metal homeostasis, is increasingly of interest. The host-encoded form of the prion protein (PrP(C)) binds multiple copper atoms via its N-terminal domain and can influence brain copper and iron levels. The importance of PrP(C) to the regulation of brain metal homeostasis and metal distribution, however, is not fully understood. We therefore employed synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging to map the level and distributions of several key metals in the brains of mice that express different levels of PrP(C). Brain sections from wild-type, prion gene knockout (Prnp(-/-)) and PrP(C) over-expressing mice revealed striking variation in the levels of iron, copper, and even zinc in specific brain regions as a function of PrP(C) expression. Our results indicate that one important function of PrP(C) may be to regulate the amount and distribution of specific metals within the central nervous system. This raises the possibility that PrP(C) levels, or its activity, might regulate the progression of diseases in which altered metal homeostasis is thought to play a pathogenic role such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Wilson's diseases and disorders such as hemochromatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jake Pushie
- Molecular and Environmental Science Research Group, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 114 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada.
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Krupinski J, Turu MM, Luque A, Badimon L, Slevin M. Increased PrPC expression correlates with endoglin (CD105) positive microvessels in advanced carotid lesions. Acta Neuropathol 2008; 116:537-45. [PMID: 18810471 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-008-0427-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) has multiple functions but its role in the development of atherosclerosis has not been studied. Our pilot microarray data showed increased expression of PrP(C) in tissue samples of complicated carotid lesions. Therefore in this study, we aimed to investigate its localisation within atherosclerotic arteries and its concentration in patient plasma. PrP(C) expression was examined using an enzyme immunometric assay (EIA) in plasma from patients undergoing endarterectomy. Carotid specimens and control vascular transplants were studied for PrP(C) and CD105 (endoglin, a marker of active vessels) expression by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Patients with carotid disease had higher levels of plasma PrP(C) than the control group [4.35 ng/ml (n = 22; 3.1-5.3) vs. 1.95 ng/ml (n = 21; 1.1-2.5), P < 0.001]. Furthermore, CD105-positive plaques had higher PrP(C) expression which colocalized with CD105 in neovessels. There was a significant correlation between mRNA expression of PrP(C) and CD105 in tested plaques (P < 0.001; r = 0.7) supporting our immunohistochemical findings. We conclude that PrP(C) is expressed in carotid specimens and may be associated with neovessel growth or survival in these plaques. Our results suggest a role for PrP(C) in modulating neovessel formation in complicated plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Krupinski
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Bellvitge (HUB), Fundacio IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
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Ultrastructural evidence that ependymal cells are infected in experimental scrapie. Acta Neuropathol 2008; 115:643-50. [PMID: 18369649 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-008-0365-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 03/10/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During the last stage of infection in the experimental scrapie-infected hamster model, light microscopy reveals typical immunostaining of PrPsc in the subependymal region and at the apical ependymal cell borders. Whereas the subependymal immuno-staining is known to originate from extracellular amyloid filaments and residual membranes of astrocytes as constituents of plaque-like structures, the ultrastructural correlate of the supraependymal PrPsc staining remains uncertain. To decipher this apical PrPsc immunopositivity and subsequently the ependymocyte-scrapie agent interaction, we employed highly sensitive immuno-electron microscopy for detecting PrPsc in 263K scrapie-infected hamster brains. The results revealed the supraependymal PrPsc signal to be correlated not only with extracellular accumulation of amyloid filaments, but also with three distinct ependymal cell structures: (1) morphologically intact or altered microvilli associated with filaments, (2) the ependymal cell cytoplasm in proximity of apical cell membrane, and (3) intracytoplasmic organelles such as endosomes and lysosomal-like structures. These findings suggest a strong ependymotrope feature of the scrapie agent and recapitulate several aspects of the cell-prion interaction leading to the formation and production of PrPsc amyloid filaments. Our data demonstrate that in addition to neurons and astrocytes, ependymocytes constitute a new cellular target for the scrapie agent. In contrast, the absence of PrPsc labeling in choroid plexus and brain vascular endothelial cells indicates that these cells are not susceptible to the infection and may inhibit passage of the infectious agent across the blood-brain barrier.
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Laffont-Proust I, Fonta C, Renaud L, Hässig R, Moya KL. Developmental changes in cellular prion protein in primate visual cortex. J Comp Neurol 2008; 504:646-58. [PMID: 17722030 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) is a cell surface glycoprotein highly expressed in neurons, and a protease-resistant conformer of the protein accumulates in the brain parenchyma in prion diseases. In human prion diseases, visual cortex and visual function can be affected. We examined both the levels and the localization of PrP(c) in developing visual cortex of the common marmoset. Western blot analysis showed that PrP(c) increased from the day of birth through adulthood, and this increase correlated with the progression of synapse formation. Immunohistochemistry showed that PrP(c) was present in fiber tracts of the neonate, and this immunoreactivity was lost with maturation. Within the neuropil, the laminar distribution of PrP(c) changed with age. In the neonate, PrP(c) immunoreactivity was strongest in layer 1, where the earliest synapses form. At the end of the first postnatal week, layer 4C, as identified by its strong cytochrome oxidase activity, was noticeably lighter in terms of PrP(c) immunoreactivity than the adjacent layers. The contrast between the strong immunoreactivity in both supragranular and infragranular layers and weak immunoreactivity in layer 4C increased with age. Layers 2/3 and 5 contained more intense PrP(c) immunoreactivity; these layers receive thalamic input from the koniocellular division of the LGN, and these layers of the LGN also had strong PrP(c) immunoreactivity. Together, these results provide evidence for PrP(c) localization in an identified functional pathway and may shed some light on prion disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Laffont-Proust
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Avenir Team--Human Prion Diseases, IFR70, Neuropathology, Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris 75013, France
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Witusik M, Gresner SM, Hulas-Bigoszewska K, Krynska B, Azizi SA, Liberski PP, Brown P, Rieske P. Neuronal and astrocytic cells, obtained after differentiation of human neural GFAP-positive progenitors, present heterogeneous expression of PrPc. Brain Res 2007; 1186:65-73. [PMID: 17996224 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Revised: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 10/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PrP(c) is a cellular isoform of the prion protein with an unknown normal function. One of the putative physiological roles of this protein is its involvement in cell differentiation. Recently, in vitro and in vivo studies showed that GFAP-positive cells have characteristics of stem/progenitor cells that generate neurons and glia. We used an in vitro model of human neurogenesis from GFAP-positive progenitor cells to study the expression of PrP(c) during neural differentiation. Semi-quantitative multiplex-PCR assay and Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase of PRNP expression level in differentiated cells compared to undifferentiated cell population. As determined by immunocytochemistry followed by a quantitative image analysis, the PrP(c) level increased significantly in neuronal cells and did not increase significantly in glial cells. Of note, glial and neuronal cells showed a very large heterogeneity of PrP(c) expression. Our results provide the basis for studying the role of PrP(c) in cell differentiation and neurogenesis from human GFAP-positive progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Witusik
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 8/10 Czechoslowacka str., Lodz, Poland
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Adle-Biassette H, Grassi J, Verney C, Walker F, Choudat L, Hénin D. Les contrôles nécessaires en immunohistochimie : de la recherche au diagnostic. Ann Pathol 2007; 27:16-26. [PMID: 17568355 DOI: 10.1016/s0242-6498(07)88680-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The specificity of an immunohistochemical reaction is guaranteed by two sets of controls. Positive controls verify the specificity of the primary antibody and demonstrate that it binds only to the protein which was used as an immunogen. Negative controls ensure that the labelling technique is specific and that the primary antibody is responsible for generation of the immunostaining. In fact, the production of a labelling may also be related to cross reactivity or to non-specific physical or chemical interactions. This paper reviews the characteristics of various epitopes and antibodies, describes different strategies which prove the specificity of the immunohistochemical reaction in research or diagnostic pathology and point towards the essential information which should be reported in a paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Adle-Biassette
- Laboratoire d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, 46 rue Henry Huchard, 75877 Paris.
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