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Hay A, Popichak K, Moreno J, Zabel M. The Role of Glial Cells in Neurobiology and Prion Neuropathology. Cells 2024; 13:832. [PMID: 38786054 PMCID: PMC11119027 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are rare and neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by the misfolding and infectious spread of the prion protein in the brain, causing progressive and irreversible neuronal loss and associated clinical and behavioral manifestations in humans and animals, ultimately leading to death. The brain has a complex network of neurons and glial cells whose crosstalk is critical for function and homeostasis. Although it is established that prion infection of neurons is necessary for clinical disease to occur, debate remains in the field as to the role played by glial cells, namely astrocytes and microglia, and whether these cells are beneficial to the host or further accelerate disease. Here, we review the current literature assessing the complex morphologies of astrocytes and microglia, and the crosstalk between these two cell types, in the prion-infected brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Hay
- Division of Intramural Research, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Katriana Popichak
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Julie Moreno
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark Zabel
- Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.P.); (J.M.); (M.Z.)
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Zerr I, Ladogana A, Mead S, Hermann P, Forloni G, Appleby BS. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other prion diseases. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:14. [PMID: 38424082 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00497-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Prion diseases share common clinical and pathological characteristics such as spongiform neuronal degeneration and deposition of an abnormal form of a host-derived protein, termed prion protein. The characteristic features of prion diseases are long incubation times, short clinical courses, extreme resistance of the transmissible agent to degradation and lack of nucleic acid involvement. Sporadic and genetic forms of prion diseases occur worldwide, of which genetic forms are associated with mutations in PRNP. Human to human transmission of these diseases has occurred due to iatrogenic exposure, and zoonotic forms of prion diseases are linked to bovine disease. Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis of these disorders. Clinical tools for diagnosis comprise brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid tests. Aggregation assays for detection of the abnormally folded prion protein have a clear potential to diagnose the disease in peripherally accessible biofluids. After decades of therapeutic nihilism, new treatment strategies and clinical trials are on the horizon. Although prion diseases are relatively rare disorders, understanding their pathogenesis and mechanisms of prion protein misfolding has significantly enhanced the field in research of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Zerr
- National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Anna Ladogana
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Simon Mead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK
| | - Peter Hermann
- National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Brian S Appleby
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Slota JA, Sajesh BV, Frost KF, Medina SJ, Booth SA. Dysregulation of neuroprotective astrocytes, a spectrum of microglial activation states, and altered hippocampal neurogenesis are revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing in prion disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:161. [PMID: 36352465 PMCID: PMC9647949 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01450-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders with long asymptomatic incubation periods, followed by a rapid progression of cognitive and functional decline culminating in death. The complexity of intercellular interactions in the brain is challenging to unravel and the basis of disease pathobiology remains poorly understood. In this study, we employed single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to produce an atlas of 147,536 single cell transcriptomes from cortex and hippocampus of mice infected with prions and showing clinical signs. We identified transcriptionally distinct populations and sub-populations of all the major brain cell-types. Disease-related transcription was highly specific to not only overarching cell-types, but also to sub-populations of glia and neurons. Most striking was an apparent decrease in relative frequency of astrocytes expressing genes that are required for brain homeostasis such as lipid synthesis, glutamate clearance, synaptic modulation and regulation of blood flow. Additionally, we described a spectrum of microglial activation states that suggest delineation of phagocytic and neuroinflammatory functions in different cell subsets. Differential responses of immature and mature neuron populations were also observed, alongside abnormal hippocampal neurogenesis. Our scRNAseq library provides a new layer of knowledge on single cell gene expression in prion disease, and is a basis for a more detailed understanding of cellular interplay that leads to neurodegeneration.
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Lakkaraju AKK, Sorce S, Senatore A, Nuvolone M, Guo J, Schwarz P, Moos R, Pelczar P, Aguzzi A. Glial activation in prion diseases is selectively triggered by neuronal PrP Sc. Brain Pathol 2022; 32:e13056. [PMID: 35178783 PMCID: PMC9425016 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although prion infections cause cognitive impairment and neuronal death, transcriptional and translational profiling shows progressive derangement within glia but surprisingly little changes within neurons. Here we expressed PrPC selectively in neurons and astrocytes of mice. After prion infection, both astrocyte and neuron‐restricted PrPC expression led to copious brain accumulation of PrPSc. As expected, neuron‐restricted expression was associated with typical prion disease. However, mice with astrocyte‐restricted PrPC expression experienced a normal life span, did not develop clinical disease, and did not show astro‐ or microgliosis. Besides confirming that PrPSc is innocuous to PrPC‐deficient neurons, these results show that astrocyte‐born PrPSc does not activate the extreme neuroinflammation that accompanies the onset of prion disease and precedes any molecular changes of neurons. This points to a nonautonomous mechanism by which prion‐infected neurons instruct astrocytes and microglia to acquire a specific cellular state that, in turn, drives neural dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asvin K K Lakkaraju
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Sorce
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Assunta Senatore
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Nuvolone
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Foundation Scientific Institute Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schwarz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Moos
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Pelczar
- Center for Transgenic Models, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Primary glia cells from bank vole propagate multiple rodent-adapted scrapie prions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2190. [PMID: 35140295 PMCID: PMC8828835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06198-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning prion research has been largely dependent on animal models for deciphering the disease, drug development or prion detection and quantification. Thereby, ethical as well as cost and labour-saving aspects call for alternatives in vitro. Cell models can replace or at least complement animal studies, but their number is still limited and the application usually restricted to certain strains and host species due to often strong transmission barriers. Bank voles promise to be an exception as they or materials prepared from them are uniquely susceptible to prions from various species in vivo, in vitro and in cell-free applications. Here we present a mainly astrocyte-based primary glia cell assay from bank vole, which is infectible with scrapie strains from bank vole, mouse and hamster. Stable propagation of bank vole-adapted RML, murine 22L and RML, and hamster 263K scrapie is detectable from 20 or 30 days post exposure onwards. Thereby, the infected bank vole glia cells show similar or even faster prion propagation than likewise infected glia cells of the corresponding murine or hamster hosts. We propose that our bank vole glia cell assay could be a versatile tool for studying and comparing multiple prion strains with different species backgrounds combined in one cell assay.
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Andrés-Benito P, Carmona M, Douet JY, Cassard H, Andreoletti O, Ferrer I. Differential astrocyte and oligodendrocyte vulnerability in murine Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Prion 2021; 15:112-120. [PMID: 34225562 PMCID: PMC8265793 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2021.1935105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial vulnerability to prions is assessed in murine Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) using the tg340 mouse line expressing four-fold human PrP M129 levels on a mouse PrP null background at different days following intracerebral inoculation of sCJD MM1 brain tissues homogenates. The mRNA expression of several astrocyte markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap), aquaporin-4 (aqp4), solute carrier family 16, member 4 (mct4), mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (mpc1) and solute carrier family 1, member 2 (glial high-affinity glutamate transporter, slc1a2) increases at 120 and 180 dpi. In contrast, the mRNA expression of oligodendrocyte and myelin markers oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (olig1), olig2, neural/glial antigen 2 (cspg), solute carrier family 16, member 1 (mct1), myelin basic protein (mbp), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (mog) and proteolipid protein 1 (plp1) is preserved. Yet, myelin regulatory factor (myrf) mRNA is increased at 180 dpi. In the striatum, a non-significant increase in the number of GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba1-immunoreactive microglia occurs at 160 dpi; a significant increase in the number of astrocytes and microglia, and a significant reduction in the number of Olig2-immunoreactive oligodendrocytes occur at 180 dpi. A decrease of MBP, but not PLP1, immunoreactivity is also observed in the striatal fascicles. These observations confirm the vulnerability and the reactive responses of astrocytes, together with the microgliosis at middle stages of prion diseases. More importantly, these findings show oligodendrocyte vulnerability and myelin alterations at advanced stages of murine CJD. They confirm oligodendrocyte involvement in the pathogenesis of CJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Andrés-Benito
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona; Biomedical Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Competitiveness, Hospitalet De Llobregat; Bellvitge Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL); Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona; Spain
| | - Margarita Carmona
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona; Biomedical Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Competitiveness, Hospitalet De Llobregat; Bellvitge Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL); Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona; Spain
| | - Jean Yves Douet
- Interactions Hôte Agent Pathogène , UMR INRA ENVT 1225-IHAP, École Nationale Vétérinaire De Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Hervé Cassard
- Interactions Hôte Agent Pathogène , UMR INRA ENVT 1225-IHAP, École Nationale Vétérinaire De Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Andreoletti
- Interactions Hôte Agent Pathogène , UMR INRA ENVT 1225-IHAP, École Nationale Vétérinaire De Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona; Biomedical Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Competitiveness, Hospitalet De Llobregat; Bellvitge Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBELL); Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona; Spain
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Krance SH, Luke R, Shenouda M, Israwi AR, Colpitts SJ, Darwish L, Strauss M, Watts JC. Cellular models for discovering prion disease therapeutics: Progress and challenges. J Neurochem 2020; 153:150-172. [PMID: 31943194 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Prions, which cause fatal neurodegenerative disorders such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, are misfolded and infectious protein aggregates. Currently, there are no treatments available to halt or even delay the progression of prion disease in the brain. The infectious nature of prions has resulted in animal paradigms that accurately recapitulate all aspects of prion disease, and these have proven to be instrumental for testing the efficacy of candidate therapeutics. Nonetheless, infection of cultured cells with prions provides a much more powerful system for identifying molecules capable of interfering with prion propagation. Certain lines of cultured cells can be chronically infected with various types of mouse prions, and these models have been used to unearth candidate anti-prion drugs that are at least partially efficacious when administered to prion-infected rodents. However, these studies have also revealed that not all types of prions are equal, and that drugs active against mouse prions are not necessarily effective against prions from other species. Despite some recent progress, the number of cellular models available for studying non-mouse prions remains limited. In particular, human prions have proven to be particularly challenging to propagate in cultured cells, which has severely hindered the discovery of drugs for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In this review, we summarize the cellular models that are presently available for discovering and testing drugs capable of blocking the propagation of prions and highlight challenges that remain on the path towards developing therapies for prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffire H Krance
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Russell Luke
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc Shenouda
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmad R Israwi
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah J Colpitts
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lina Darwish
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maximilian Strauss
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joel C Watts
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Fernández-Vega I, Díaz-Lucena D, Azkune Calle I, Geijo M, Juste RA, Llorens F, Vicente Etxenausia I, Santos-Juanes J, Zarranz Imirizaldu JJ, Ferrer I. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with glial PrP Res nuclear and perinuclear immunoreactivity. Neuropathology 2018; 38:561-567. [PMID: 30123962 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Proteinase K-resistant prion protein (PrPRes ) nuclear and perinuclear immunoreactivity in oligodendrocytes of the frontal cortex is found in one case of otherwise typical sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) type VV2a. The PrP nature of the inclusions is validated with several anti-PrP antibodies directed to amino acids 130-160 (12F10), 109-112 (3F4), 97-102 (8G8) and the octarepeat region (amino acids 59-89: SAF32). Cellular identification and subcellular localization were evaluated with double- and triple-labeling immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy using antibodies against PrP, glial markers, and histone H3. Based on review of the literature and our own experience, this is a very odd situation that deserves further validation in other cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fernández-Vega
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Araba, Vitoria, Spain.,Brain Bank Hospital Universitario Araba, Biobanco Vasco para la Investigación (O+eHun), Vitoria, Spain
| | - Daniela Díaz-Lucena
- Biomedical Research Institute of Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | | | - Maria Geijo
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Tecnalia, Derio, Spain
| | - Ramon A Juste
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Tecnalia, Derio, Spain
| | - Franc Llorens
- Biomedical Research Institute of Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ikerne Vicente Etxenausia
- Brain Bank Hospital Universitario Araba, Biobanco Vasco para la Investigación (O+eHun), Vitoria, Spain
| | - Jorge Santos-Juanes
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Isidro Ferrer
- Biomedical Research Institute of Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Service of Pathologic Anatomy, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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Andres Benito P, Dominguez Gonzalez M, Ferrer I. Altered gene transcription linked to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in frontal cortex in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Prion 2018; 12:216-225. [PMID: 30009661 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2018.1500076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted expression of genes coding for proteins specific to astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and myelin was performed in frontal cortex area 8 of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease methionine/methionine and valine/valine (CJD MM1 and VV2, respectively) compared with controls. GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) mRNA was up-regulated whereas SLC1A2 (solute carrier family 1 member 2, coding for glutamate transporter 1: GLT1), AQ4 (aquaporin 4), MPC1 (mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1) and UCP5 (mitochondrial uncoupled protein 5) mRNAs were significantly down-regulated in CJD MM1 and CJD VV2, and GJA1 (connexin 43) in CJD VV2. OLIG1 and OLIG2 (oligodendocyte transcription factor 1 and 2, respectively), SOX10 (SRY-Box10) and oligodendroglial precursor cell (OPC) marker NG2 (neuronal/glial antigen) 2 were preserved, but GALC (coding for galactosylceramidase), SLC2A1 (solute carrier family 2 member 1: glucose transporter member 1: GLUT1) and MCT1 (monocarboxylic acid transporter 1) mRNA expression levels were significantly reduced in CJD MM1 and CJD VV2. Expression levels of most genes linked to myelin were not altered in the cerebral cortex in CJD. Immunohistochemistry to selected proteins disclosed individual variations but GFAP, Olig-2, AQ4 and GLUT1 correlated with mRNA levels, whereas GLT1 was subjected to individual variations. However, MPC1, UCP5 and MCT1 decrease was more closely related to the respective reduced neuronal immunostaining. These observations support the idea that molecular deficits linked to energy metabolism and solute transport in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, in addition to neurons, are relevant in the pathogenesis of cortical lesions in CJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Andres Benito
- a Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics , University of Barcelona
| | | | - Isidro Ferrer
- a Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics , University of Barcelona.,b Biomedical Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) , Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Competitiveness , Hospitalet de Llobregat.,c Senior consultant, Service of Pathologic Anatomy , Bellvitge University Hospital (IDIBELL).,d Institute of Neurosciences , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
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Kim S, Han S, Kim T, Nam J, Kim YS, Choi EK, Kim MY. Prolonged follicular helper T cell responses in ME7 scrapie-infected mice. Prion 2018; 12:109-116. [PMID: 29617174 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2018.1458573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that mice intracerebrally inoculated with the mouse-adapted scrapie strain ME7 have markedly diminished T zones in the spleen due to the decreased expression of CCL19 and CCL21. In addition, follicular dendritic cell networks in germinal centers were larger in ME7-infected spleens compared to uninfected spleens. As an extension of that study, we set out to determine how ME7 infection affects spleen structure and follicular helper T (Tfh) cell responses in mice. For this study, mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with brain homogenate of the ME7 inoculum and spleens were analyzed 50, 130, and 200 days after inoculation and compared with those from uninfected mice. The result showed that ME7- infected mice had increased Tfh cell responses which were maintained until end-stage prion disease. Although CD4 T cells decreased in white pulps, they increased in germinal centers, and expressed higher levels of the Tfh-related genes, such as Bcl6, Il21, Cxcr5, Icos, and Pdcd1. In addition, ME7-infected spleens had increased numbers of CD4 memory T cells. These data indicate that although ME7 infection led to impaired splenic white pulp structure, CD4 memory T cells were increased and Tfh cell responses were required and prolonged to provide help for the replication and accumulation of pathogenic prion protein in germinal centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soochan Kim
- a Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science , Soongsil University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Sinsuk Han
- b Department of Biomedical Gerontology , Graduate School of Hallym University , Chuncheon , Korea.,c Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University , Anyang , Korea
| | - Taehyun Kim
- a Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science , Soongsil University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Jeehoon Nam
- a Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science , Soongsil University , Seoul , Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- c Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University , Anyang , Korea.,d Department of Microbiology , College of Medicine, Hallym University , Chuncheon , Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- b Department of Biomedical Gerontology , Graduate School of Hallym University , Chuncheon , Korea.,c Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University , Anyang , Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- a Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science , Soongsil University , Seoul , Korea
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Flow Cytometric Detection of PrP Sc in Neurons and Glial Cells from Prion-Infected Mouse Brains. J Virol 2017; 92:JVI.01457-17. [PMID: 29046463 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01457-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In prion diseases, an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) accumulates in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the brains of animals affected by prions. Detailed analyses of PrPSc-positive neurons and glial cells are required to clarify their pathophysiological roles in the disease. Here, we report a novel method for the detection of PrPSc in neurons and glial cells from the brains of prion-infected mice by flow cytometry using PrPSc-specific staining with monoclonal antibody (MAb) 132. The combination of PrPSc staining and immunolabeling of neural cell markers clearly distinguished neurons, astrocytes, and microglia that were positive for PrPSc from those that were PrPSc negative. The flow cytometric analysis of PrPSc revealed the appearance of PrPSc-positive neurons, astrocytes, and microglia at 60 days after intracerebral prion inoculation, suggesting the presence of PrPSc in the glial cells, as well as in neurons, from an early stage of infection. Moreover, the kinetic analysis of PrPSc revealed a continuous increase in the proportion of PrPSc-positive cells for all cell types with disease progression. Finally, we applied this method to isolate neurons, astrocytes, and microglia positive for PrPSc from a prion-infected mouse brain by florescence-activated cell sorting. The method described here enables comprehensive analyses specific to PrPSc-positive neurons, astrocytes, and microglia that will contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiological roles of neurons and glial cells in PrPSc-associated pathogenesis.IMPORTANCE Although formation of PrPSc in neurons is associated closely with neurodegeneration in prion diseases, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is not understood completely. On the other hand, recent studies proposed the important roles of glial cells in PrPSc-associated pathogenesis, such as the intracerebral spread of PrPSc and clearance of PrPSc from the brain. Despite the great need for detailed analyses of PrPSc-positive neurons and glial cells, methods available for cell type-specific analysis of PrPSc have been limited thus far to microscopic observations. Here, we have established a novel high-throughput method for flow cytometric detection of PrPSc in cells with more accurate quantitative performance. By applying this method, we succeeded in isolating PrPSc-positive cells from the prion-infected mouse brains via fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This allows us to perform further detailed analysis specific to PrPSc-positive neurons and glial cells for the clarification of pathological changes in neurons and pathophysiological roles of glial cells.
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Abstract
In this issue of JEM, Krejciova et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20161547) report that astrocytes derived from human iPSCs can replicate human CJD prions. These observations provide a new, potentially very valuable model for studying human prions in cellula and for identifying antiprion compounds that might serve as clinical candidates. Furthermore, they add to the evidence that astrocytes may not be just innocent bystanders in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yingjun Liu
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lee JY, Kim MJ, Li L, Velumian AA, Aui PM, Fehlings MG, Petratos S. Nogo receptor 1 regulates Caspr distribution at axo-glial units in the central nervous system. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8958. [PMID: 28827698 PMCID: PMC5567129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Axo-glial units are highly organised microstructures propagating saltatory conduction and are disrupted during multiple sclerosis (MS). Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) has been suggested to govern axonal damage during the progression of disease in the MS-like mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here we have identified that adult ngr1 -/- mice, previously used in EAE and spinal cord injury experiments, display elongated paranodes, and nodes of Ranvier. Unstructured paranodal regions in ngr1 -/- mice are matched with more distributed expression pattern of Caspr. Compound action potentials of optic nerves and spinal cords from naïve ngr1 -/- mice are delayed and reduced. Molecular interaction studies revealed enhanced Caspr cleavage. Our data suggest that NgR1 may regulate axo-myelin ultrastructure through Caspr-mediated adhesion, regulating the electrophysiological signature of myelinated axons of central nervous system (CNS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Lee
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
- ToolGen, Inc., #1204, Byucksan Digital Valley 6-cha, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Joung Kim
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Lijun Li
- Krembil Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander A Velumian
- Krembil Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pei Mun Aui
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Krembil Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
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Victoria GS, Zurzolo C. The spread of prion-like proteins by lysosomes and tunneling nanotubes: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:2633-2644. [PMID: 28724527 PMCID: PMC5584166 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201701047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Victoria and Zurzolo discuss current evidence for the emerging role of lysosomal damage and tunneling nanotubes in the intercellular propagation of prion and prion-like proteins in neurodegenerative disease. Progression of pathology in neurodegenerative diseases is hypothesized to be a non–cell-autonomous process that may be mediated by the productive spreading of prion-like protein aggregates from a “donor cell” that is the source of misfolded aggregates to an “acceptor cell” in which misfolding is propagated by conversion of the normal protein. Although the proteins involved in the various diseases are unrelated, common pathways appear to be used for their intercellular propagation and spreading. Here, we summarize recent evidence of the molecular mechanisms relevant for the intercellular trafficking of protein aggregates involved in prion, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. We focus in particular on the common roles that lysosomes and tunneling nanotubes play in the formation and spreading of prion-like assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Zurzolo
- Unité de Trafic Membranaire et Pathogénèse, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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15
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Brandner S, Jaunmuktane Z. Prion disease: experimental models and reality. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 133:197-222. [PMID: 28084518 PMCID: PMC5250673 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1670-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanisms of diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving clinical observation, correlation to pathological processes, and modelling of disease mechanisms. It is an inherent challenge, and arguably impossible to generate model systems that can faithfully recapitulate all aspects of human disease. It is, therefore, important to be aware of the potentials and also the limitations of specific model systems. Model systems are usually designed to recapitulate only specific aspects of the disease, such as a pathological phenotype, a pathomechanism, or to test a hypothesis. Here, we evaluate and discuss model systems that were generated to understand clinical, pathological, genetic, biochemical, and epidemiological aspects of prion diseases. Whilst clinical research and studies on human tissue are an essential component of prion research, much of the understanding of the mechanisms governing transmission, replication, and toxicity comes from in vitro and in vivo studies. As with other neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding, the pathogenesis of prion disease is complex, full of conundra and contradictions. We will give here a historical overview of the use of models of prion disease, how they have evolved alongside the scientific questions, and how advancements in technologies have pushed the boundaries of our understanding of prion biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Brandner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology and Division of Neuropathology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology and Division of Neuropathology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
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16
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Kim S, Han S, Lee HS, Kim YS, Choi EK, Kim MY. Impaired spleen structure and chemokine expression in ME7 scrapie-infected mice. Immunobiology 2016; 221:871-8. [PMID: 27021907 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that prion protein-deficient (Prnp(0/0)) Zürich I mice display impaired T zone structure resulting from decreased splenic expression of the T cell homing chemokines, CCL19 and CCL21. Prions are transported to, and colonise in, the secondary lymphoid tissues. Therefore, in order to investigate how scrapie infection affects the splenic white pulp structure, we infected C57BL/6 mice with the mouse-adapted scrapie strain ME7 and analysed end-stage prion disease. We found that the white pulp regions of ME7-infected spleens were smaller, and contained markedly diminished T zones, as compared to control spleens. Although lymphoid tissue inducer cells were not affected, the expression of both CCL19 and CCL21 was decreased. In addition, the networks of follicular dendritic cells, which are known to express high levels of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) and to accumulate PrP(Sc) following scrapie infection, were larger in ME7-infected spleens. Further, they were associated with increased numbers of B cells expressing high levels of IgM. These data indicate that ME7-infected spleens display phenotype characteristics different from those reported for Prnp(0/0) spleens mainly due to the gain of PrP(Sc) function and suggest that the PrP(C) is required, not only to form the splenic white pulp structure, but also to maintain the intact T zone structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soochan Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul 156-743, Republic of Korea
| | - Sinsuk Han
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702, Republic of Korea; Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 431-815, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Soo Lee
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul 156-743, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 431-815, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702, Republic of Korea; Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 431-815, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul 156-743, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Veber D, Scalabrino G. Are PrPCs involved in some human myelin diseases? Relating experimental studies to human pathology. J Neurol Sci 2015; 359:396-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.09.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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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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19
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Scalabrino G, Veber D, Tredici G. Relationships between cobalamin, epidermal growth factor, and normal prions in the myelin maintenance of central nervous system. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 55:232-41. [PMID: 25239885 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cobalamin (Cbl), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and prions (PrPs) are key molecules for myelin maintenance in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cbl and EGF increase normal prion (PrP(C)) synthesis and PrP(C) levels in rat spinal cord (SC) and elsewhere. Cbl deficiency increases PrP(C) levels in rat SC and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and decreases PrP(C)-mRNA levels in rat SC. The administration of anti-octapeptide repeat PrP(C) region antibodies (Abs) to Cbl-deficient (Cbl-D) rats prevents SC myelin lesions and a local increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, whereas anti-TNF-α Abs prevent SC myelin lesions and the increase in SC and CSF PrP(C) levels. As it is known that both Cbl and EGF regulate SC PrP(C) synthesis independently, and that Cbl regulates SC EGF synthesis, EGF may play both Cbl-independent and Cbl-dependent roles. When Cbl-D rats undergo Cbl replacement therapy, SC PrP(C) levels are similar to those observed in Cbl-D rats. In rat frontal cortex (which is marginally affected by Cbl deficiency in histological terms), Cbl deficiency decreases PrP(C) levels and the increase induced by Cbl replacement leads to their normalization. Increased nerve PrP(C) levels are detected in the myelin lesions of the peripheral neuropathy of Cbl-D rats, and CSF PrP(C) levels are also increased in Cbl-D patients (but not in patients with Cbl-unrelated neurological diseases). Various common steps in the downstream signaling pathway of Cbl, EGF, and PrP(C) underlines the close relationship between the three molecules in keeping myelin normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Scalabrino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Neuropathology, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Daniela Veber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Neuropathology, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tredici
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20052 Monza, Italy
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20
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Bobkova NV, Medvinskaya NI, Kamynina AV, Aleksandrova IY, Nesterova IV, Samokhin AN, Koroev DO, Filatova MP, Nekrasov PV, Abramov AY, Leonov SV, Volpina OM. Immunization with either prion protein fragment 95-123 or the fragment-specific antibodies rescue memory loss and neurodegenerative phenotype of neurons in olfactory bulbectomized mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 107:50-64. [PMID: 24239620 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies demonstrated association between head injury (HI) and the subsequent development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Certain hallmarks of AD, e.g. amyloid-β (Aβ) containing deposits, may be found in patients following traumatic BI (TBI). Recent studies uncover the cellular prion protein, PrP(C), as a receptor for soluble polymeric forms of Aβ (sAβ) which are an intermediate of such deposits. We aimed to test the hypothesis that targeting of PrP(C) can prevent Aβ related spatial memory deficits in olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice utilized here to resemble some clinical features of AD, such as increased level of Aβ, memory loss and deficit of the CNS cholin- and serotonin-ergic systems. We demonstrated that immunization with the a.a. 95-123 fragment of cellular prion (PrP-I) recovered cortical and hippocampus neurons from OBX induced degeneration, rescued spatial memory loss in Morris water maze test and significantly decrease the Aβ level in brain tissue of these animals. Affinity purified anti-PrP-I antibodies rescued pre-synaptic biomarker synaptophysin eliciting similar effect on memory of OBX mice, and protected hippocampal neurones from Aβ25-35-induced toxicity in vitro. Immunization OBX mice with a.a. 200-213 fragment of cellular prion (PrP-II) did not reach a significance in memory protection albeit having similar to PrP-I immunization impact on Aβ level in brain tissue. The observed positive effect of targeting the PrP-I by either active or passive immunization on memory of OBX mice revealed the involvement of the PrP(C) in AD-like pathology induced by olfactory bulbectomy. This OBX model may be a useful tool for mechanistic and preclinical therapeutic investigations into the association between PrP(C) and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Bobkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia.
| | - N I Medvinskaya
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia.
| | - A V Kamynina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - I Y Aleksandrova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia.
| | - I V Nesterova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia.
| | - A N Samokhin
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia.
| | - D O Koroev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - M P Filatova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - P V Nekrasov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia.
| | - A Y Abramov
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG London, UK.
| | - S V Leonov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Institutskaya, 3. Pushchino, Russia; Department of Biology, Chemical Diversity Research Institute (CDRI), Rabochaya St., 2-A, 141400 Khimki, Moscow Region, Russia; BioBusiness Incubator, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutsky pereulok, 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia.
| | - O M Volpina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
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21
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Sonati T, Reimann RR, Falsig J, Baral PK, O'Connor T, Hornemann S, Yaganoglu S, Li B, Herrmann US, Wieland B, Swayampakula M, Rahman MH, Das D, Kav N, Riek R, Liberski PP, James MNG, Aguzzi A. The toxicity of antiprion antibodies is mediated by the flexible tail of the prion protein. Nature 2013; 501:102-6. [PMID: 23903654 DOI: 10.1038/nature12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prion infections cause lethal neurodegeneration. This process requires the cellular prion protein (PrP(C); ref. 1), which contains a globular domain hinged to a long amino-proximal flexible tail. Here we describe rapid neurotoxicity in mice and cerebellar organotypic cultured slices exposed to ligands targeting the α1 and α3 helices of the PrP(C) globular domain. Ligands included seven distinct monoclonal antibodies, monovalent Fab1 fragments and recombinant single-chain variable fragment miniantibodies. Similar to prion infections, the toxicity of globular domain ligands required neuronal PrP(C), was exacerbated by PrP(C) overexpression, was associated with calpain activation and was antagonized by calpain inhibitors. Neurodegeneration was accompanied by a burst of reactive oxygen species, and was suppressed by antioxidants. Furthermore, genetic ablation of the superoxide-producing enzyme NOX2 (also known as CYBB) protected mice from globular domain ligand toxicity. We also found that neurotoxicity was prevented by deletions of the octapeptide repeats within the flexible tail. These deletions did not appreciably compromise globular domain antibody binding, suggesting that the flexible tail is required to transmit toxic signals that originate from the globular domain and trigger oxidative stress and calpain activation. Supporting this view, various octapeptide ligands were not only innocuous to both cerebellar organotypic cultured slices and mice, but also prevented the toxicity of globular domain ligands while not interfering with their binding. We conclude that PrP(C) consists of two functionally distinct modules, with the globular domain and the flexible tail exerting regulatory and executive functions, respectively. Octapeptide ligands also prolonged the life of mice expressing the toxic PrP(C) mutant, PrP(Δ94-134), indicating that the flexible tail mediates toxicity in two distinct PrP(C)-related conditions. Flexible tail-mediated toxicity may conceivably play a role in further prion pathologies, such as familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans bearing supernumerary octapeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Sonati
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Striebel JF, Race B, Chesebro B. Prion protein and susceptibility to kainate-induced seizures: genetic pitfalls in the use of PrP knockout mice. Prion 2013; 7:280-5. [PMID: 23851597 PMCID: PMC3904312 DOI: 10.4161/pri.25738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein (PrP) is a cell surface glycoprotein which is required for susceptibility to prion infection and disease. However, PrP is expressed in many different cell types located in numerous organs. Therefore, in addition to its role in prion diseases, PrP may have a large variety of other biological functions involving the nervous system and other systems. We recently showed that susceptibility to kainate-induced seizures differed in Prnp−/− and Prnp+/+ mice on the C57BL/10SnJ background. However, in a genetic complementation experiment a PrP expressing transgene was not able to rescue the Prnp+/+ phenotype. Thus the apparent effect of PrP on seizures was actually due to genes flanking the Prnp−/− gene rather that the Prnp deletion itself. We discuss here several pitfalls in the use of Prnp−/− genotypes expressed in various mouse genetic backgrounds to determine the functions of PrP. In particular, the use of Prnp−/− mice with heterogeneous mixed genetic backgrounds may have weakened the conclusions of many previous experiments. Use of either co-isogenic mice or congenic mice with more homogeneous genetic backgrounds is now feasible. For congenic mice, the potential problem of flanking genes can be mitigated by the use of appropriate transgene rescue experiments to confirm the conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Striebel
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases; Rocky Mountain Laboratories; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Hamilton, MO USA
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23
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Halliez S, Chesnais N, Mallucci G, Vilotte M, Langevin C, Jaumain E, Laude H, Vilotte JL, Béringue V. Targeted knock-down of cellular prion protein expression in myelinating Schwann cells does not alter mouse prion pathogenesis. J Gen Virol 2013; 94:1435-1440. [PMID: 23388201 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.049619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In naturally acquired transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, the pathogenic agents or prions spread from the sites of initial peripheral uptake or replication to the brain where they cause progressive and fatal neurodegeneration. Routing via the peripheral nervous system is considered to be one of the main pathways to the central nervous system. Replication of prions in Schwann cells is viewed as a potentially important mechanism for efficient prion spread along nerves. Here we used a Cre-loxP mouse transgenetic approach to disrupt host-encoded prion protein (PrP(C)) specifically in myelinating Schwann cells. Despite the use of infection routes targeting highly myelinated nerves, there was no alteration in mouse prion pathogenesis, suggesting that conversion-dependent, centripetal spread of prions does not crucially rely on PrP(C) expressed by myelinating Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Halliez
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nathalie Chesnais
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Marthe Vilotte
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christelle Langevin
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Emilie Jaumain
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hubert Laude
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Vincent Béringue
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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24
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Lee H, Cohen OS, Rosenmann H, Hoffmann C, Kingsley PB, Korczyn AD, Chapman J, Prohovnik I. Cerebral white matter disruption in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 33:1945-50. [PMID: 22576896 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Human prion diseases are known to cause gray matter degeneration in specific cerebral structures, but evidence for white matter involvement is scarce. We used DTI to test the hypothesis that white matter integrity is disrupted in human CJD during the early stages of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one patients with the E200K variant of CJD and 19 controls participated in DTI studies conducted on a 1.5T MR imaging scanner. The data were quantitatively analyzed and mapped with a voxelwise TBSS method. RESULTS We found significant reductions of FA in patients with CJD in distinct and functionally relevant white matter pathways, including the corticospinal tract, internal capsule, external capsule, fornix, and posterior thalamic radiation. Moreover, these FA deficits increased with disease duration, and were mainly determined by increase of radial diffusivity, suggesting elevated permeability of axonal membranes. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that some of the symptoms of CJD may be caused by a functional dysconnection syndrome, and that the leukoencephalopathy is progressive and detectable fairly early in the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA
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25
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Hedlin P, Taschuk R, Potter A, Griebel P, Napper S. Detection and control of prion diseases in food animals. ISRN VETERINARY SCIENCE 2012; 2012:254739. [PMID: 23738120 PMCID: PMC3658581 DOI: 10.5402/2012/254739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, represent a unique form of infectious disease based on misfolding of a self-protein (PrPC) into a pathological, infectious conformation (PrPSc). Prion diseases of food animals gained notoriety during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak of the 1980s. In particular, disease transmission to humans, to the generation of a fatal, untreatable disease, elevated the perspective on livestock prion diseases from food production to food safety. While the immediate threat posed by BSE has been successfully addressed through surveillance and improved management practices, another prion disease is rapidly spreading. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids, has been confirmed in wild and captive populations with devastating impact on the farmed cervid industries. Furthermore, the unabated spread of this disease through wild populations threatens a natural resource that is a source of considerable economic benefit and national pride. In a worst-case scenario, CWD may represent a zoonotic threat either through direct transmission via consumption of infected cervids or through a secondary food animal, such as cattle. This has energized efforts to understand prion diseases as well as to develop tools for disease detection, prevention, and management. Progress in each of these areas is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hedlin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E3 ; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E3
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26
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Scalabrino G, Veber D, Mutti E, Calligaro A, Milani S, Tredici G. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) regulation of PrPC, PrPC-mRNA and copper levels in rat central nervous system. Exp Neurol 2012; 233:380-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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27
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Pfrieger FW, Slezak M. Genetic approaches to study glial cells in the rodent brain. Glia 2011; 60:681-701. [PMID: 22162024 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The development, function, and pathology of the brain depend on interactions of neurons and different types of glial cells, namely astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Understanding neuron-glia interactions in vivo requires dedicated experimental approaches to manipulate each cell type independently. In this review, we first summarize techniques that allow for cell-specific gene modification including targeted mutagenesis and viral transduction. In the second part, we describe the genetic models that allow to target the main glial cell types in the central nervous system. The existing arsenal of approaches to study glial cells in vivo and its expansion in the future are key to understand neuron-glia interactions under normal and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Pfrieger
- CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI), 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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28
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Raasch J, Zeller N, van Loo G, Merkler D, Mildner A, Erny D, Knobeloch KP, Bethea JR, Waisman A, Knust M, Del Turco D, Deller T, Blank T, Priller J, Brück W, Pasparakis M, Prinz M. IkappaB kinase 2 determines oligodendrocyte loss by non-cell-autonomous activation of NF-kappaB in the central nervous system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 134:1184-98. [PMID: 21310728 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The IκB kinase complex induces nuclear factor kappa B activation and has recently been recognized as a key player of autoimmunity in the central nervous system. Notably, IκB kinase/nuclear factor kappa B signalling regulates peripheral myelin formation by Schwann cells, however, its role in myelin formation in the central nervous system during health and disease is largely unknown. Surprisingly, we found that brain-specific IκB kinase 2 expression is dispensable for proper myelin assembly and repair in the central nervous system, but instead plays a fundamental role for the loss of myelin in the cuprizone model. During toxic demyelination, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation by conditional ablation of IκB kinase 2 resulted in strong preservation of central nervous system myelin, reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators and a significantly attenuated glial response. Importantly, IκB kinase 2 depletion in astrocytes, but not in oligodendrocytes, was sufficient to protect mice from myelin loss. Our results reveal a crucial role of glial cell-specific IκB kinase 2/nuclear factor kappa B signalling for oligodendrocyte damage during toxic demyelination. Thus, therapies targeting IκB kinase 2 function in non-neuronal cells may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of distinct demyelinating central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Raasch
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
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29
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The cellular prion protein in multiple sclerosis: A potential target for neurotherapeutics? Transl Neurosci 2011. [DOI: 10.2478/s13380-011-0042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that affects millions. There is no known cure for the disease and neither is the cause of the disease known. Recent studies have indicated that it is a multi-factorial disease with several genes involved. Importantly, sunlight and vitamin D have been implicated in the progression of the disease. The pathogenesis of MS chiefly involves loss of oligodendrocytes, which in addition to being killed by inflammatory mediators in the CNS, also succumbs to loss of trophic support from astrocytes. Neurotrophins play an important role in myelination and the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a key player in this process. Although the physiological roles of PrPC remain to be fully understood, increasing evidence suggests multiple roles for PrPC in regulation of cellular immunity and for its interaction with several neurotrophins that are necessary for homeostasis of the nervous system. This mini-review focuses on the findings establishing a crucial role for PrPC in the neuropathogenesis of MS, emphasizing its neuroprotective role. Since MS is a multi-factorial disease with unknown etiology and no cure, this review aims to highlight endogenous repair mechanisms mediated by PrPC that might contribute to functional recovery in MS patients.
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30
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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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31
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Ilieva H, Polymenidou M, Cleveland DW. Non-cell autonomous toxicity in neurodegenerative disorders: ALS and beyond. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 187:761-72. [PMID: 19951898 PMCID: PMC2806318 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200908164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 793] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Selective degeneration and death of one or more classes of neurons is the defining feature of human neurodegenerative disease. Although traditionally viewed as diseases mainly affecting the most vulnerable neurons, in most instances of inherited disease the causative genes are widely—usually ubiquitously—expressed. Focusing on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially disease caused by dominant mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), we review here the evidence that it is the convergence of damage developed within multiple cell types, including within neighboring nonneuronal supporting cells, which is crucial to neuronal dysfunction. Damage to a specific set of key partner cells as well as to vulnerable neurons may account for the selective susceptibility of neuronal subtypes in many human neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), prion disease, the spinal cerebellar ataxias (SCAs), and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristelina Ilieva
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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32
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Mattei V, Barenco MG, Tasciotti V, Garofalo T, Longo A, Boller K, Löwer J, Misasi R, Montrasio F, Sorice M. Paracrine diffusion of PrP(C) and propagation of prion infectivity by plasma membrane-derived microvesicles. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5057. [PMID: 19337375 PMCID: PMC2659799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 02/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPc) is a physiological constituent of eukaryotic cells. The cellular pathways underlying prions spread from the sites of prions infection/peripheral replication to the central nervous system are still not elucidated. Membrane-derived microvesicles (MVs) are submicron (0.1–1 µm) particles, that are released by cells during plasma membrane shedding processes. They are usually liberated from different cell types, mainly upon activation as well as apoptosis, in this case, one of their hallmarks is the exposure of phosphatidylserine in the outer leaflet of the membrane. MVs are also characterized by the presence of adhesion molecules, MHC I molecules, as well as of membrane antigens typical of their cell of origin. Evidence exists that MVs shedding provide vehicles to transfer molecules among cells, and that MVs are important modulators of cell-to-cell communication. In this study we therefore analyzed the potential role of membrane-derived MVs in the mechanism(s) of PrPC diffusion and prion infectivity transmission. We first identified PrPC in association with the lipid raft components Fyn, flotillin-2, GM1 and GM3 in MVs from plasma of healthy human donors. Similar findings were found in MVs from cell culture supernatants of murine neuronal cells. Furthermore we demonstrated that PrPSc is released from infected murine neuronal cells in association with plasma membrane-derived MVs and that PrPSc-bearing MVs are infectious both in vitro and in vivo. The data suggest that MVs may contribute both to the intercellular mechanism(s) of PrPC diffusion and signaling as well as to the process of prion spread and neuroinvasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Mattei
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratorio di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia Ambientale, “Sapienza” University, Polo Universitario di Rieti “Sabina Universitas“, Rieti, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Barenco
- Prion Research Group, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Tasciotti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratorio di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia Ambientale, “Sapienza” University, Polo Universitario di Rieti “Sabina Universitas“, Rieti, Italy
| | - Tina Garofalo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Agostina Longo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Klaus Boller
- Prion Research Group, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Johannes Löwer
- Prion Research Group, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Roberta Misasi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Montrasio
- Prion Research Group, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse, Langen, Germany
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
- Laboratorio di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia Ambientale, “Sapienza” University, Polo Universitario di Rieti “Sabina Universitas“, Rieti, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Le Pichon CE, Valley MT, Polymenidou M, Chesler AT, Sagdullaev BT, Aguzzi A, Firestein S. Olfactory behavior and physiology are disrupted in prion protein knockout mice. Nat Neurosci 2008; 12:60-9. [PMID: 19098904 PMCID: PMC2704296 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prion protein PrPC is infamous for its role in disease, yet its normal physiological function remains unknown. Here we report a novel behavioral phenotype of PrP−/− mice in an odor-guided task. This phenotype is manifest in three PrP knockout lines on different genetic backgrounds, strong evidence it is specific to the lack of PrPC rather than other genetic factors. PrP−/− mice also display altered behavior in a second olfactory task, suggesting the phenotype is olfactory specific. Furthermore, PrPC deficiency affects oscillatory activity in the deep layers of the main olfactory bulb, as well as dendrodendritic synaptic transmission between olfactory bulb granule and mitral cells. Importantly, both the behavioral and electrophysiological alterations found in PrP−/− mice are rescued by transgenic neuronal-specific expression of PrPC. These data suggest a critical role for PrPC in the normal processing of sensory information by the olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Le Pichon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, 1212 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York 10027, USA
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34
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Abstract
While neuropathological features that define prion strains include spongiform degeneration and deposition patterns of PrP(Sc), the underlying mechanism for the strain-specific differences in PrP(Sc) targeting is not known. To investigate prion strain targeting, we inoculated hamsters in the sciatic nerve with either the hyper (HY) or drowsy (DY) strain of the transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) agent. Both TME strains were initially retrogradely transported in the central nervous system (CNS) exclusively by four descending motor tracts. The locations of HY and DY PrP(Sc) deposition were identical throughout the majority of the incubation period. However, differences in PrP(Sc) deposition between these strains were observed upon development of clinical disease. The differences observed were unlikely to be due to strain-specific neuronal tropism, since comparison of PrP(Sc) deposition patterns by different routes of infection indicated that all brain areas were susceptible to prion infection by both TME strains. These findings suggest that prion transport and differential susceptibility to prion infection are not solely responsible for prion strain targeting. The data suggest that differences in PrP(Sc) distribution between strains during clinical disease are due to differences in the length of time that PrP(Sc) has to spread in the CNS before the host succumbs to disease.
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35
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Genoud N, Ott D, Braun N, Prinz M, Schwarz P, Suter U, Trono D, Aguzzi A. Antiprion prophylaxis by gene transfer of a soluble prion antagonist. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2008; 172:1287-96. [PMID: 18372425 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.070836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are untreatable neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulation of PrP(Sc), an aggregated isoform of the normal prion protein PrP(C). Here, we delivered the soluble prion antagonist PrP-Fc(2) to the brains of mice by lentiviral gene transfer. Although naïve mice developed scrapie at 175 +/- 5 days postintracerebral prion inoculation (dpi), gene transfer before inoculation delayed disease onset by 72 +/- 4 days. At 170 days postintracerebral prion inoculation, PrP(Sc) accumulation and prion infectivity in PrPFc-treated brains were reduced by 3.6 and 4.2 logs, respectively. When PrP-Fc(2) was delivered 30 days after prion inoculation, survival of the treated animals was extended by 25 days. We then used tissue-specific recombination to express PrP-Fc(2) in the entire central nervous system, in only astrocytes, or in only oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocyte-restricted PrP-Fc(2) expression impaired PrP(Sc) deposition and delayed disease even though oligodendrocytes are completely resistant to prion infection, suggesting that PrP-Fc(2) affords protection via noncell autonomous mechanisms. These results suggest that somatic gene transfer of prion antagonists may be effective for postexposure prophylaxis of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Genoud
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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36
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Lo RYY, Shyu WC, Lin SZ, Wang HJ, Chen SS, Li H. New Molecular Insights into Cellular Survival and Stress Responses: Neuroprotective Role of Cellular Prion Protein (PrPC). Mol Neurobiol 2007; 35:236-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-007-8003-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2006] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/09/2006] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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37
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New Molecular Insights into Cellular Survival and Stress Responses: Neuroprotective Role of Cellular Prion Protein (PrPC). Mol Neurobiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-007-0011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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38
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Viegas P, Chaverot N, Enslen H, Perrière N, Couraud PO, Cazaubon S. Junctional expression of the prion protein PrPC by brain endothelial cells: a role in trans-endothelial migration of human monocytes. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:4634-43. [PMID: 17062642 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.03222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The conversion of prion protein (PrPC) to its protease-resistant isoform is involved in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Although PrPC is highly expressed in neurons and other cell types, its physiological function still remains elusive. Here, we describe how we evaluated its expression, subcellular localization and putative function in brain endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier. We detected its expression in microvascular endothelium in mouse brain sections and at intercellular junctions of freshly isolated brain microvessels and cultured brain endothelial cells of mouse, rat and human origin. PrPC co-localized with the adhesion molecule platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1); moreover, both PrPC and PECAM-1 were present in raft membrane microdomains. Using mixed cultures of wild-type and PrPC-deficient mouse brain endothelial cells, we observed that PrPC accumulation at cell-cell contacts was probably dependent on homophilic interactions between adjacent cells. Moreover, we report that anti-PrPC antibodies unexpectedly inhibited transmigration of U937 human monocytic cells as well as freshly isolated monocytes through human brain endothelial cells. Significant inhibition was observed with various anti-PrPC antibodies or blocking anti-PECAM-1 antibodies as control. Our results strongly support the conclusion that PrPC is expressed by brain endothelium as a junctional protein that is involved in the trans-endothelial migration of monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Viegas
- Institut Cochin, Département Biologie Cellulaire, Paris, France
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Radovanovic I, Braun N, Giger OT, Mertz K, Miele G, Prinz M, Navarro B, Aguzzi A. Truncated prion protein and Doppel are myelinotoxic in the absence of oligodendrocytic PrPC. J Neurosci 2006; 25:4879-88. [PMID: 15888663 PMCID: PMC6724775 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0328-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrP(C) confers susceptibility to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, yet its normal function is unknown. Although PrP(C)-deficient mice develop and live normally, expression of amino proximally truncated PrP(C) (DeltaPrP) or of its structural homolog Doppel (Dpl) causes cerebellar degeneration that is prevented by coexpression of full-length PrP(C). We now report that mice expressing DeltaPrP or Dpl suffer from widespread leukoencephalopathy. Oligodendrocyte-specific expression of full-length PrP(C) under control of the myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter repressed leukoencephalopathy and vastly extended survival but did not prevent cerebellar granule cell (CGC) degeneration. Conversely, neuron-specific PrP(C) expression under control of the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter antagonized CGC degeneration but not leukoencephalopathy. PrP(C) was found in purified myelin and in cultured oligodendrocytes of both wild-type and MBP-PrP transgenic mice but not in NSE-PrP mice. These results identify white-matter damage as an extraneuronal PrP-associated pathology and suggest a previously unrecognized role of PrP(C) in myelin maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Radovanovic
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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40
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Unterberger U, Voigtländer T, Budka H. Pathogenesis of prion diseases. Acta Neuropathol 2005; 109:32-48. [PMID: 15645262 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-004-0953-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2004] [Accepted: 10/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are rare neurological disorders that may be of genetic or infectious origin, but most frequently occur sporadically in humans. Their outcome is invariably fatal. As the responsible pathogen, prions have been implicated. Prions are considered to be infectious particles that represent mainly, if not solely, an abnormal, protease-resistant isoform of a cellular protein, the prion protein or PrP(C). As in other neurodegenerative diseases, aggregates of misfolded protein conformers are deposited in the CNS of affected individuals. Pathogenesis of prion diseases comprises mainly two equally important, albeit essentially distinct, topics: first, the mode, spread, and amplification of infectivity in acquired disease, designated as peripheral pathogenesis. In this field, significant advances have implicated an essential role of lymphoid tissues for peripheral prion replication, before a likely neural spread to the CNS. The second is the central pathogenesis, dealing, in addition to spread and replication of prions within the CNS, with the mechanisms of nerve cell damage and death. Although important roles for microglial neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and complement activation have been identified, we are far from complete understanding, and therapeutic applications in prion diseases still need to be developed.
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41
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Polymenidou M, Heppner FL, Pellicioli EC, Urich E, Miele G, Braun N, Wopfner F, Schätzl HM, Becher B, Aguzzi A. Humoral immune response to native eukaryotic prion protein correlates with anti-prion protection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101 Suppl 2:14670-6. [PMID: 15292505 PMCID: PMC521983 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0404772101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are characterized by the deposition of an abnormal form (termed PrP(Sc)) of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). Because antibodies to PrP(C) can antagonize deposition of PrP(Sc) in cultured cells and mice, they may be useful for anti-prion therapy. However, induction of protective anti-prion immune responses in WT animals may be hindered by host tolerance. Here, we studied the cellular and molecular basis of tolerance to PrP(C). Immunization of Prnp(o/o) mice with bacterially expressed PrP (PrP(REC)) resulted in vigorous humoral immune responses to PrP(REC) and native cell-surface PrP(C). Instead, WT mice yielded antibodies that failed to recognize native PrP(C) despite immunoreactivity with PrP(REC), even after immunization with PrP-PrP polyprotein and/or upon administration of anti-OX40 antibodies. Consequently, immunized WT mice experienced insignificantly delayed prion pathogenesis upon peripheral prion challenge. Anti-PrP immune responses in Prnp(o/o) mice were completely abrogated by transgenic expression of PrP(C) in B cells, T cells, neurons, or hepatocytes, but only moderately reduced by expression in myelinating cells, despite additional thymic Prnp transcription in each case. We conclude that tolerance to PrP(C) can coexist with immunoreactivity to PrP(REC) and does not depend on thymic PrP(C) expression. Its circumvention might represent an important step toward the development of effective anti-prion immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Polymenidou
- Institute of Neuropathology, Neuroimmunology Unit, University Hospital, Schmelzbergstrasse 12 and Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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