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Burato A, Legname G. Comparing Prion Proteins Across Species: Is Zebrafish a Useful Model? Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z. [PMID: 38918277 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite the considerable body of research dedicated to the field of neurodegeneration, the gap in knowledge on the prion protein and its intricate involvement in brain diseases remains substantial. However, in the past decades, many steps forward have been taken toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying both the physiological role of the prion protein and the misfolding event converting it into its pathological counterpart, the prion. This review aims to provide an overview of the main findings regarding this protein, highlighting the advantages of many different animal models that share a conserved amino acid sequence and/or structure with the human prion protein. A particular focus will be given to the species Danio rerio, a compelling research organism for the investigation of prion biology, thanks to its conserved orthologs, ease of genetic manipulation, and cost-effectiveness of high-throughput experimentation. We will explore its potential in filling some of the gaps on physiological and pathological aspects of the prion protein, with the aim of directing the future development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Burato
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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2
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Legname G. Copper coordination modulates prion conversion and infectivity in mammalian prion proteins. Prion 2023; 17:1-6. [PMID: 36597284 PMCID: PMC9815218 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2022.2163835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals the cellular form of the prion protein (PrPC) is a ubiquitous protein involved in many relevant functions in the central nervous system. In addition to its physiological functions PrPC plays a central role in a group of invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorders collectively called prion diseases. In fact, the protein is a substrate in a process in which it converts into an infectious and pathological form denoted as prion. The protein has a unique primary structure where the unstructured N-terminal moiety possesses characteristic sequences wherein histidines are able to coordinate metal ions, in particular copper ions. These sequences are called octarepeats for their characteristic length. Moreover, a non-octarepeat fifth-copper binding site is present where copper coordination seems to control infectivity. In this review, I will argue that these sequences may play a significant role in modulating prion conversion and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy,CONTACT Giuseppe Legname Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste34136, Italy
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3
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Celauro L, Zattoni M, Legname G. Prion receptors, prion internalization, intra- and inter-cellular transport. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 196:15-41. [PMID: 36813357 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Celauro
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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4
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Nikolić L, Ferracin C, Legname G. Recent advances in cellular models for discovering prion disease therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:985-996. [PMID: 35983689 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prion diseases are a group of rare and lethal rapidly progressive neurodegenerative diseases arising due to conversion of the physiological cellular prion protein into its pathological counterparts, denoted as "prions". These agents are resistant to inactivation by standard decontamination procedures and can be transmitted between individuals, consequently driving the irreversible brain damage typical of the diseases. AREAS COVERED Since its infancy, prion research has mainly depended on animal models for untangling the pathogenesis of the disease as well as for the drug development studies. With the advent of prion-infected cell lines, relevant animal models have been complemented by a variety of cell-based models presenting a much faster, ethically acceptable alternative. EXPERT OPINION To date, there are still either no effective prophylactic regimens or therapies for human prion diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more relevant cellular models that best approximate in vivo models. Each cellular model presented and discussed in detail in this review has its own benefits and limitations. Once embarking in a drug screening campaign for the identification of molecules that could interfere with prion conversion and replication, one should carefully consider the ideal cellular model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Nikolić
- PhD Student in Functional and Structural Genomics, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy,
| | - Chiara Ferracin
- PhD Student in Functional and Structural Genomics, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- D.Phil., Full Professor of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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5
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Russo L, Salzano G, Corvino A, Bistaffa E, Moda F, Celauro L, D'Abrosca G, Isernia C, Milardi D, Giachin G, Malgieri G, Legname G, Fattorusso R. Structural and dynamical determinants of a β-sheet-enriched intermediate involved in amyloid fibrillar assembly of human prion protein. Chem Sci 2022; 13:10406-10427. [PMID: 36277622 PMCID: PMC9473526 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00345g] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into a misfolded, aggregated and infectious scrapie isoform is associated with prion disease pathology and neurodegeneration. Despite the significant number of experimental and theoretical studies the molecular mechanism regulating this structural transition is still poorly understood. Here, via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) methodologies we investigate at the atomic level the mechanism of the human HuPrP(90–231) thermal unfolding and characterize the conformational equilibrium between its native structure and a β-enriched intermediate state, named β-PrPI. By comparing the folding mechanisms of metal-free and Cu2+-bound HuPrP(23–231) and HuPrP(90–231) we show that the coupling between the N- and C-terminal domains, through transient electrostatic interactions, is the key molecular process in tuning long-range correlated μs–ms dynamics that in turn modulate the folding process. Moreover, via thioflavin T (ThT)-fluorescence fibrillization assays we show that β-PrPI is involved in the initial stages of PrP fibrillation, overall providing a clear molecular description of the initial phases of prion misfolding. Finally, we show by using Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) that the β-PrPI acts as a seed for the formation of amyloid aggregates with a seeding activity comparable to that of human infectious prions. The N-ter domain in HuPrP regulates the folding mechanism by tuning the long-range μs–ms dynamics. Removal of the N-ter domain triggers the formation of a stable β-enriched intermediate state inducing amyloid aggregates with HuPrPSc seeding activity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Salzano
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Corvino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bistaffa
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Celauro
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Abrosca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Carla Isernia
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Danilo Milardi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giachin
- Department of Chemical Sciences (DiSC), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Malgieri
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- ELETTRA Laboratory, Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Fattorusso
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
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6
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Arnould H, Baudouin V, Baudry A, Ribeiro LW, Ardila-Osorio H, Pietri M, Caradeuc C, Soultawi C, Williams D, Alvarez M, Crozet C, Djouadi F, Laforge M, Bertho G, Kellermann O, Launay JM, Schmitt-Ulms G, Schneider B. Loss of prion protein control of glucose metabolism promotes neurodegeneration in model of prion diseases. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009991. [PMID: 34610054 PMCID: PMC8519435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Corruption of cellular prion protein (PrPC) function(s) at the plasma membrane of neurons is at the root of prion diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and its variant in humans, and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathies, better known as mad cow disease, in cattle. The roles exerted by PrPC, however, remain poorly elucidated. With the perspective to grasp the molecular pathways of neurodegeneration occurring in prion diseases, and to identify therapeutic targets, achieving a better understanding of PrPC roles is a priority. Based on global approaches that compare the proteome and metabolome of the PrPC expressing 1C11 neuronal stem cell line to those of PrPnull-1C11 cells stably repressed for PrPC expression, we here unravel that PrPC contributes to the regulation of the energetic metabolism by orienting cells towards mitochondrial oxidative degradation of glucose. Through its coupling to cAMP/protein kinase A signaling, PrPC tones down the expression of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4). Such an event favors the transfer of pyruvate into mitochondria and its conversion into acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and, thereby, limits fatty acids β-oxidation and subsequent onset of oxidative stress conditions. The corruption of PrPC metabolic role by pathogenic prions PrPSc causes in the mouse hippocampus an imbalance between glucose oxidative degradation and fatty acids β-oxidation in a PDK4-dependent manner. The inhibition of PDK4 extends the survival of prion-infected mice, supporting that PrPSc-induced deregulation of PDK4 activity and subsequent metabolic derangements contribute to prion diseases. Our study posits PDK4 as a potential therapeutic target to fight against prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Arnould
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Baudouin
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Anne Baudry
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Luiz W. Ribeiro
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | | | - Mathéa Pietri
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Cédric Caradeuc
- CNRS, UMR 8601, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR 8601, Paris, France
| | - Cynthia Soultawi
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Declan Williams
- University of Toronto, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Canada
| | - Marjorie Alvarez
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Carole Crozet
- IRMB, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Fatima Djouadi
- INSERM, UMR-S 1138, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1138, Paris, France
| | - Mireille Laforge
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Gildas Bertho
- CNRS, UMR 8601, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR 8601, Paris, France
| | - Odile Kellermann
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM UMR942, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
- Pharma Research Department, Hoffmann La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- University of Toronto, Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Canada
| | - Benoit Schneider
- INSERM, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, UMR-S 1124, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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7
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Yang X, Li F, Liu Y, Li D, Li J. Study on the Correlation Between NF-κB and Central Fatigue. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1975-1986. [PMID: 33586033 PMCID: PMC8500872 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01803-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has included fatigue as a major risk factor for human life and health. The incidence rate of fatigue is high. In Europe and America, nearly 1/3 of the population is suffering from fatigue. Due to the acceleration of modern people’s life rhythm and the increase of work pressure, more and more attention has been paid to central fatigue. The activation of NF-κB is related to central fatigue, which has been paid little attention by previous studies. At the same time, previous studies have mostly focused on the immune regulation function of NF-κB, while the NF-κB pathway plays an equally important role in regulating nerve function. NF-κB can participate in the occurrence and development of central fatigue by mediating immune inflammatory response, regulating central excitability and inhibitory transmitters, regulating synaptic plasticity and regulating central nervous system (CNS) functional genes. In addition to neuroprotective effects, NF-κB also has nerve damage effects, which is also closely related to the occurrence and development of central fatigue. In this review, we focus on the relationship between NF-κB pathway and central fatigue and further explore the biological mechanism of central fatigue. At the same time, the clinical application and potential of typical NF-κB inhibitors in the treatment of fatigue were analyzed to provide reference for the clinical treatment of central fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhe Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Feng Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Danxi Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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8
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Li W, Yang L, Tang C, Liu K, Lu Y, Wang H, Yan K, Qiu Z, Zhou W. Mutations of CNTNAP1 led to defects in neuronal development. JCI Insight 2020; 5:135697. [PMID: 33148880 PMCID: PMC7710280 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.135697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of CNTNAP1 were associated with myelination disorders, suggesting the role of CNTNAP1 in myelination processes. Whether CNTNAP1 may have a role in early cortical neuronal development is largely unknown. In this study, we identified 4 compound heterozygous mutations of CNTNAP1 in 2 Chinese families. Using mouse models, we found that CNTNAP1 is highly expressed in neurons and is located predominantly in MAP2+ neurons during the early developmental stage. Importantly, Cntnap1 deficiency results in aberrant dendritic growth and spine development in vitro and in vivo, and it delayed migration of cortical neurons during early development. Finally, we found that the number of parvalbumin+ neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of Cntnap1–/– mice is strikingly increased by P15, suggesting that excitation/inhibition balance is impaired. Together, this evidence elucidates a critical function of CNTNAP1 in cortical development, providing insights underlying molecular and circuit mechanisms of CNTNAP1-related disease. Deficiency of CNTNAP1 causes severe cortical developmental deficits, leading to human lethal perinatal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects.,Division of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolic Disease, and
| | - Chuanqing Tang
- Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Zilong Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology.,Chinese Academy of Sciences, and.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Division of Neonatology.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects.,Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Ministry of Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Kishimoto Y, Hirono M, Atarashi R, Sakaguchi S, Yoshioka T, Katamine S, Kirino Y. Impairment of cerebellar long-term depression and GABAergic transmission in prion protein deficient mice ectopically expressing PrPLP/Dpl. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15900. [PMID: 32985542 PMCID: PMC7522223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein (PrPC) knockout mice, named as the “Ngsk” strain (Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice), show late-onset cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration because of ectopic overexpression of PrPC-like protein (PrPLP/Dpl). Our previous study indicated that the mutant mice also exhibited alterations in cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning, even at a young age (16 weeks of age) when neurological changes had not occurred. Thus, this electrophysiological study was designed to examine the synaptic function of the cerebellar cortex in juvenile Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice. We showed that Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice exhibited normal paired-pulse facilitation but impaired long-term depression of excitatory synaptic transmission at synapses between parallel fibres and PCs. GABAA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents recorded from PCs were also weakened in Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice. Furthermore, we confirmed that Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice (7–8-week-old) exhibited abnormalities in delay eyeblink conditioning. Our findings suggest that these alterations in both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission to PCs caused deficits in delay eyeblink conditioning of Ngsk Prnp0/0 mice. Therefore, the Ngsk Prnp0/0 mouse model can contribute to study underlying mechanisms for impairments of synaptic transmission and neural plasticity, and cognitive deficits in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kishimoto
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa, 769-2193, Japan.
| | - Moritoshi Hirono
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Ryuichiro Atarashi
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Suehiro Sakaguchi
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Enzyme Research (KOSOKEN), Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8501, Japan
| | - Tohru Yoshioka
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Shigeru Katamine
- Center for International Collaborative Research, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kirino
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa, 769-2193, Japan
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10
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Single-nucleus transcriptomics of the prefrontal cortex in major depressive disorder implicates oligodendrocyte precursor cells and excitatory neurons. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:771-781. [DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Nguyen XTA, Tran TH, Cojoc D, Legname G. Copper Binding Regulates Cellular Prion Protein Function. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6121-6133. [PMID: 30729399 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC), mainly known for its role in neurodegenerative diseases, is involved in several physiological processes including neuritogenesis. In addition, its ability to bind copper or zinc has been suggested for its role in metal homeostasis. Although PrPC has been known as a copper-binding molecule, little is known about how copper can affect PrPC physiological functions. By combining genomic approaches, cellular assays, and focal stimulation technique, we found that PrPC neuritogenesis function is directly influenced by N-terminal copper-binding amino acids. Several recombinant mouse PrP (recMoPrP) mutants at N-terminal copper-binding sites were produced, and primary hippocampal cultures were treated either in bulk or exposed near the hippocampal growth cones (GC) of single neurons in local stimulation manner. While focal stimulation of GC with wild-type recMoPrP induced neurite outgrowth and rapid GC turning toward the source, N-terminal mutants fail to support this effect. Indeed, disrupting all the copper-binding sites at the N-terminus of PrPC was toxic to neurons indicating that these regions are crucial for the protein function. Mutants at both octarepeat and non-octarepeat region abolished the neuritogenesis effect. Altogether, our findings indicate the crucial role of copper-binding sites in maintaining the neuritogenesis function in PrP, suggesting a potential link between loss-of-function of the protein and disease initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan T A Nguyen
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Thanh Hoa Tran
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Dan Cojoc
- Optical Manipulation (OM)-Lab, Institute of Materials (IOM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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12
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Alred EJ, Lodangco I, Gallaher J, Hansmann UH. Mutations Alter RNA-Mediated Conversion of Human Prions. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:3936-3944. [PMID: 29732450 PMCID: PMC5928492 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b02007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are connected with self-replication and self-propagation of misfolded proteins. The rate-limiting factor is the formation of the initial seed. We have recently studied the early stages in the conversion between functional PrPC and the infectious scrapie PrPSC form, triggered by the binding of RNA. Here, we study how this process is modulated by the prion sequence. We focus on residues 129 and 178, which are connected to the hereditary neurodegenerative disease fatal familial insomnia.
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Legname
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Trieste, Italy
- * E-mail:
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14
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Alred EJ, Nguyen M, Martin M, Hansmann UHE. Molecular dynamics simulations of early steps in RNA-mediated conversion of prions. Protein Sci 2017; 26:1524-1534. [PMID: 28425641 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The rate-limiting step in prion diseases is the initial transition of a prion protein from its native form into a mis-folded state in which the protein not only forms cell-toxic aggregates but also becomes infectious. Recent experiments implicate polyadenosine RNA as a possible agent for generating the initial seed. In order to understand the mechanism of RNA-mediated mis-folding and aggregation of prions, we dock polyadenosine RNA to mouse and human prion models. Changes in stability and secondary structure of the prions upon binding to polyadenosine RNA are evaluated by comparing molecular dynamics simulations of these complexes with that of the unbound prions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Alred
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Michael Nguyen
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Maggie Martin
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
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15
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Li Y, Sun Z, Cao Q, Chen M, Luo H, Lin X, Xiao F. Role of amyloid β protein receptors in mediating synaptic plasticity. Biomed Rep 2017; 6:379-386. [PMID: 28413635 PMCID: PMC5374942 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few diseases in modern biomedicine that have garnered as much scientific interest and public concern as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid hypothesis has become the dominant model of AD pathogenesis; however, the details of the hypothesis are changing over time. Recently, given the increasing recognition, subtle effects of amyloid β protein (Aβ) on synaptic efficacy may be critical to AD progression. Synaptic plasticity is the important neurochemical foundation of learning and memory. Recent studies have identified that soluble Aβ oligomers combine with certain receptors to impair synaptic plasticity in AD, which advanced the amyloid hypothesis. The aim of the present review was to summarize the role of Aβ-relevant receptors in regulating synaptic plasticity and their downstream signaling cascades, which may provide novel insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and the development of therapeutic strategies to slow down the progression of AD-associated memory decline in the early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Zhongqing Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoyu Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, P.R. China
| | - Huanmin Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Xi Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
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Wu ZQ, Li D, Huang Y, Chen XP, Huang W, Liu CF, Zhao HQ, Xu RX, Cheng M, Schachner M, Ma QH. Caspr Controls the Temporal Specification of Neural Progenitor Cells through Notch Signaling in the Developing Mouse Cerebral Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:1369-1385. [PMID: 26740489 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The generation of layer-specific neurons and astrocytes by radial glial cells during development of the cerebral cortex follows a precise temporal sequence, which is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The molecular mechanisms controlling the timely generation of layer-specific neurons and astrocytes remain not fully understood. In this study, we show that the adhesion molecule contactin-associated protein (Caspr), which is involved in the maintenance of the polarized domains of myelinated axons, is essential for the timing of generation of neurons and astrocytes in the developing mouse cerebral cortex. Caspr is expressed by radial glial cells, which are neural progenitor cells that generate both neurons and astrocytes. Absence of Caspr in neural progenitor cells delays the production cortical neurons and induces precocious formation of cortical astrocytes, without affecting the numbers of progenitor cells. At the molecular level, Caspr cooperates with the intracellular domain of Notch to repress transcription of the Notch effector Hes1. Suppression of Notch signaling via a Hes1 shRNA rescues the abnormal neurogenesis and astrogenesis in Caspr-deficient mice. These findings establish Caspr as a novel key regulator that controls the temporal specification of cell fate in radial glial cells of the developing cerebral cortex through Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Di Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Ya Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Xi-Ping Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg D-66421, Germany
| | - Chun-Feng Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - He-Qing Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
| | - Ru-Xiang Xu
- Affiliated Bayi Brain Hospital, Beijing Military Hospital, Southern Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Mei Cheng
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province 264000, China
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center for Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
| | - Quan-Hong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Second Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123, China
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17
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Peggion C, Bertoli A, Sorgato MC. Almost a century of prion protein(s): From pathology to physiology, and back to pathology. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 483:1148-1155. [PMID: 27581199 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.07.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prions are one of the few pathogens whose name is renowned at all population levels, after the dramatic years pervaded by the fear of eating prion-infected food. If now this, somehow irrational, scare of bovine meat inexorably transmitting devastating brain disorders is largely subdued, several prion-related issues are still unsolved, precluding the design of therapeutic approaches that could slow, if not halt, prion diseases. One unsolved issue is, for example, the role of the prion protein (PrPC), whole conformational misfolding originates the prion but whose physiologic reason d'etre in neurons, and in cells at large, remains enigmatic. Preceded by a historical outline, the present review will discuss the functional pleiotropicity ascribed to PrPC, and whether this aspect could fall, at least in part, into a more concise framework. It will also be devoted to radically different perspectives for PrPC, which have been recently brought to the attention of the scientific world with unexpected force. Finally, it will discuss the possible reasons allowing an evolutionary conserved and benign protein, as PrPC is, to turn into a high affinity receptor for pathologic misfolded oligomers, and to transmit their toxic message into neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Peggion
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Bertoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - M Catia Sorgato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; C.N.R. Institute of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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18
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Slapšak U, Salzano G, Amin L, Abskharon RNN, Ilc G, Zupančič B, Biljan I, Plavec J, Giachin G, Legname G. The N Terminus of the Prion Protein Mediates Functional Interactions with the Neuronal Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) Fibronectin Domain. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:21857-21868. [PMID: 27535221 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.743435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular form of the prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycoprotein mostly expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems by different cell types in mammals. A misfolded, pathogenic isoform, denoted as prion, is related to a class of neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. PrPC function has not been unequivocally clarified, and it is rather defined as a pleiotropic protein likely acting as a dynamic cell surface scaffolding protein for the assembly of different signaling modules. Among the variety of PrPC protein interactors, the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has been studied in vivo, but the structural basis of this functional interaction is still a matter of debate. Here we focused on the structural determinants responsible for human PrPC (HuPrP) and NCAM interaction using stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy, SPR, and NMR spectroscopy approaches. PrPC co-localizes with NCAM in mouse hippocampal neurons, and this interaction is mainly mediated by the intrinsically disordered PrPC N-terminal tail, which binds with high affinity to the NCAM fibronectin type-3 domain. NMR structural investigations revealed surface-interacting epitopes governing the interaction between HuPrP N terminus and the second module of the NCAM fibronectin type-3 domain. Our data provided molecular details about the interaction between HuPrP and the NCAM fibronectin domain, and revealed a new role of PrPC N terminus as a dynamic and functional element responsible for protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urška Slapšak
- From the Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giulia Salzano
- the Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste I-34136, Italy
| | - Ladan Amin
- the Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste I-34136, Italy
| | - Romany N N Abskharon
- the Structural Biology Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium, the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), 11516 Cairo, Egypt, and the Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
| | - Gregor Ilc
- From the Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, the EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Dunajska 156, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Zupančič
- From the Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ivana Biljan
- the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102A, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia
| | - Janez Plavec
- From the Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, the EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Dunajska 156, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia,
| | - Gabriele Giachin
- the Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste I-34136, Italy, the Structural Biology Group, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000-Grenoble, France
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- the Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, Trieste I-34136, Italy,
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19
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Kaczmarczyk L, Mende Y, Zevnik B, Jackson WS. Manipulating the Prion Protein Gene Sequence and Expression Levels with CRISPR/Cas9. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154604. [PMID: 27128441 PMCID: PMC4851410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian prion protein (PrP, encoded by Prnp) is most infamous for its central role in prion diseases, invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans, food animals, and animals in the wild. However, PrP is also hypothesized to be an important receptor for toxic protein conformers in Alzheimer's disease, and is associated with other clinically relevant processes such as cancer and stroke. Thus, key insights into important clinical areas, as well as into understanding PrP functions in normal physiology, can be obtained from studying transgenic mouse models and cell culture systems. However, the Prnp locus is difficult to manipulate by homologous recombination, making modifications of the endogenous locus rarely attempted. Fortunately in recent years genome engineering technologies, like TALENs or CRISPR/Cas9 (CC9), have brought exceptional new possibilities for manipulating Prnp. Herein, we present our observations made during systematic experiments with the CC9 system targeting the endogenous mouse Prnp locus, to either modify sequences or to boost PrP expression using CC9-based synergistic activation mediators (SAMs). It is our hope that this information will aid and encourage researchers to implement gene-targeting techniques into their research program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lech Kaczmarczyk
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ylva Mende
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Branko Zevnik
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Walker S. Jackson
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
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20
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Cellular prion protein promotes post-ischemic neuronal survival, angioneurogenesis and enhances neural progenitor cell homing via proteasome inhibition. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e2024. [PMID: 26673668 PMCID: PMC4720898 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although cellular prion protein (PrPc) has been suggested to have physiological roles in neurogenesis and angiogenesis, the pathophysiological relevance of both processes remain unknown. To elucidate the role of PrPc in post-ischemic brain remodeling, we herein exposed PrPc wild type (WT), PrPc knockout (PrP−/−) and PrPc overexpressing (PrP+/+) mice to focal cerebral ischemia followed by up to 28 days reperfusion. Improved neurological recovery and sustained neuroprotection lasting over the observation period of 4 weeks were observed in ischemic PrP+/+ mice compared with WT mice. This observation was associated with increased neurogenesis and angiogenesis, whereas increased neurological deficits and brain injury were noted in ischemic PrP−/− mice. Proteasome activity and oxidative stress were increased in ischemic brain tissue of PrP−/− mice. Pharmacological proteasome inhibition reversed the exacerbation of brain injury induced by PrP−/−, indicating that proteasome inhibition mediates the neuroprotective effects of PrPc. Notably, reduced proteasome activity and oxidative stress in ischemic brain tissue of PrP+/+ mice were associated with an increased abundance of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and PACAP-38, which are known stimulants of neural progenitor cell (NPC) migration and trafficking. To elucidate effects of PrPc on intracerebral NPC homing, we intravenously infused GFP+ NPCs in ischemic WT, PrP−/− and PrP+/+ mice, showing that brain accumulation of GFP+ NPCs was greatly reduced in PrP−/− mice, but increased in PrP+/+ animals. Our results suggest that PrPc induces post-ischemic long-term neuroprotection, neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the ischemic brain by inhibiting proteasome activity.
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21
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Wiera G, Mozrzymas JW. Extracellular proteolysis in structural and functional plasticity of mossy fiber synapses in hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:427. [PMID: 26582976 PMCID: PMC4631828 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain is continuously altered in response to experience and environmental changes. One of the underlying mechanisms is synaptic plasticity, which is manifested by modification of synapse structure and function. It is becoming clear that regulated extracellular proteolysis plays a pivotal role in the structural and functional remodeling of synapses during brain development, learning and memory formation. Clearly, plasticity mechanisms may substantially differ between projections. Mossy fiber synapses onto CA3 pyramidal cells display several unique functional features, including pronounced short-term facilitation, a presynaptically expressed long-term potentiation (LTP) that is independent of NMDAR activation, and NMDA-dependent metaplasticity. Moreover, structural plasticity at mossy fiber synapses ranges from the reorganization of projection topology after hippocampus-dependent learning, through intrinsically different dynamic properties of synaptic boutons to pre- and postsynaptic structural changes accompanying LTP induction. Although concomitant functional and structural plasticity in this pathway strongly suggests a role of extracellular proteolysis, its impact only starts to be investigated in this projection. In the present report, we review the role of extracellular proteolysis in various aspects of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that among perisynaptic proteases, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/plasmin system, β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and metalloproteinases play a crucial role in shaping plastic changes in this projection. We discuss recent advances and emerging hypotheses on the roles of proteases in mechanisms underlying mossy fiber target specific synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Wiera
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University Wroclaw, Poland ; Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Mozrzymas
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University Wroclaw, Poland ; Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University Wroclaw, Poland
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22
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The non-octarepeat copper binding site of the prion protein is a key regulator of prion conversion. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15253. [PMID: 26482532 PMCID: PMC4651146 DOI: 10.1038/srep15253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The conversion of the prion protein (PrPC) into prions plays a key
role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Despite the importance for
pathogenesis, the mechanism of prion formation has escaped detailed characterization
due to the insoluble nature of prions. PrPC interacts with copper
through octarepeat and non-octarepeat binding sites. Copper coordination to the
non-octarepeat region has garnered interest due to the possibility that this
interaction may impact prion conversion. We used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to
study copper coordination at pH 5.5 and 7.0 in human PrPC constructs,
either wild-type (WT) or carrying pathological mutations. We show that mutations and
pH cause modifications of copper coordination in the non-octarepeat region. In the
WT at pH 5.5, copper is anchored to His96 and His111, while at pH 7 it is
coordinated by His111. Pathological point mutations alter the copper coordination at
acidic conditions where the metal is anchored to His111. By using in vitro
approaches, cell-based and computational techniques, we propose a model whereby
PrPC coordinating copper with one His in the non-octarepeat
region converts to prions at acidic condition. Thus, the non-octarepeat region may
act as the long-sought-after prion switch, critical for disease onset and
propagation.
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Beckman D, Santos LE, Americo TA, Ledo JH, de Mello FG, Linden R. Prion Protein Modulates Monoaminergic Systems and Depressive-like Behavior in Mice. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:20488-98. [PMID: 26152722 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.666156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to examine interactions of the prion protein (PrP(C)) with monoaminergic systems due to: the role of PrP(C) in both Prion and Alzheimer diseases, which include clinical depression among their symptoms, the implication of monoamines in depression, and the hypothesis that PrP(C) serves as a scaffold for signaling systems. To that effect we compared both behavior and monoaminergic markers in wild type (WT) and PrP(C)-null (PrP(-/-)) mice. PrP(-/-) mice performed poorly when compared with WT in forced swimming, tail suspension, and novelty suppressed feeding tests, typical of depressive-like behavior, but not in the control open field nor rotarod motor tests; cyclic AMP responses to stimulation of D1 receptors by dopamine was selectively impaired in PrP(-/-) mice, and responses to serotonin, but not to norepinephrine, also differed between genotypes. Contents of dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase, and the 5-HT5A serotonin receptor were increased in the cerebral cortex of PrP(-/-), as compared with WT mice. Microscopic colocalization, as well as binding in overlay assays were found of PrP(C) with both the 5HT5A and D1, but not D4 receptors. The data are consistent with the scaffolding of monoaminergic signaling modules by PrP(C), and may help understand the pathogenesis of clinical depression and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jose H Ledo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica da UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brasil
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Jiang X, Chai GS, Wang ZH, Hu Y, Li XG, Ma ZW, Wang Q, Wang JZ, Liu GP. Spatial training preserves associative memory capacity with augmentation of dendrite ramification and spine generation in Tg2576 mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9488. [PMID: 25820815 PMCID: PMC4377552 DOI: 10.1038/srep09488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no efficient cure for this devastating disease. Cognitive stimulation can delay memory loss during aging and in patients with mild cognitive impairment. In 3 × Tg-AD mice, training decreased the neuropathologies with transient amelioration of memory decline. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the learning-improved memory capacity are poorly understood. Here, we found in Tg2576 mice spatial training in Morris water maze (MWM) remarkably improved the subsequent associative memory acquisition detected by contextual fear conditioning. We also found that spatial training enhanced long term potentiation, dendrite ramification and spine generation in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 neurons at 24 h after the training. In the molecular level, the MWM training remarkably activated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) with elevation of glutamate AMPA receptor GluA1 subunit (GluA1), postsynaptic density protein 93 (PSD93) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus. Finally, the training also significantly ameliorated AD-like tau and amyloid pathologies. We conclude that spatial training in MWM preserves associative memory capacity in Tg2576 mice, and the mechanisms involve augmentation of dendrite ramification and spine generation in hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Department of Pathology, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065. P. R. China
| | - Gao-Shang Chai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Wei Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, the School of Basal Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030. P. R. China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China
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Gasperini L, Meneghetti E, Pastore B, Benetti F, Legname G. Prion protein and copper cooperatively protect neurons by modulating NMDA receptor through S-nitrosylation. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 22:772-84. [PMID: 25490055 PMCID: PMC4361008 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Several neurodegenerative disorders show alterations in glutamatergic synapses and increased susceptibility to excitotoxicity. Mounting evidence suggests a central role for the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) in neuroprotection. Therefore, the loss of PrP(C) function occurring in prion disorders may contribute to the disease progression and neurodegeneration. Indeed, PrP(C) modulates N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR), thus preventing cell death. In this study, we show that PrP(C) and copper cooperatively inhibit NMDAR through S-nitrosylation, a post-translational modification resulting from the chemical reaction of nitric oxide (NO) with cysteines. RESULTS Comparing wild-type Prnp (Prnp(+/+)) and PrP(C) knockout (Prnp(0/0)) mouse hippocampi, we found that GluN1 and GluN2A S-nitrosylation decrease in Prnp(0/0). Using organotypic hippocampal cultures, we found that copper chelation decreases NMDAR S-nitrosylation in Prnp(+/+) but not in Prnp(0/0). This suggests that PrP(C) requires copper to support the chemical reaction between NO and thiols. We explored PrP(C)-Cu neuroprotective role by evaluating neuron susceptibility to excitotoxicity in Prnp(+/+) and Prnp(0/0) cultures. We found that (i) PrP(C)-Cu modulates GluN2A-containing NMDAR, those inhibited by S-nitrosylation; (ii) PrP(C) and copper are interdependent to protect neurons from insults; (iii) neuronal NO synthase inhibition affects susceptibility in wild-type but not in Prnp(0/0), while (iv) the addition of a NO donor enhances Prnp(0/0) neurons survival. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results show that PrP(C) and copper support NMDAR S-nitrosylation and cooperatively exert neuroprotection. In addition to NMDAR, PrP(C) may also favor the S-nitrosylation of other proteins. Therefore, this mechanism may be investigated in the context of the different cellular processes in which PrP(C) is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gasperini
- 1 Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
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Liebert A, Bicknell B, Adams R. Prion Protein Signaling in the Nervous System—A Review and Perspective. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4137/sti.s12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Prion protein (PrPC) was originally known as the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) but with recent research, its true function in cells is becoming clearer. It is known to act as a scaffolding protein, binding multiple ligands at the cell membrane and to be involved in signal transduction, passing information from the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoplasm. Its role in the coordination of transmitters at the synapse, glyapse, and gap junction and in short- and long-range neurotrophic signaling gives PrPC a major part in neural transmission and nervous system signaling. It acts to regulate cellular function in multiple targets through its role as a controller of redox status and calcium ion flux. Given the importance of PrPC in cell physiology, this review considers its potential role in disease apart from TSE. The putative functions of PrPC point to involvement in neurodegenerative disease, neuropathic pain, chronic headache, and inflammatory disease including neuroinflammatory disease of the nervous system. Potential targets for the treatment of disease influenced by PrPC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Liebert
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Brian Bicknell
- Faculty of Health Science, Australian Catholic University, Australia
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Le NTT, Narkiewicz J, Aulić S, Salzano G, Tran HT, Scaini D, Moda F, Giachin G, Legname G. Synthetic prions and other human neurodegenerative proteinopathies. Virus Res 2014; 207:25-37. [PMID: 25449570 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. The common feature of these diseases is the pathological conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a β-structure-rich conformer-termed PrP(Sc). The latter can induce a self-perpetuating process leading to amplification and spreading of pathological protein assemblies. Much evidence suggests that PrP(Sc) itself is able to recruit and misfold PrP(C) into the pathological conformation. Recent data have shown that recombinant PrP(C) can be misfolded in vitro and the resulting synthetic conformers are able to induce the conversion of PrP(C) into PrP(Sc)in vivo. In this review we describe the state-of-the-art of the body of literature in this field. In addition, we describe a cell-based assay to test synthetic prions in cells, providing further evidence that synthetic amyloids are able to template conversion of PrP into prion inclusions. Studying prions might help to understand the pathological mechanisms governing other neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregation and deposition of misfolded proteins is a common feature of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other disorders. Although the proteins implicated in each of these diseases differ, they share a common prion mechanism. Recombinant proteins are able to aggregate in vitro into β-rich amyloid fibrils, sharing some features of the aggregates found in the brain. Several studies have reported that intracerebral inoculation of synthetic aggregates lead to unique pathology, which spread progressively to distal brain regions and reduced survival time in animals. Here, we review the prion-like features of different proteins involved in neurodegenerative disorders, such as α-synuclein, superoxide dismutase-1, amyloid-β and tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat Tran Thanh Le
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Joanna Narkiewicz
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Suzana Aulić
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Salzano
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Hoa Thanh Tran
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Denis Scaini
- Life Science Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Department of Neuropathology and Neurology 5, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giachin
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
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Jiang X, Chai GS, Wang ZH, Hu Y, Li XG, Ma ZW, Wang Q, Wang JZ, Liu GP. CaMKII-dependent dendrite ramification and spine generation promote spatial training-induced memory improvement in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:867-76. [PMID: 25457025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Participation in cognitively stimulating activities can preserve memory capacities in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we used a rat model with hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor of AD, to study whether spatial training could remodel the synaptic and/or dendritic plasticity and the key molecular target(s) involved. We found that spatial training in water maze remarkably improved the subsequent short-term and long-term memory performance in contextual fear conditioning and Barnes maze. The trained rats showed an enhanced dendrite ramification, spine generation and plasticity in dentate gyrus (DG) neurons, and stimulation of long-term potentiation between perforant path and DG circuit. Spatial training also increased the levels of postsynaptic GluA1, GluN2A, GluN2B, and PSD93 with selective activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), although inhibition of CaMKII by stereotaxic injection of KN93 into hippocampal DG, abolished the training-induced cognitive improvement, dendrite ramification, and spine generation. We conclude that spatial training can preserve the cognitive function by CaMKII-dependent remodeling of dendritic plasticity in hyperhomocysteinemia-induced sporadic AD-like rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China; Department of Pathology, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Gao-Shang Chai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China; Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Wei Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China.
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Hirsch TZ, Hernandez-Rapp J, Martin-Lannerée S, Launay JM, Mouillet-Richard S. PrP(C) signalling in neurons: from basics to clinical challenges. Biochimie 2014; 104:2-11. [PMID: 24952348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrP(C) was identified over twenty-five years ago as the normal counterpart of the scrapie prion protein PrP(Sc), itself the main if not the sole component of the infectious agent at the root of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). PrP(C) is a ubiquitous cell surface protein, abundantly expressed in neurons, which constitute the targets of PrP(Sc)-mediated toxicity. Converging evidence have highlighted that neuronal, GPI-anchored PrP(C) is absolutely required for prion-induced neuropathogenesis, which warrants investigating into the normal function exerted by PrP(C) in a neuronal context. It is now well-established that PrP(C) can serve as a cell signalling molecule, able to mobilize transduction cascades in response to interactions with partners. This function endows PrP(C) with the capacity to participate in multiple neuronal processes, ranging from survival to synaptic plasticity. A diverse array of data have allowed to shed light on how this function is corrupted by PrP(Sc). Recently, amyloid Aβ oligomers, whose accumulation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), were shown to similarly instigate toxic events by deviating PrP(C)-mediated signalling. Here, we provide an overview of the various signal transduction cascades ascribed to PrP(C) in neurons, summarize how their subversion by PrP(Sc) or Aβ oligomers contributes to TSE or AD neuropathogenesis and discuss the ensuing clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Z Hirsch
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Sud 11, ED419 Biosigne, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Séverine Martin-Lannerée
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- AP-HP Service de Biochimie, Fondation FondaMental, INSERM U942 Hôpital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France; Pharma Research Department, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France.
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Presynaptic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors enhance hippocampal mossy fiber glutamatergic transmission via PKA activation. J Neurosci 2014; 34:124-33. [PMID: 24381273 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2973-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed widely in the CNS, and mediate both synaptic and perisynaptic activities of endogenous cholinergic inputs and pharmacological actions of exogenous compounds (e.g., nicotine and choline). Behavioral studies indicate that nicotine improves such cognitive functions as learning and memory. However, the mechanism of nicotine's action on cognitive function remains elusive. We performed patch-clamp recordings from hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons to determine the effect of nicotine on mossy fiber glutamatergic synaptic transmission. We found that nicotine in combination with NS1738, an α7 nAChR-positive allosteric modulator, strongly potentiated the amplitude of evoked EPSCs (eEPSCs), and reduced the EPSC paired-pulse ratio. The action of nicotine and NS1738 was mimicked by PNU-282987 (an α7 nAChR agonist), and was absent in α7 nAChR knock-out mice. These data indicate that activation of α7 nAChRs was both necessary and sufficient to enhance the amplitude of eEPSCs. BAPTA applied postsynaptically failed to block the action of nicotine and NS1738, suggesting again a presynaptic action of the α7 nAChRs. We also observed α7 nAChR-mediated calcium rises at mossy fiber giant terminals, indicating the presence of functional α7 nAChRs at presynaptic terminals. Furthermore, the addition of PNU-282987 enhanced action potential-dependent calcium transient at these terminals. Last, the potentiating effect of PNU-282987 on eEPSCs was abolished by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA). Our findings indicate that activation of α7 nAChRs at presynaptic sites, via a mechanism involving PKA, plays a critical role in enhancing synaptic efficiency of hippocampal mossy fiber transmission.
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Llorens F, Ferrer I, del Río JA. Gene expression resulting from PrPC ablation and PrPC overexpression in murine and cellular models. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:413-23. [PMID: 23949728 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) plays a key role in prion diseases when it converts to the pathogenic form scrapie prion protein. Increasing knowledge of its participation in prion infection contrasts with the elusive and controversial data regarding its physiological role probably related to its pleiotropy, cell-specific functions, and cellular-specific milieu. Multiple approaches have been made to the increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms and cellular functions modulated by PrP(C) at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Gene expression analyses have been made in several mouse and cellular models with regulated expression of PrP(C) resulting in PrP(C) ablation or PrP(C) overexpression. These analyses support previous functional data and have yielded clues about new potential functions. However, experiments on animal models have shown moderate and varied results which are difficult to interpret. Moreover, studies in cell cultures correlate little with in vivo counterparts. Yet, both animal and cell models have provided some insights on how to proceed in the future by using more refined methods and selected functional experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Llorens
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain,
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Giachin G, Biljan I, Ilc G, Plavec J, Legname G. Probing early misfolding events in prion protein mutants by NMR spectroscopy. Molecules 2013; 18:9451-76. [PMID: 23966072 PMCID: PMC6270549 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18089451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The post-translational conversion of the ubiquitously expressed cellular form of the prion protein, PrPC, into its misfolded and pathogenic isoform, known as prion or PrPSc, plays a key role in prion diseases. These maladies are denoted transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and affect both humans and animals. A prerequisite for understanding TSEs is unraveling the molecular mechanism leading to the conversion process whereby most α-helical motifs are replaced by β-sheet secondary structures. Importantly, most point mutations linked to inherited prion diseases are clustered in the C-terminal domain region of PrPC and cause spontaneous conversion to PrPSc. Structural studies with PrP variants promise new clues regarding the proposed conversion mechanism and may help identify "hot spots" in PrPC involved in the pathogenic conversion. These investigations may also shed light on the early structural rearrangements occurring in some PrPC epitopes thought to be involved in modulating prion susceptibility. Here we present a detailed overview of our solution-state NMR studies on human prion protein carrying different pathological point mutations and the implications that such findings may have for the future of prion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giachin
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265,Trieste I-34136, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Ivana Biljan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102A, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia; E-Mail:
| | - Gregor Ilc
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; E-Mails: (G.I.); (J.P.)
- EN-FIST Center of Excellence, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; E-Mails: (G.I.); (J.P.)
- EN-FIST Center of Excellence, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265,Trieste I-34136, Italy; E-Mail:
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Proteins behind mad-cow disease also help brain to develop. Nature 2013. [DOI: 10.1038/nature.2013.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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