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Zayed M, Kook SH, Jeong BH. Potential Therapeutic Use of Stem Cells for Prion Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2413. [PMID: 37830627 PMCID: PMC10571911 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192413] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders that are progressive, incurable, and deadly. The prion consists of PrPSc, the misfolded pathogenic isoform of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). PrPC is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including cellular proliferation, adhesion, differentiation, and neural development. Prion protein is expressed on the membrane surface of a variety of stem cells (SCs), where it plays an important role in the pluripotency and self-renewal matrix, as well as in SC differentiation. SCs have been found to multiply the pathogenic form of the prion protein, implying their potential as an in vitro model for prion diseases. Furthermore, due to their capability to self-renew, differentiate, immunomodulate, and regenerate tissue, SCs are prospective cell treatments in many neurodegenerative conditions, including prion diseases. Regenerative medicine has become a new revolution in disease treatment in recent years, particularly with the introduction of SC therapy. Here, we review the data demonstrating prion diseases' biology and molecular mechanism. SC biology, therapeutic potential, and its role in understanding prion disease mechanisms are highlighted. Moreover, we summarize preclinical studies that use SCs in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Zayed
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Sung-Ho Kook
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hoon Jeong
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
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Secker TJ, Hervé RC, Keevil CW. Sensitive microscopic quantification of surface-bound prion infectivity for the assessment of surgical instrument decontamination procedures. J Hosp Infect 2023; 132:116-124. [PMID: 36209927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.09.020] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic prions (PrPSc) are amyloid-rich hydrophobic proteins which bind avidly to surgical surfaces and represent some of the most difficult targets during the reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments. In-vitro methods to amplify and detect the presence of otherwise undetectable prion contamination are available, but they do not measure associated infectivity. Most of these methods rely on the use of proteinase K, however this can lead to the loss of a substantial portion of PrPSc, potentially producing false negatives. AIM To develop a sensitive in-situ method without proteinase treatment for the dynamic quantification of amyloid accumulation in N2a #58 cells following 22L-prion infection from infected tissues and spiked stainless-steel surfaces. METHODS We spiked cultures of N2a #58 cells with the 22L prion strain in solution or dried on stainless-steel wires and directly measured the accumulation of prion amyloid aggregates over several passages using highly sensitive fluorescence microscopy. FINDINGS We demonstrated a 10-log dynamic range using our method to test residual prion infectivity, that was validated to show variable decontamination efficacy against prions from commercially available cleaning chemistries. CONCLUSIONS The new cell-based infectivity method presented here avoids partial or possibly total proteinase K digestion of PrPSc in samples for greater sensitivity, in addition to low cost, no ethical concerns, and adaptability to detect different prion strains. This method can be used to test cleaning chemistries' efficacy with greater sensitivity than measuring total residual proteins, which may not correlate with residual prion infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Secker
- Environmental Healthcare Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - R C Hervé
- Environmental Healthcare Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - C W Keevil
- Environmental Healthcare Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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3
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Groveman BR, Smith A, Williams K, Haigh CL. Cerebral organoids as a new model for prion disease. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009747. [PMID: 34288977 PMCID: PMC8294539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley R. Groveman
- Prion Cell Biology Unit, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Anna Smith
- Prion Cell Biology Unit, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Katie Williams
- Prion Cell Biology Unit, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Cathryn L. Haigh
- Prion Cell Biology Unit, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Pineau H, Sim VL. From Cell Culture to Organoids-Model Systems for Investigating Prion Strain Characteristics. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010106. [PMID: 33466947 PMCID: PMC7830147 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are the hallmark protein folding neurodegenerative disease. Their transmissible nature has allowed for the development of many different cellular models of disease where prion propagation and sometimes pathology can be induced. This review examines the range of simple cell cultures to more complex neurospheres, organoid, and organotypic slice cultures that have been used to study prion disease pathogenesis and to test therapeutics. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each system, giving special consideration to the importance of strains when choosing a model and when interpreting results, as not all systems propagate all strains, and in some cases, the technique used, or treatment applied, can alter the very strain properties being studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Pineau
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Valerie L. Sim
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
- Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Iwamaru Y, Mathiason CK, Telling GC, Hoover EA. Chronic wasting disease prion infection of differentiated neurospheres. Prion 2017; 11:277-283. [PMID: 28762865 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2017.1336273] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A possible strategy to develop more diverse cell culture systems permissive to infection with naturally occurring prions is to exploit culture of neurospheres from transgenic mice expressing the normal prion protein (PrP) of the native host species. Accordingly, we developed differentiated neurosphere cultures from the cervid PrP-expressing mice to investigate whether this in vitro system would support replication of non-adapted cervid-origin chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions. Here we report the successful amplification of disease-associated PrP in differentiated neurosphere cultures within 3 weeks after exposure to CWD prions from both white-tailed deer or elk. This neurosphere culture system provides a new in vitro tool that can be used to assess non-adapted CWD prion propagation and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Iwamaru
- a Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology , College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA.,b Prion Disease Research Unit , National Institute of Animal Health , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Candace K Mathiason
- a Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology , College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Glenn C Telling
- a Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology , College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Edward A Hoover
- a Prion Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology , College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
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Abstract
Traditional primary and secondary cell cultures have been used for the investigation of prion biology and disease for many years. While both types of cultures produce highly valid and immensely valuable results, they also have their limitations; traditional cell lines are often derived from cancers, therefore subject to numerous DNA changes, and primary cultures are labor-intensive and expensive to produce requiring sacrifice of many animals. Neural stem cell (NSC) cultures are a relatively new technology to be used for the study of prion biology and disease. While NSCs are subject to their own limitations-they are generally cultured ex vivo in environments that artificially force their growth-they also have their own unique advantages. NSCs retain the ability for self-renewal and can therefore be propagated in culture similarly to secondary cultures without genetic manipulation. In addition, NSCs are multipotent; they can be induced to differentiate into mature cells of central nervous system (CNS) linage. The combination of self-renewal and multipotency allows NSCs to be used as a primary cell line over multiple generations saving time, costs, and animal harvests, thus providing a valuable addition to the existing cell culture repertoire used for investigation of prion biology and disease. Furthermore, NSC cultures can be generated from mice of any genotype, either by embryonic harvest or harvest from adult brain, allowing gene expression to be studied without further genetic manipulation. This chapter describes a standard method of culturing adult NSCs and assays for monitoring NSC growth, migration, and differentiation and revisits basic reactive oxygen species detection in the context of NSC cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn L Haigh
- Department of Medicine, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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Collins SJ, Haigh CL. Simplified Murine 3D Neuronal Cultures for Investigating Neuronal Activity and Neurodegeneration. Cell Biochem Biophys 2016; 75:3-13. [PMID: 27796787 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-016-0768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability to model brain tissue in three-dimensions offers new potential for elucidating functional cellular interactions and corruption of such functions during pathogenesis. Many protocols now exist for growing neurones in three-dimensions and these vary in complexity and cost. Herein, we describe a straight-forward method for generating three-dimensional, terminally differentiated central nervous system cultures from adult murine neural stem cells. The protocol requires no specialist equipment, is not labour intensive or expensive and produces mature cultures within 10 days that can survive beyond a month. Populations of functional glutamatergic neurones could be identified within cultures. Additionally, the three dimensional neuronal cultures can be used to investigate tissue changes during the development of neurodegenerative disease where demonstration of hallmark features, such as plaque generation, has not previously been possible using two-dimensional cultures of neuronal cells. Using a prion model of acquired neurodegenerative disease, biochemical changes indicative of prion pathology were induced within 2-3 weeks in the three dimensional cultures. Our findings show that tissue differentiated in this simplified three dimensional culture model is physiologically competent to model central nervous system cellular behaviour as well as manifest the functional failures and pathological changes associated with neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Collins
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Oelschlegel AM, Geissen M, Lenk M, Riebe R, Angermann M, Schaetzl H, Groschup MH. A bovine cell line that can be infected by natural sheep scrapie prions. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117154. [PMID: 25565633 PMCID: PMC4286239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell culture systems represent a crucial part in basic prion research; yet, cell lines that are susceptible to prions, especially to field isolated prions that were not adapted to rodents, are very rare. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize a cell line that was susceptible to ruminant-derived prions and to establish a stable prion infection within it. Based on species and tissue of origin as well as PrP expression rate, we pre-selected a total of 33 cell lines that were then challenged with natural and with mouse propagated BSE or scrapie inocula. Here, we report the successful infection of a non-transgenic bovine cell line, a sub-line of the bovine kidney cell line MDBK, with natural sheep scrapie prions. This cell line retained the scrapie infection for more than 200 passages. Selective cloning resulted in cell populations with increased accumulation of PrPres, although this treatment was not mandatory for retaining the infection. The infection remained stable, even under suboptimal culture conditions. The resulting infectivity of the cells was confirmed by mouse bioassay (Tgbov mice, Tgshp mice). We believe that PES cells used together with other prion permissive cell lines will prove a valuable tool for ongoing efforts to understand and defeat prions and prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja M. Oelschlegel
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
- Project Group Neuropharmacology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Geissen
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Hamburg, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lenk
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Roland Riebe
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Marlies Angermann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
- Administrative District Office Goerlitz, Goerlitz, Germany
| | - Hermann Schaetzl
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald—Isle of Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
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9
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Saá P, Cervenakova L. Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA): Current status and future directions. Virus Res 2014; 207:47-61. [PMID: 25445341 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) most commonly known as prion diseases are invariably fatal neurological disorders that affect humans and animals. These disorders differ from other neurodegenerative conformational diseases caused by the accumulation in the brain of misfolded proteins, sometimes with amyloid properties, in their ability to infect susceptible species by various routes. While the infectious properties of amyloidogenic proteins, other than misfolded prion protein (PrP(TSE)), are currently under scrutiny, their potential to transmit from cell to cell, one of the intrinsic properties of the prion, has been recently shown in vitro and in vivo. Over the decades, various cell culture and laboratory animal models have been developed to study TSEs. These assays have been widely used in a variety of applications but showed to be time consuming and entailed elevated costs. Novel economic and fast alternatives became available with the development of in vitro assays that are based on the property of conformationally abnormal PrP(TSE) to recruit normal cellular PrP(C) to misfold. These include the cell-free conversion assay, protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) and quaking induced conversion assay (QuIC), of which the PMCA has been the only technology shown to generate infectious prions. Moreover, it allows indefinite amplification of PrP(TSE) with strain-specific biochemical and biological properties of the original molecules and under certain conditions may give rise to new spontaneously generated prions. The method also allows addressing the species barrier phenomena and assessing possible risks of animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission. Additionally, its unprecedented sensitivity has made possible the detection of as little as one infectious dose of PrP(TSE) and the biochemical identification of this protein in different tissues and biological fluids, including blood, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), semen, milk, urine and saliva during the pre-clinical and clinical phases of the disease. The mechanistic similarities between TSEs and other conformational disorders have resulted in the adaptation of the PMCA to the amplification and detection of various amyloidogenic proteins. Here we provide a compelling discussion of the different applications of this technology to the study of TSEs and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Saá
- Transmissible Diseases Department, American National Red Cross, Biomedical Services, Holland Laboratory, 15601 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855, United States.
| | - Larisa Cervenakova
- Transmissible Diseases Department, American National Red Cross, Biomedical Services, Holland Laboratory, 15601 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855, United States
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Martin-Lannerée S, Hirsch TZ, Hernandez-Rapp J, Halliez S, Vilotte JL, Launay JM, Mouillet-Richard S. PrP(C) from stem cells to cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2014; 2:55. [PMID: 25364760 PMCID: PMC4207012 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrP(C) was initially discovered as the normal counterpart of the pathological scrapie prion protein PrP(Sc), the main component of the infectious agent of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. While clues as to the physiological function of this ubiquitous protein were greatly anticipated from the development of knockout animals, PrP-null mice turned out to be viable and to develop without major phenotypic abnormalities. Notwithstanding, the discovery that hematopoietic stem cells from PrP-null mice have impaired long-term repopulating potential has set the stage for investigating into the role of PrP(C) in stem cell biology. A wealth of data have now exemplified that PrP(C) is expressed in distinct types of stem cells and regulates their self-renewal as well as their differentiation potential. A role for PrP(C) in the fate restriction of embryonic stem cells has further been proposed. Paralleling these observations, an overexpression of PrP(C) has been documented in various types of tumors. In line with the contribution of PrP(C) to stemness and to the proliferation of cancer cells, PrP(C) was recently found to be enriched in subpopulations of tumor-initiating cells. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role played by PrP(C) in stem cell biology and discuss how the subversion of its function may contribute to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Martin-Lannerée
- Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, INSERM UMR-S1124 Paris, France ; Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124 Paris, France
| | - Théo Z Hirsch
- Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, INSERM UMR-S1124 Paris, France ; Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124 Paris, France
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, INSERM UMR-S1124 Paris, France ; Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124 Paris, France ; Université Paris Sud 11, ED419 Biosigne Orsay, France
| | - Sophie Halliez
- U892 Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, INRA Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- AP-HP Service de Biochimie, Fondation FondaMental, INSERM U942 Hôpital Lariboisière Paris, France ; Pharma Research Department, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche Ltd. Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, INSERM UMR-S1124 Paris, France ; Toxicology, Pharmacology and Cellular Signaling, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124 Paris, France
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Mediano DR, Sanz-Rubio D, Ranera B, Bolea R, Martín-Burriel I. The potential of mesenchymal stem cell in prion research. Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 62:165-78. [PMID: 24854140 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the accumulation of a misfolded protein (PrP(res)), the pathological form of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). For the last decades, prion research has greatly progressed, but many questions need to be solved about prion replication mechanisms, cell toxicity, differences in genetic susceptibility, species barrier or the nature of prion strains. These studies can be developed in murine models of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, although development of cell models for prion replication and sample titration could reduce economic and timing costs and also serve for basic research and treatment testing. Some murine cell lines can replicate scrapie strains previously adapted in mice and very few show the toxic effects of prion accumulation. Brain cell primary cultures can be more accurate models but are difficult to develop in naturally susceptible species like humans or domestic ruminants. Stem cells can be differentiated into neuron-like cells and be infected by prions. However, the use of embryo stem cells causes ethical problems in humans. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from many adult tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue or even peripheral blood. These cells differentiate into neuronal cells, express PrP(C) and can be infected by prions in vitro. In addition, in the last years, these cells are being used to develop therapies for many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. We review here the use of cell models in prion research with a special interest in the potential use of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Mediano
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Genética Bioquímica, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Krejciova Z, De Sousa P, Manson J, Ironside JW, Head MW. Human tonsil-derived follicular dendritic-like cells are refractory to human prion infection in vitro and traffic disease-associated prion protein to lysosomes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:64-70. [PMID: 24183781 PMCID: PMC3873479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms involved in human cellular susceptibility to prion infection remain poorly defined. This is due, in part, to the absence of any well characterized and relevant cultured human cells susceptible to infection with human prions, such as those involved in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, prion replication is thought to occur first in the lymphoreticular system and then spread into the brain. We have, therefore, examined the susceptibility of a human tonsil-derived follicular dendritic cell-like cell line (HK) to prion infection. HK cells were found to display a readily detectable, time-dependent increase in cell-associated abnormal prion protein (PrP(TSE)) when exposed to medium spiked with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease brain homogenate, resulting in a coarse granular perinuclear PrP(TSE) staining pattern. Despite their high level of cellular prion protein expression, HK cells failed to support infection, as judged by longer term maintenance of PrP(TSE) accumulation. Colocalization studies revealed that exposure of HK cells to brain homogenate resulted in increased numbers of detectable lysosomes and that these structures immunostained intensely for PrP(TSE) after exposure to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease brain homogenate. Our data suggest that human follicular dendritic-like cells and perhaps other human cell types are able to avoid prion infection by efficient lysosomal degradation of PrP(TSE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Krejciova
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul De Sousa
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Manson
- Neurobiology Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - James W Ironside
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark W Head
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Relaño-Ginès A, Gabelle A, Hamela C, Belondrade M, Casanova D, Mourton-Gilles C, Lehmann S, Crozet C. Prion replication occurs in endogenous adult neural stem cells and alters their neuronal fate: involvement of endogenous neural stem cells in prion diseases. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003485. [PMID: 23935493 PMCID: PMC3731238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are irreversible progressive neurodegenerative diseases, leading to severe incapacity and death. They are characterized in the brain by prion amyloid deposits, vacuolisation, astrocytosis, neuronal degeneration, and by cognitive, behavioural and physical impairments. There is no treatment for these disorders and stem cell therapy therefore represents an interesting new approach. Gains could not only result from the cell transplantation, but also from the stimulation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSC) or by the combination of both approaches. However, the development of such strategies requires a detailed knowledge of the pathology, particularly concerning the status of the adult neurogenesis and endogenous NSC during the development of the disease. During the past decade, several studies have consistently shown that NSC reside in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and that adult neurogenesis occurs throughout the adulthood in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle or the Dentate Gyrus of the hippocampus. Adult NSC are believed to constitute a reservoir for neuronal replacement during normal cell turnover or after brain injury. However, the activation of this system does not fully compensate the neuronal loss that occurs during neurodegenerative diseases and could even contribute to the disease progression. We investigated here the status of these cells during the development of prion disorders. We were able to show that NSC accumulate and replicate prions. Importantly, this resulted in the alteration of their neuronal fate which then represents a new pathologic event that might underlie the rapid progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Gabelle
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche en Biothérapie (IRB), Physiopathologie, Diagnostic et Thérapie Cellulaire des Affections Neurodégénératives - INSERM-UM1 U1040, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Hamela
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Sylvain Lehmann
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche en Biothérapie (IRB), Physiopathologie, Diagnostic et Thérapie Cellulaire des Affections Neurodégénératives - INSERM-UM1 U1040, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (SL); (CC)
| | - Carole Crozet
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche en Biothérapie (IRB), Physiopathologie, Diagnostic et Thérapie Cellulaire des Affections Neurodégénératives - INSERM-UM1 U1040, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (SL); (CC)
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14
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Prion replication elicits cytopathic changes in differentiated neurosphere cultures. J Virol 2013; 87:8745-55. [PMID: 23740992 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00572-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of prion-induced cytotoxicity remain largely obscure. Currently, only a few cell culture models have exhibited the cytopathic changes associated with prion infection. In this study, we introduced a cell culture model based on differentiated neurosphere cultures isolated from the brains of neonatal prion protein (PrP)-null mice and transgenic mice expressing murine PrP (dNP0 and dNP20 cultures). Upon exposure to mouse Chandler prions, dNP20 cultures supported the de novo formation of abnormal PrP and the resulting infectivity, as assessed by bioassays. Furthermore, this culture was susceptible to various prion strains, including mouse-adapted scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome prions. Importantly, a subset of the cells in the infected culture that was mainly composed of astrocyte lineage cells consistently displayed late-occurring, progressive signs of cytotoxicity as evidenced by morphological alterations, decreased cell viability, and increased lactate dehydrogenase release. These signs of cytotoxicity were not observed in infected dNP0 cultures, suggesting the requirement of endogenous PrP expression for prion-induced cytotoxicity. Degenerated cells positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein accumulated abnormal PrP and exhibited features of apoptotic death as assessed by active caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase nick-end staining. Furthermore, caspase inhibition provided partial protection from prion-mediated cell death. These results suggest that differentiated neurosphere cultures can provide an in vitro bioassay for mouse prions and permit the study of the molecular basis for prion-induced cytotoxicity at the cellular level.
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15
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Cellular aspects of prion replication in vitro. Viruses 2013; 5:374-405. [PMID: 23340381 PMCID: PMC3564126 DOI: 10.3390/v5010374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in mammals that are caused by unconventional agents predominantly composed of aggregated misfolded prion protein (PrP). Prions self-propagate by recruitment of host-encoded PrP into highly ordered β-sheet rich aggregates. Prion strains differ in their clinical, pathological and biochemical characteristics and are likely to be the consequence of distinct abnormal prion protein conformers that stably replicate their alternate states in the host cell. Understanding prion cell biology is fundamental for identifying potential drug targets for disease intervention. The development of permissive cell culture models has greatly enhanced our knowledge on entry, propagation and dissemination of TSE agents. However, despite extensive research, the precise mechanism of prion infection and potential strain effects remain enigmatic. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the cell biology and propagation of prions derived from cell culture experiments. We discuss recent findings on the trafficking of cellular and pathologic PrP, the potential sites of abnormal prion protein synthesis and potential co-factors involved in prion entry and propagation.
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16
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Kang SG, Roh YM, Lau A, Westaway D, McKenzie D, Aiken J, Kim YS, Yoo HS. Establishment and characterization of Prnp knockdown neuroblastoma cells using dual microRNA-mediated RNA interference. Prion 2011; 5:93-102. [PMID: 21494092 DOI: 10.4161/pri.5.2.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal transmissible neurodegenerative disorders. In the pathogenesis of the disease, the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is required for replication of abnormal prion (PrPSc), which results in accumulation of PrPSc. Although there have been extensive studies using Prnp knockout systems, the normal function of PrPC remains ambiguous. Compared with conventional germline knockout technologies and transient naked siRNA-dependent knockdown systems, newly constructed durable chained-miRNA could provide a cell culture model that is closer to the disease status and easier to achieve with no detrimental sequelae. The selective silencing of a target gene by RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful approach to investigate the unknown function of genes in vitro and in vivo. To reduce PrPC expression, a novel dual targeting-microRNA (miRdual) was constructed. The miRdual, which targets N- and C- termini of Prnp simultaneously, more effectively suppressed PrPC expression compared with conventional single site targeting. Furthermore, to investigate the cellular change following PrPC depletion, gene expression analysis of PrPC interacting and/or associating genes and several assays including proliferation, viability and apoptosis were performed. The transcripts 670460F02Rik and Plk3, Ppp2r2b and Csnk2a1 increase in abundance and are reported to be involved in cell proliferation and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Dual-targeting RNAi with miRdual against Prnp will be useful for analyzing the physiological function of PrPC in neuronal cell lines and may provide a potential therapeutic intervention for prion diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Gyun Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, KRF Zoonotic Disease Priority Research Institute and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Krejciova Z, Pells S, Cancellotti E, Freile P, Bishop M, Samuel K, Barclay GR, Ironside JW, Manson JC, Turner ML, De Sousa P, Head MW. Human embryonic stem cells rapidly take up and then clear exogenous human and animal prions in vitro. J Pathol 2011; 223:635-45. [PMID: 21341268 DOI: 10.1002/path.2832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Susceptibility to prion infection involves interplay between the prion strain and host genetics, but expression of the host-encoded cellular prion protein is a known prerequisite. Here we consider human embryonic stem cell (hESC) susceptibility by characterizing the genetics and expression of the normal cellular prion protein and by examining their response to acute prion exposure. Seven hESC lines were tested for their prion protein gene codon 129 genotype and this was found to broadly reflect that of the normal population. hESCs expressed prion protein mRNA, but only low levels of prion protein accumulated in self-renewing populations. Following undirected differentiation, up-regulation of prion protein expression occurred in each of the major embryonic lineages. Self-renewing populations of hESCs were challenged with infectious human and animal prions. The exposed cells rapidly and extensively took up this material, but when the infectious source was removed the level and extent of intracellular disease-associated prion protein fell rapidly. In the absence of a sufficiently sensitive test for prions to screen therapeutic cells, and given the continued use of poorly characterized human and animal bioproducts during hESC derivation and cultivation, the finding that hESCs rapidly take up and process abnormal prion protein is provocative and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Krejciova
- National CJD Surveillance Unit, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine (Pathology), University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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18
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Delmouly K, Belondrade M, Casanova D, Milhavet O, Lehmann S. HEPES inhibits the conversion of prion protein in cell culture. J Gen Virol 2011; 92:1244-1250. [PMID: 21289158 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.027334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
HEPES is a well-known buffering reagent used in cell-culture medium. Interestingly, this compound is also responsible for significant modifications of biological parameters such as uptake of organic molecules, alteration of oxidative stress mechanisms or inhibition of ion channels. While using cell-culture medium supplemented with HEPES on prion-infected cells, it was noticed that there was a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of accumulation of the abnormal isoform of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)). This effect was present only in live cells and was thought to be related to modification of the PrP environment or biology. These results could modify the interpretation of cell-culture assays of prion therapeutic agents, as well as of previous cell biology results obtained in the field using HEPES buffers. This inhibitory effect of HEPES could also be exploited to prevent contamination or propagation of prions in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Delmouly
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Maxime Belondrade
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Danielle Casanova
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Ollivier Milhavet
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- Institut de Recherches en Biothérapie (IRB), Biochimie - Protéomique Clinique, CHU de Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, 34000 Montpellier, France.,Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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19
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Mougenot ALJ, Bétemps D, Hogeveen KN, Kovacs GG, Chouaf-Lakhdar L, Milhavet O, Lehmann S, Legastelois S, Pin JJ, Baron TG. Production of a monoclonal antibody, against human α-synuclein, in a subpopulation of C57BL/6J mice, presenting a deletion of the α-synuclein locus. J Neurosci Methods 2010; 192:268-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Herva ME, Relaño-Ginés A, Villa A, Torres JM. Prion infection of differentiated neurospheres. J Neurosci Methods 2010; 188:270-5. [PMID: 20206206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Until now only a few cell lines have been proved able to propagate prions and only limited prion strains have been replicated in cell models. Neurosphere lines isolated from the brains of mice at embryonic day 14 grow as aggregates and contain CNS stem cells. Others authors have previously reported that cultured neurospheres expressing cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) can be infected with prions. As potential neural progenitors the neurosphere cultures are supposed to differentiate into neurons and astrocytes which represent the main cell types infected by prions in vivo. Here we study the ability of undifferentiated and differentiated neurospheres to replicate several prion strains. Neurosphere cultures were isolated from 129/ola, FVB, Prnp(0/0) and Tga20 mice, which over-express murine PrP. We were not able to detect PrP(res) accumulation in dividing neurosphere cultures after prion exposure to two different mouse adapted scrapie inocula (RML and 22L). In contrast, with differentiated neurosphere cultures expressing PrP(C) (129/ola, FVB and Tga20) a successful PrP(Res) amplification was observed in very short time experiments when infected with the same inocula, implying that cell differentiation improve prion replication in these cultured cells. The mouse BSE adapted inocula (301C) was not amplified in these neurosphere cultures neither before nor after differentiation, suggesting that these cell cultures showed a differential prion strain susceptibility. These results suggest that differentiated neurosphere cultures can complement prion bioassays in mouse models.
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Nuvolone M, Aguzzi A, Heikenwalder M. Cells and prions: A license to replicate. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:2674-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Venoux M, Delmouly K, Milhavet O, Vidal-Eychenié S, Giorgi D, Rouquier S. Gene organization, evolution and expression of the microtubule-associated protein ASAP (MAP9). BMC Genomics 2008; 9:406. [PMID: 18782428 PMCID: PMC2551623 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ASAP is a newly characterized microtubule-associated protein (MAP) essential for proper cell-cycling. We have previously shown that expression deregulation of human ASAP results in profound defects in mitotic spindle formation and mitotic progression leading to aneuploidy, cytokinesis defects and/or cell death. In the present work we analyze the structure and evolution of the ASAP gene, as well as the domain composition of the encoded protein. Mouse and Xenopus cDNAs were cloned, the tissue expression characterized and the overexpression profile analyzed. Results Bona fide ASAP orthologs are found in vertebrates with more distantly related potential orthologs in invertebrates. This single-copy gene is conserved in mammals where it maps to syntenic chromosomal regions, but is also clearly identified in bird, fish and frog. The human gene is strongly expressed in brain and testis as a 2.6 Kb transcript encoding a ~110 KDa protein. The protein contains MAP, MIT-like and THY domains in the C-terminal part indicative of microtubule interaction, while the N-terminal part is more divergent. ASAP is composed of ~42% alpha helical structures, and two main coiled-coil regions have been identified. Different sequence features may suggest a role in DNA damage response. As with human ASAP, the mouse and Xenopus proteins localize to the microtubule network in interphase and to the mitotic spindle during mitosis. Overexpression of the mouse protein induces mitotic defects similar to those observed in human. In situ hybridization in testis localized ASAP to the germ cells, whereas in culture neurons ASAP localized to the cell body and growing neurites. Conclusion The conservation of ASAP indicated in our results reflects an essential function in vertebrates. We have cloned the ASAP orthologs in mouse and Xenopus, two valuable models to study the function of ASAP. Tissue expression of ASAP revealed a high expression in brain and testis, two tissues rich in microtubules. ASAP associates to the mitotic spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules, and represents a key factor of mitosis with possible involvement in other cell cycle processes. It may have a role in spermatogenesis and also represents a potential new target for antitumoral drugs. Possible involvement in neuron dynamics also highlights ASAP as a candidate target in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Venoux
- Groupe Microtubules et Cycle Cellulaire, Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, rue de cardonille, 34396 Montpellier cédex 5, France.
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23
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Mouillet-Richard S, Nishida N, Pradines E, Laude H, Schneider B, Féraudet C, Grassi J, Launay JM, Lehmann S, Kellermann O. Prions impair bioaminergic functions through serotonin- or catecholamine-derived neurotoxins in neuronal cells. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:23782-90. [PMID: 18617522 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m802433200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of the cellular prion protein, PrP(C), to an abnormal isoform, PrP(Sc), is a central event leading to neurodegeneration in prion diseases. Deciphering the molecular and cellular changes imparted by PrP(Sc) accumulation remains an arduous task due to the small number of cell lines supporting prion replication. Here we introduce the 1C11 cell line as a new in vitro model to investigate prion pathogenesis. This cell line is a committed neuroectodermal progenitor able to differentiate into fully functional serotonergic or catecholaminergic neurons. 1C11 cells, which naturally express PrP(C) from the undifferentiated state, can be chronically infected with various prion strains. Prion infection does not promote any noticeable phenotypic change in the progenitor cells nor prevent the onset of the serotonergic and catecholaminergic differentiation programs. Pathogenic prions, however, deviate the overall neurotransmitter-metabolism in both pathways by decreasing bioamine synthesis, storage, and transport, and enhancing catabolism. Noteworthy, oxidized derivatives of both serotonin and catecholamines are selectively detected in the differentiated progenies of infected cells and contribute to irreversible impairment in bioamine synthesis. Finally, the level of PrP(Sc) accumulation, that of infectivity, and the extent of all prion-induced changes in infected cells appear to be correlated. The report of such specific effects of infection on neuronal functions provides a foundation for dissecting the events underlying loss of neuronal homeostasis in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- Différenciation Cellulaire et prions, CNRS FRE 2937, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U747, 7 rue Guy Môquet, Villejuif, France.
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LeBrun M, Huang H, Li X. Susceptibility of cell substrates to PrPSc infection and safety control measures related to biological and biotherapeutical products. Prion 2008; 2:17-22. [PMID: 19164901 DOI: 10.4161/pri.2.1.6280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns over the potential for infectious prion proteins to contaminate human biologics and biotherapeutics have been raised from time to time. Transmission of the pathogenic form of prion protein (PrP(Sc)) through veterinary vaccines has been observed, yet no human case through the use of vaccine products has been reported. However, iatrogenic transmissions of PrP(Sc) in humans through blood components, tissues and growth hormone have been reported. These findings underscore the importance of reliable detection or diagnostic methods to prevent the transmission of prion diseases, given that the number of asymptomatic infected individuals remains unknown, the perceived incubation time for human prion diseases could be decades, and no cure of the diseases has been found yet. A variety of biochemical and molecular methods can selectively concentrate PrP(Sc) to facilitate its detection in tissues and cells. Furthermore, some methods routinely used in the manufacturing process of biological products have been found to be effective in reducing PrP(Sc) from the products. Questions remain unanswered as to the validation criteria of these methods, the minimal infectious dose of the PrP(Sc) required to cause infection and the susceptibility of cells used in gene therapy or the manufacturing process of biological products to PrP(Sc) infections. Here, we discuss some of these challenging issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew LeBrun
- Centre for Biologics Research, Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Vilette D. Cell models of prion infection. Vet Res 2007; 39:10. [PMID: 18073097 DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2007049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to recent renewal of interest and concerns in prion diseases, a number of cell systems permissive to prion multiplication have been generated in the last years. These include established cell lines, neuronal stem cells and primary neuronal cultures. While most of these models are permissive to experimental, mouse-adapted strains of prions, the propagation of natural field isolates from sheep scrapie and chronic wasting disease has been recently achieved. These models have improved our knowledge on the molecular and cellular events controlling the conversion of the PrP(C) protein into abnormal isoforms and on the cell-to-cell spreading of prions. Infected cultured cells will also facilitate investigations on the molecular basis of strain identity and on the mechanisms that lead to neurodegeneration. The ongoing development of new cell models with improved characteristics will certainly be useful for a number of unanswered critical issues in the prion field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Vilette
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 1225, INRA, ENVT, 31000 Toulouse, France.
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Witusik M, Gresner SM, Hulas-Bigoszewska K, Krynska B, Azizi SA, Liberski PP, Brown P, Rieske P. Neuronal and astrocytic cells, obtained after differentiation of human neural GFAP-positive progenitors, present heterogeneous expression of PrPc. Brain Res 2007; 1186:65-73. [PMID: 17996224 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Revised: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 10/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PrP(c) is a cellular isoform of the prion protein with an unknown normal function. One of the putative physiological roles of this protein is its involvement in cell differentiation. Recently, in vitro and in vivo studies showed that GFAP-positive cells have characteristics of stem/progenitor cells that generate neurons and glia. We used an in vitro model of human neurogenesis from GFAP-positive progenitor cells to study the expression of PrP(c) during neural differentiation. Semi-quantitative multiplex-PCR assay and Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase of PRNP expression level in differentiated cells compared to undifferentiated cell population. As determined by immunocytochemistry followed by a quantitative image analysis, the PrP(c) level increased significantly in neuronal cells and did not increase significantly in glial cells. Of note, glial and neuronal cells showed a very large heterogeneity of PrP(c) expression. Our results provide the basis for studying the role of PrP(c) in cell differentiation and neurogenesis from human GFAP-positive progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Witusik
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 8/10 Czechoslowacka str., Lodz, Poland
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Cronier S, Beringue V, Bellon A, Peyrin JM, Laude H. Prion strain- and species-dependent effects of antiprion molecules in primary neuronal cultures. J Virol 2007; 81:13794-800. [PMID: 17913812 PMCID: PMC2168876 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01502-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) arise as a consequence of infection of the central nervous system by prions and are incurable. To date, most antiprion compounds identified by in vitro screening failed to exhibit therapeutic activity in animals, thus calling for new assays that could more accurately predict their in vivo potency. Primary nerve cell cultures are routinely used to assess neurotoxicity of chemical compounds. Here, we report that prion strains from different species can propagate in primary neuronal cultures derived from transgenic mouse lines overexpressing ovine, murine, hamster, or human prion protein. Using this newly developed cell system, the activity of three generic compounds known to cure prion-infected cell lines was evaluated. We show that the antiprion activity observed in neuronal cultures is species or strain dependent and recapitulates to some extent the activity reported in vivo in rodent models. Therefore, infected primary neuronal cultures may be a relevant system in which to investigate the efficacy and mode of action of antiprion drugs, including toward human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Cronier
- Unité de Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
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