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Mantuano E, Zampieri C, Azmoon P, Gunner CB, Heye KR, Gonias SL. An LRP1-binding motif in cellular prion protein replicates cell-signaling activities of the full-length protein. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170121. [PMID: 37368488 PMCID: PMC10445690 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) functions as a receptor for nonpathogenic cellular prion protein (PrPC), which is released from cells by ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain) proteases or in extracellular vesicles. This interaction activates cell signaling and attenuates inflammatory responses. We screened 14-mer PrPC-derived peptides and identified a putative LRP1 recognition motif in the PrPC sequence spanning residues 98-111. A synthetic peptide (P3) corresponding to this region replicated the cell-signaling and biological activities of full-length shed PrPC. P3 blocked LPS-elicited cytokine expression in macrophages and microglia and rescued the heightened sensitivity to LPS in mice in which the PrPC gene (Prnp) had been deleted. P3 activated ERK1/2 and induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. The response to P3 required LRP1 and the NMDA receptor and was blocked by the PrPC-specific antibody, POM2. P3 has Lys residues, which are typically necessary for LRP1 binding. Converting Lys100 and Lys103 into Ala eliminated the activity of P3, suggesting that these residues are essential in the LRP1-binding motif. A P3 derivative in which Lys105 and Lys109 were converted into Ala retained activity. We conclude that the biological activities of shed PrPC, attributed to interaction with LRP1, are retained in synthetic peptides, which may be templates for therapeutics development.
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Harnessing the Physiological Functions of Cellular Prion Protein in the Kidneys: Applications for Treating Renal Diseases. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060784. [PMID: 34067472 PMCID: PMC8224798 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a ubiquitous cell surface glycoprotein, and its physiological functions have been receiving increased attention. Endogenous PrPC is present in various kidney tissues and undergoes glomerular filtration. In prion diseases, abnormal prion proteins are found to accumulate in renal tissues and filtered into urine. Urinary prion protein could serve as a diagnostic biomarker. PrPC plays a role in cellular signaling pathways, reno-protective effects, and kidney iron uptake. PrPC signaling affects mitochondrial function via the ERK pathway and is affected by the regulatory influence of microRNAs, small molecules, and signaling proteins. Targeting PrPC in acute and chronic kidney disease could help improve iron homeostasis, ameliorate damage from ischemia/reperfusion injury, and enhance the efficacy of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell or extracellular vesicle-based therapeutic strategies. PrPC may also be under the influence of BMP/Smad signaling and affect the progression of TGF-β-related renal fibrosis. PrPC conveys TNF-α resistance in some renal cancers, and therefore, the coadministration of anti-PrPC antibodies improves chemotherapy. PrPC can be used to design antibody-drug conjugates, aptamer-drug conjugates, and customized tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases to suppress cancer. With preclinical studies demonstrating promising results, further research on PrPC in the kidney may lead to innovative PrPC-based therapeutic strategies for renal disease.
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Salvesen Ø, Tatzelt J, Tranulis MA. The prion protein in neuroimmune crosstalk. Neurochem Int 2018; 130:104335. [PMID: 30448564 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a medium-sized glycoprotein, attached to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. PrPC is encoded by a single-copy gene, PRNP, which is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system and at lower levels in non-neuronal cells, including those of the immune system. Evidence from experimental knockout of PRNP in rodents, goats, and cattle and the occurrence of a nonsense mutation in goat that prevents synthesis of PrPC, have shown that the molecule is non-essential for life. Indeed, no easily recognizable phenotypes are associate with a lack of PrPC, except the potentially advantageous trait that animals without PrPC cannot develop prion disease. This is because, in prion diseases, PrPC converts to a pathogenic "scrapie" conformer, PrPSc, which aggregates and eventually induces neurodegeneration. In addition, endogenous neuronal PrPC serves as a toxic receptor to mediate prion-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, PrPC is an interesting target for treatment of prion diseases. Although loss of PrPC has no discernable effect, alteration of its normal physiological function can have very harmful consequences. It is therefore important to understand cellular processes involving PrPC, and research of this topic has advanced considerably in the past decade. Here, we summarize data that indicate the role of PrPC in modulating immune signaling, with emphasis on neuroimmune crosstalk both under basal conditions and during inflammatory stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Salvesen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Michael A Tranulis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
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Large SOD1 aggregates, unlike trimeric SOD1, do not impact cell viability in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:4661-4665. [PMID: 29666246 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1800187115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant accumulation of misfolded Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a hallmark of SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an invariably fatal neurodegenerative disease. While recent discovery of nonnative trimeric SOD1-associated neurotoxicity has suggested a potential pathway for motor neuron impairment, it is yet unknown whether large, insoluble aggregates are cytotoxic. Here we designed SOD1 mutations that specifically stabilize either the fibrillar form or the trimeric state of SOD1. The designed mutants display elevated populations of fibrils or trimers correspondingly, as demonstrated by gel filtration chromatography and electron microscopy. The trimer-stabilizing mutant, G147P, promoted cell death, even more potently in comparison with the aggressive ALS-associated mutants A4V and G93A. In contrast, the fibril-stabilizing mutants, N53I and D101I, positively impacted the survival of motor neuron-like cells. Hence, we conclude the SOD1 oligomer and not the mature form of aggregated fibril is critical for the neurotoxic effects in the model of ALS. The formation of large aggregates is in competition with trimer formation, suggesting that aggregation may be a protective mechanism against formation of toxic oligomeric intermediates.
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5
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The function of the cellular prion protein in health and disease. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:159-178. [PMID: 29151170 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The essential role of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) in prion disorders such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is well documented. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that PrPC may act as a receptor for protein aggregates and transduce neurotoxic signals in more common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although the pathological roles of PrPC have been thoroughly characterized, a general consensus on its physiological function within the brain has not yet been established. Knockout studies in various organisms, ranging from zebrafish to mice, have implicated PrPC in a diverse range of nervous system-related activities that include a key role in the maintenance of peripheral nerve myelination as well as a general ability to protect against neurotoxic stimuli. Thus, the function of PrPC may be multifaceted, with different cell types taking advantage of unique aspects of its biology. Deciphering the cellular function(s) of PrPC and the consequences of its absence is not simply an academic curiosity, since lowering PrPC levels in the brain is predicted to be a powerful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of prion disease. In this review, we outline the various approaches that have been employed in an effort to uncover the physiological and pathological functions of PrPC. While these studies have revealed important clues about the biology of the prion protein, the precise reason for PrPC's existence remains enigmatic.
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Salvesen Ø, Reiten MR, Espenes A, Bakkebø MK, Tranulis MA, Ersdal C. LPS-induced systemic inflammation reveals an immunomodulatory role for the prion protein at the blood-brain interface. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:106. [PMID: 28532450 PMCID: PMC5441080 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is an evolutionary conserved protein abundantly expressed not only in the central nervous system but also peripherally including the immune system. A line of Norwegian dairy goats naturally devoid of PrPC (PRNPTer/Ter) provides a novel model for studying PrPC physiology. Methods In order to explore putative roles for PrPC in acute inflammatory responses, we performed a lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Escherichia coli O26:B6) challenge of 16 goats (8 PRNP+/+ and 8 PRNPTer/Ter) and included 10 saline-treated controls (5 of each PRNP genotype). Clinical examinations were performed continuously, and blood samples were collected throughout the trial. Genome-wide transcription profiles of the choroid plexus, which is at the blood-brain interface, and the hippocampus were analyzed by RNA sequencing, and the same tissues were histologically evaluated. Results All LPS-treated goats displayed clinical signs of sickness behavior, which were of significantly (p < 0.01) longer duration in animals without PrPC. In the choroid plexus, a substantial alteration of the transcriptome and activation of Iba1-positive cells were observed. This response included genotype-dependent differential expression of several genes associated with the immune response, such as ISG15, CXCL12, CXCL14, and acute phase proteins, among others. Activation of cytokine-responsive genes was skewed towards a more profound type I interferon response, and a less obvious type II response, in PrPC-deficient goats. The magnitude of gene expression in response to LPS was smaller in the hippocampus than in the choroid plexus. Resting state expression profiles revealed a few differences between the PRNP genotypes. Conclusions Our data suggest that PrPC acts as a modulator of certain pathways of innate immunity signaling, particularly downstream of interferons, and probably contributes to protection of vulnerable tissues against inflammatory damage. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0879-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ø Salvesen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - M R Reiten
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - A Espenes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - M K Bakkebø
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - M A Tranulis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - C Ersdal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
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7
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Abstract
The misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) causes fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Yet PrPC is highly conserved in mammals, suggesting that it exerts beneficial functions preventing its evolutionary elimination. Ablation of PrPC in mice results in well-defined structural and functional alterations in the peripheral nervous system. Many additional phenotypes were ascribed to the lack of PrPC, but some of these were found to arise from genetic artifacts of the underlying mouse models. Here, we revisit the proposed physiological roles of PrPC in the central and peripheral nervous systems and highlight the need for their critical reassessment using new, rigorously controlled animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Angela Wulf
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Assunta Senatore
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Linden R. The Biological Function of the Prion Protein: A Cell Surface Scaffold of Signaling Modules. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:77. [PMID: 28373833 PMCID: PMC5357658 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The prion glycoprotein (PrPC) is mostly located at the cell surface, tethered to the plasma membrane through a glycosyl-phosphatydil inositol (GPI) anchor. Misfolding of PrPC is associated with the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), whereas its normal conformer serves as a receptor for oligomers of the β-amyloid peptide, which play a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). PrPC is highly expressed in both the nervous and immune systems, as well as in other organs, but its functions are controversial. Extensive experimental work disclosed multiple physiological roles of PrPC at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels, affecting the homeostasis of copper, neuroprotection, stem cell renewal and memory mechanisms, among others. Often each such process has been heralded as the bona fide function of PrPC, despite restricted attention paid to a selected phenotypic trait, associated with either modulation of gene expression or to the engagement of PrPC with a single ligand. In contrast, the GPI-anchored prion protein was shown to bind several extracellular and transmembrane ligands, which are required to endow that protein with the ability to play various roles in transmembrane signal transduction. In addition, differing sets of those ligands are available in cell type- and context-dependent scenarios. To account for such properties, we proposed that PrPC serves as a dynamic platform for the assembly of signaling modules at the cell surface, with widespread consequences for both physiology and behavior. The current review advances the hypothesis that the biological function of the prion protein is that of a cell surface scaffold protein, based on the striking similarities of its functional properties with those of scaffold proteins involved in the organization of intracellular signal transduction pathways. Those properties are: the ability to recruit spatially restricted sets of binding molecules involved in specific signaling; mediation of the crosstalk of signaling pathways; reciprocal allosteric regulation with binding partners; compartmentalized responses; dependence of signaling properties upon posttranslational modification; and stoichiometric requirements and/or oligomerization-dependent impact on signaling. The scaffold concept may contribute to novel approaches to the development of effective treatments to hitherto incurable neurodegenerative diseases, through informed modulation of prion protein-ligand interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Neurogenesis, Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Urrea L, Segura-Feliu M, Masuda-Suzukake M, Hervera A, Pedraz L, García Aznar JM, Vila M, Samitier J, Torrents E, Ferrer I, Gavín R, Hagesawa M, Del Río JA. Involvement of Cellular Prion Protein in α-Synuclein Transport in Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1847-1860. [PMID: 28229331 PMCID: PMC5840251 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein, encoded by the gene Prnp, has been reported to be a receptor of β-amyloid. Their interaction is mandatory for neurotoxic effects of β-amyloid oligomers. In this study, we aimed to explore whether the cellular prion protein participates in the spreading of α-synuclein. Results demonstrate that Prnp expression is not mandatory for α-synuclein spreading. However, although the pathological spreading of α-synuclein can take place in the absence of Prnp, α-synuclein expanded faster in PrPC-overexpressing mice. In addition, α-synuclein binds strongly on PrPC-expressing cells, suggesting a role in modulating the effect of α-synuclein fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Urrea
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Segura-Feliu
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masami Masuda-Suzukake
- Department of Dementia and Higher Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Pedraz
- Bacterial infections: antimicrobial therapies. Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel García Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miquel Vila
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute-Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Electronics, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial infections: antimicrobial therapies. Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neuropatologia, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Departamento de Patologia y Terapeutica Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosalina Gavín
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masato Hagesawa
- Department of Dementia and Higher Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - José Antonio Del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Tripathi AK, Singh N. Prion Protein-Hemin Interaction Upregulates Hemoglobin Synthesis: Implications for Cerebral Hemorrhage and Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:107-21. [PMID: 26836195 DOI: 10.3233/jad-151039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hemin is known to induce endocytosis of prion-protein (PrP(C)) from the neuronal plasma membrane, potentially limiting propagation of the disease causing PrP-scrapie (PrP(Sc)) isoform. Hemin is therefore an attractive disease-modifying option for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), a human prion disorder with no effective treatment. The hemin-PrP(C) interaction is also of interest in cerebral-hemorrhage (CH), a condition where potentially toxic hemin molecules come in contact with neuronal PrP(C). Interestingly, PrP(C) is upregulated in penumbric neurons surrounding CH and is known to confer neuroprotection in a dose-dependent manner. The underlying mechanism, however, is not clear. Here, we report that hemin binds PrP(C) on diverse cell lines, resulting in its aggregation or degradation in a cell-type specific manner. Surprisingly, the hemin-PrP(C) interaction upregulates Hb synthesis in hematopoietic cells, a response reversed by deleting the hemin-binding octa-peptide repeat region of PrP(C). A similar response is noted in brain organotypic cultures where exposure to hemin induces significantly more α-globin in wild-type (PrP(+/+)) relative to PrP-knock-out (PrP(-/-)) samples. Furthermore, red blood cells and brain tissue from PrP(-/-) mice show significantly less α-globin relative to PrP(+/+) controls, indicating a positive effect of PrP(C) on Hb synthesis under physiological conditions as well. Surprisingly, levels of α-globin are significantly higher in sCJD brain tissue relative to controls, suggesting compensatory upregulation of Hb synthesis by surviving neurons or misregulation in diseased brains. These observations reveal a unique function of PrP(C) that is likely to impact the therapeutic management of CH and sCJD.
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11
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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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12
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Ingberg E, Dock H, Theodorsson E, Theodorsson A, Ström JO. Method parameters' impact on mortality and variability in mouse stroke experiments: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21086. [PMID: 26876353 PMCID: PMC4753409 DOI: 10.1038/srep21086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although hundreds of promising substances have been tested in clinical trials,
thrombolysis currently remains the only specific pharmacological treatment for
ischemic stroke. Poor quality, e.g. low statistical power, in the preclinical
studies has been suggested to play an important role in these failures. Therefore,
it would be attractive to use animal models optimized to minimize unnecessary
mortality and outcome variability, or at least to be able to power studies more
exactly by predicting variability and mortality given a certain experimental setup.
The possible combinations of methodological parameters are innumerous, and an
experimental comparison of them all is therefore not feasible. As an alternative
approach, we extracted data from 334 experimental mouse stroke articles and, using a
hypothesis-driven meta-analysis, investigated the method parameters’
impact on infarct size variability and mortality. The use of Swiss and C57BL6 mice
as well as permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery rendered the lowest
variability of the infarct size while the emboli methods increased variability. The
use of Swiss mice increased mortality. Our study offers guidance for researchers
striving to optimize mouse stroke models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvin Ingberg
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Hua Dock
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Annette Theodorsson
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden.,Division of Neuro and Inflammation Science, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Neurosurgery, Anaesthetics, Operations and Specialty Surgery Center, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Jakob O Ström
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden.,Vårdvetenskapligt Forskningscentrum/Centre for Health Sciences, Örebro University Hospital, County Council of Örebro, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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13
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Iraci N, Stincardini C, Barreca ML, Biasini E. Decoding the function of the N-terminal tail of the cellular prion protein to inspire novel therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases. Virus Res 2015; 207:62-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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14
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Zhang B, Cowden D, Zhang F, Yuan J, Siedlak S, Abouelsaad M, Zeng L, Zhou X, O'Toole J, Das AS, Kofskey D, Warren M, Bian Z, Cui Y, Tan T, Kresak A, Wyza RE, Petersen RB, Wang GX, Kong Q, Wang X, Sedor J, Zhu X, Zhu H, Zou WQ. Prion Protein Protects against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136923. [PMID: 26327228 PMCID: PMC4556704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC), a protein most noted for its link to prion diseases, has been found to play a protective role in ischemic brain injury. To investigate the role of PrPC in the kidney, an organ highly prone to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, we examined wild-type (WT) and PrPC knockout (KO) mice that were subjected to 30-min of renal ischemia followed by 1, 2, or 3 days of reperfusion. Renal dysfunction and structural damage was more severe in KO than in WT mice. While PrP was undetectable in KO kidneys, Western blotting revealed an increase in PrP in IR-injured WT kidneys compared to sham-treated kidneys. Compared to WT, KO kidneys exhibited increases in oxidative stress markers heme oxygenase-1, nitrotyrosine, and Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine, and decreases in mitochondrial complexes I and III. Notably, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) staining was predominantly observed in tubular cells from KO mice following 2 days of reperfusion, a time at which significant differences in renal dysfunction, histological changes, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial complexes between WT and KO mice were observed. Our study provides the first evidence that PrPC may play a protective role in renal IR injury, likely through its effects on mitochondria and ERK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, HuBei, The People’s Republic of China
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Health and Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education, Wuhan, HuBei, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Daniel Cowden
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong University, Jinan, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Jue Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sandra Siedlak
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mai Abouelsaad
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Liang Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John O'Toole
- Kidney Disease Research Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alvin S. Das
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Diane Kofskey
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Miriam Warren
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Zehua Bian
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Adam Kresak
- Human Tissue Procurement Facility (HTPF) and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Tissue Resources Core, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States of America
| | - Robert E. Wyza
- Human Tissue Procurement Facility (HTPF) and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Tissue Resources Core, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States of America
| | - Robert B. Petersen
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Gong-Xian Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingzhong Kong
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John Sedor
- Kidney Disease Research Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Xiongwei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WQZ); (HZ); (XZ)
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WQZ); (HZ); (XZ)
| | - Wen-Quan Zou
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, The People’s Republic of China
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (WQZ); (HZ); (XZ)
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15
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Zeng L, Zou W, Wang G. Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) and its role in stress responses. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:8042-50. [PMID: 26221369 PMCID: PMC4509314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Investigation of the physiological function of cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) has been developed by the generation of transgenic mice, however, the pathological mechanisms related to PrP(C) in prion diseases such as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are still abstruse. Regardless of some differences, most studies describe the neuroprotective role of PrP(C) in environmental stresses. In this review, we will update the current knowledge on the responses of PrP(C) to various stresses, especially those correlated with cell signaling and neural degeneration, including ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zeng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenquan Zou
- Department of Neurology, National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University2085 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
- Department of Urology Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Gongxian Wang
- Department of Urology Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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16
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Zebrafish prion protein PrP2 controls collective migration process during lateral line sensory system development. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113331. [PMID: 25436888 PMCID: PMC4249873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein is involved in severe neurodegenerative disorders but its physiological role is still in debate due to an absence of major developmental defects in knockout mice. Previous reports in zebrafish indicate that the two prion genes, PrP1 and PrP2, are both involved in several steps of embryonic development thus providing a unique route to discover prion protein function. Here we investigate the role of PrP2 during development of a mechano-sensory system, the posterior lateral line, using morpholino knockdown and PrP2 targeted inactivation. We confirm the efficiency of the translation blocking morpholino at the protein level. Development of the posterior lateral line is altered in PrP2 morphants, including nerve axonal outgrowth and primordium migration defects. Reduced neuromast deposition was observed in PrP2 morphants as well as in PrP2−/− mutants. Rosette formation defects were observed in PrP2 morphants, strongly suggesting an abnormal primordium organization and reflecting loss of cell cohesion during migration of the primordium. In addition, the adherens junction proteins, E-cadherin and ß-catenin, were mis-localized after reduction of PrP2 expression and thus contribute to the primordium disorganization. Consequently, hair cell differentiation and number were affected and this resulted in reduced functional neuromasts. At later developmental stages, myelination of the posterior lateral line nerve was altered. Altogether, our study reports an essential role of PrP2 in collective migration process of the primordium and in neuromast formation, further implicating a role for prion protein in cell adhesion.
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17
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Black SAG, Stys PK, Zamponi GW, Tsutsui S. Cellular prion protein and NMDA receptor modulation: protecting against excitotoxicity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2014; 2:45. [PMID: 25364752 PMCID: PMC4207032 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well established that misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the β-sheet-rich, aggregated scrapie conformation (PrPSc) causes a variety of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), the physiological roles of PrPC are still incompletely understood. There is accumulating evidence describing the roles of PrPC in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Recently, we identified a functional regulation of NMDA receptors by PrPC that involves formation of a physical protein complex between these proteins. Excessive NMDA receptor activity during conditions such as ischemia mediates enhanced Ca2+ entry into cells and contributes to excitotoxic neuronal death. In addition, NMDA receptors and/or PrPC play critical roles in neuroinflammation and glial cell toxicity. Inhibition of NMDA receptor activity protects against PrPSc-induced neuronal death. Moreover, in mice lacking PrPC, infarct size is increased after focal cerebral ischemia, and absence of PrPC increases susceptibility of neurons to NMDA receptor-dependent death. Recently, PrPC was found to be a receptor for oligomeric beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, suggesting a role for PrPC in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our recent findings suggest that Aβ peptides enhance NMDA receptor current by perturbing the normal copper- and PrPC-dependent regulation of these receptors. Here, we review evidence highlighting a role for PrPC in preventing NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and inflammation. There is a need for more detailed molecular characterization of PrPC-mediated regulation of NMDA receptors, such as determining which NMDA receptor subunits mediate pathogenic effects upon loss of PrPC-mediated regulation and identifying PrPC binding site(s) on the receptor. This knowledge will allow development of novel therapeutic interventions for not only TSEs, but also for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders involving dysfunction of PrPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie A G Black
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter K Stys
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shigeki Tsutsui
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
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18
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Vergara C, Ordóñez-Gutiérrez L, Wandosell F, Ferrer I, del Río JA, Gavín R. Role of PrP(C) Expression in Tau Protein Levels and Phosphorylation in Alzheimer's Disease Evolution. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:1206-20. [PMID: 24965601 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques mainly consisting of hydrophobic β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed principally of hyperphosphorylated tau. Aβ oligomers have been described as the earliest effectors to negatively affect synaptic structure and plasticity in the affected brains, and cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) has been proposed as receptor for these oligomers. The most widely accepted theory holds that the toxic effects of Aβ are upstream of change in tau, a neuronal microtubule-associated protein that promotes the polymerization and stabilization of microtubules. However, tau is considered decisive for the progression of neurodegeneration, and, indeed, tau pathology correlates well with clinical symptoms such as dementia. Different pathways can lead to abnormal phosphorylation, and, as a consequence, tau aggregates into paired helical filaments (PHF) and later on into NFTs. Reported data suggest a regulatory tendency of PrP(C) expression in the development of AD, and a putative relationship between PrP(C) and tau processing is emerging. However, the role of tau/PrP(C) interaction in AD is poorly understood. In this study, we show increased susceptibility to Aβ-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) in neuronal primary cultures from PrP(C) knockout mice, compared to wild-type, which correlates with increased tau expression. Moreover, we found increased PrP(C) expression that paralleled with tau at early ages in an AD murine model and in early Braak stages of AD in affected individuals. Taken together, these results suggest a protective role for PrP(C) in AD by downregulating tau expression, and they point to this protein as being crucial in the molecular events that lead to neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vergara
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Mariante RM, Nóbrega A, Martins RAP, Areal RB, Bellio M, Linden R. Neuroimmunoendocrine regulation of the prion protein in neutrophils. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:35506-35515. [PMID: 22910907 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.394924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP(C)) is a cell surface protein expressed mainly in the nervous system. In addition to the role of its abnormal conformer in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, normal PrP(C) may be implicated in other degenerative conditions often associated with inflammation. PrP(C) is also present in cells of hematopoietic origin, including T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, and it has been shown to modulate their functions. Here, we investigated the impact of inflammation and stress on the expression and function of PrP(C) in neutrophils, a cell type critically involved in both acute and chronic inflammation. We found that systemic injection of LPS induced transcription and translation of PrP(C) in mouse neutrophils. Up-regulation of PrP(C) was dependent on the serum content of TGF-β and glucocorticoids (GC), which, in turn, are contingent on the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to systemic inflammation. GC and TGF-β, either alone or in combination, directly up-regulated PrP(C) in neutrophils, and accordingly, the blockade of GC receptors in vivo curtailed the LPS-induced increase in the content of PrP(C). Moreover, GC also mediated up-regulation of PrP(C) in neutrophils following noninflammatory restraint stress. Finally, neutrophils with up-regulated PrP(C) presented enhanced peroxide-dependent cytotoxicity to endothelial cells. The data demonstrate a novel interplay of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems upon both the expression and function of PrP(C) in neutrophils, which may have a broad impact upon the physiology and pathology of various organs and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M Mariante
- Institutes of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Alberto Nóbrega
- Institutes of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A P Martins
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rômulo B Areal
- Institutes of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Bellio
- Institutes of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Institutes of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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20
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Llorens F, Del Río JA. Unraveling the neuroprotective mechanisms of PrP (C) in excitotoxicity. Prion 2012; 6:245-51. [PMID: 22437735 DOI: 10.4161/pri.19639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the natural roles of cellular prion protein (PrP (C) ) is essential to an understanding of the molecular basis of prion pathologies. This GPI-anchored protein has been described in synaptic contacts, and loss of its synaptic function in complex systems may contribute to the synaptic loss and neuronal degeneration observed in prionopathy. In addition, Prnp knockout mice show enhanced susceptibility to several excitotoxic insults, GABAA receptor-mediated fast inhibition was weakened, LTP was modified and cellular stress increased. Although little is known about how PrP (C) exerts its function at the synapse or the downstream events leading to PrP (C) -mediated neuroprotection against excitotoxic insults, PrP (C) has recently been reported to interact with two glutamate receptor subunits (NR2D and GluR6/7). In both cases the presence of PrP (C) blocks the neurotoxicity induced by NMDA and Kainate respectively. Furthermore, signals for seizure and neuronal cell death in response to Kainate in Prnp knockout mouse are associated with JNK3 activity, through enhancing the interaction of GluR6 with PSD-95. In combination with previous data, these results shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind the role of PrP (C) in excitotoxicity. Future experimental approaches are suggested and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Llorens
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology Group, Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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21
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Graham JF, Kurian D, Agarwal S, Toovey L, Hunt L, Kirby L, Pinheiro TJT, Banner SJ, Gill AC. Na+/K+-ATPase is present in scrapie-associated fibrils, modulates PrP misfolding in vitro and links PrP function and dysfunction. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26813. [PMID: 22073199 PMCID: PMC3206849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterised by widespread deposition of fibrillar and/or plaque-like forms of the prion protein. These aggregated forms are produced by misfolding of the normal prion protein, PrPC, to the disease-associated form, PrPSc, through mechanisms that remain elusive but which require either direct or indirect interaction between PrPC and PrPSc isoforms. A wealth of evidence implicates other non-PrP molecules as active participants in the misfolding process, to catalyse and direct the conformational conversion of PrPC or to provide a scaffold ensuring correct alignment of PrPC and PrPSc during conversion. Such molecules may be specific to different scrapie strains to facilitate differential prion protein misfolding. Since molecular cofactors may become integrated into the growing protein fibril during prion conversion, we have investigated the proteins contained in prion disease-specific deposits by shotgun proteomics of scrapie-associated fibrils (SAF) from mice infected with 3 different strains of mouse-passaged scrapie. Concomitant use of negative control preparations allowed us to identify and discount proteins that are enriched non-specifically by the SAF isolation protocol. We found several proteins that co-purified specifically with SAF from infected brains but none of these were reproducibly and demonstrably specific for particular scrapie strains. The α-chain of Na+/K+-ATPase was common to SAF from all 3 strains and we tested the ability of this protein to modulate in vitro misfolding of recombinant PrP. Na+/K+-ATPase enhanced the efficiency of disease-specific conversion of recombinant PrP suggesting that it may act as a molecular cofactor. Consistent with previous results, the same protein inhibited fibrillisation kinetics of recombinant PrP. Since functional interactions between PrPC and Na+/K+-ATPase have previously been reported in astrocytes, our data highlight this molecule as a key link between PrP function, dysfunction and misfolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F. Graham
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, Neuropathogenesis Division, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Kurian
- Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Sonya Agarwal
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, Neuropathogenesis Division, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Toovey
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, Neuropathogenesis Division, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence Hunt
- Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Kirby
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, Neuropathogenesis Division, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | | | - Steven J. Banner
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, Neuropathogenesis Division, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C. Gill
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, Neuropathogenesis Division, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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22
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Carulla P, Bribián A, Rangel A, Gavín R, Ferrer I, Caelles C, del Río JA, Llorens F. Neuroprotective role of PrPC against kainate-induced epileptic seizures and cell death depends on the modulation of JNK3 activation by GluR6/7-PSD-95 binding. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:3041-54. [PMID: 21757544 PMCID: PMC3164453 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-04-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein. When mutated or misfolded, the pathogenic form (PrP(SC)) induces transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In contrast, PrP(C) has a number of physiological functions in several neural processes. Several lines of evidence implicate PrP(C) in synaptic transmission and neuroprotection since its absence results in an increase in neuronal excitability and enhanced excitotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PrP(C) has been implicated in the inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-mediated neurotransmission, and prion protein gene (Prnp) knockout mice show enhanced neuronal death in response to NMDA and kainate (KA). In this study, we demonstrate that neurotoxicity induced by KA in Prnp knockout mice depends on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) pathway since Prnp(o/o)Jnk3(o/o) mice were not affected by KA. Pharmacological blockage of JNK3 activity impaired PrP(C)-dependent neurotoxicity. Furthermore, our results indicate that JNK3 activation depends on the interaction of PrP(C) with postsynaptic density 95 protein (PSD-95) and glutamate receptor 6/7 (GluR6/7). Indeed, GluR6-PSD-95 interaction after KA injections was favored by the absence of PrP(C). Finally, neurotoxicity in Prnp knockout mice was reversed by an AMPA/KA inhibitor (6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione) and the GluR6 antagonist NS-102. We conclude that the protection afforded by PrP(C) against KA is due to its ability to modulate GluR6/7-mediated neurotransmission and hence JNK3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Carulla
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Bribián
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandra Rangel
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosalina Gavín
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuropathology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Caelles
- Cellular Signalling, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Franc Llorens
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Vanderperre B, Staskevicius AB, Tremblay G, McCoy M, O'Neill MA, Cashman NR, Roucou X. An overlapping reading frame in the PRNP gene encodes a novel polypeptide distinct from the prion protein. FASEB J 2011; 25:2373-86. [PMID: 21478263 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-173815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The prion protein gene PRNP directs the synthesis of one of the most intensively studied mammalian proteins, the prion protein (PrP). Yet the physiological function of PrP has remained elusive and has created controversies in the literature. We found a downstream alternative translation initiation AUG codon surrounded by an optimal Kozak sequence in the +3 reading frame of PRNP. The corresponding alternative open reading frame encodes a polypeptide termed alternative prion protein (AltPrP) with a completely different amino acid sequence from PrP. We introduced a hemagglutinin (HA) tag in frame with AltPrP in PrP cDNAs from different species to test the expression of this novel polypeptide using anti-HA antibodies. AltPrP is constitutively coexpressed with human, bovine, sheep, and deer PrP. AltPrP is localized at the mitochondria and is up-regulated by endoplasmic reticulum stress and proteasomal inhibition. Generation of anti-AltPrP antibodies allowed us to test for endogenous expression of AltPrP in wild-type human cells expressing PrP. By transfecting cells with siRNA against PrP mRNA, we repressed expression of both PrP and AltPrP, confirming endogenous expression of AltPrP from PRNP. AltPrP was also detected in human brain homogenate, primary neurons, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results demonstrate an unexpected function for PRNP, which, in addition to plasma membrane-anchored PrP, also encodes a second polypeptide termed AltPrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Vanderperre
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12ème Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
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25
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Gunapala KM, Chang D, Hsu CT, Manaye K, Drenan RM, Switzer RC, Steele AD. Striatal pathology underlies prion infection-mediated hyperactivity in mice. Prion 2010; 4:302-15. [PMID: 20948312 DOI: 10.4161/pri.4.4.13721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although prion diseases are most commonly modeled using the laboratory mouse, the diversity of prion strains, behavioral testing and neuropathological assessments hamper our collective understanding of mouse models of prion disease. Here we compared several commonly used murine strains of prions in C57BL/6J female mice in a detailed home cage behavior detection system and a systematic study of pathological markers and neurotransmitter systems. We observed that mice inoculated with RML or 139A prions develop a severe hyperactivity phenotype in the home cage. A detailed assessment of pathology markers, such as microglial marker IBA1, astroglial marker GFAP and degeneration staining indicate early striatal pathology in mice inoculated with RML or 139A but not in those inoculated with 22L prions. An assessment of neuromodulatory systems including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin and acetylcholine showed surprisingly little decline in neuronal cell bodies or their innervations of regions controlling locomotor behavior, except for a small decrease in dopaminergic innervations of the dorsal striatum. These results implicate the dorsal striatum in mediating the major behavioral phenotype of 139A and RML prions. Further, they suggest that measurements of activity may be a sensitive manner in which to diagnose murine prion disease. With respect to neuropathology, our results indicate that pathological stains as opposed to neurotransmitter markers are much more informative and sensitive as markers of prion disease in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Gunapala
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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26
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Abstract
A shared neuropathological feature of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy is the development of intracellular aggregates of α-synuclein that gradually engage increasing parts of the nervous system. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these neurodegenerative disorders, however, are unknown. Several studies have highlighted similarities between classic prion diseases and these neurological proteinopathies. Specifically, identification of Lewy bodies in fetal mesencephalic neurons transplanted in patients with Parkinson's disease raised the hypothesis that α-synuclein, the main component of Lewy bodies, could be transmitted from the host brain to a graft of healthy neurons. These results and others have led to the hypothesis that a prion-like mechanism might underlie progression of synucleinopathy within the nervous system. We review experimental findings showing that misfolded α-synuclein can transfer between cells and, once transferred into a new cell, can act as a seed that recruits endogenous α-synuclein, leading to formation of larger aggregates. This model suggests that strategies aimed at prevention of cell-to-cell transfer of α-synuclein could retard progression of symptoms in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Angot
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Lund University, Sweden
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27
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Li C, Xin W, Sy MS. Binding of pro-prion to filamin A: by design or an unfortunate blunder. Oncogene 2010; 29:5329-45. [PMID: 20697352 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, cancer research has focused on tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Genes in other cellular pathways has received less attention. Between 0.5% to 1% of the mammalian genome encodes for proteins that are tethered on the cell membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor. The GPI modification pathway is complex and not completely understood. Prion (PrP), a GPI-anchored protein, is infamous for being the only normal protein that when misfolded can cause and transmit a deadly disease. Though widely expressed and highly conserved, little is known about the functions of PrP. Pancreatic cancer and melanoma cell lines express PrP. However, in these cell lines the PrP exists as a pro-PrP as defined by retaining its GPI anchor peptide signal sequence (GPI-PSS). Unexpectedly, the GPI-PSS of PrP has a filamin A (FLNA) binding motif and binds FLNA. FLNA is a cytolinker protein, and an integrator of cell mechanics and signaling. Binding of pro-PrP to FLNA disrupts the normal FLNA functions. Although normal pancreatic ductal cells lack PrP, about 40% of patients with pancreatic ductal cell adenocarcinoma express PrP in their cancers. These patients have significantly shorter survival time compared with patients whose cancers lack PrP. Pro-PrP is also detected in melanoma in situ but is undetectable in normal melanocyte, and invasive melanoma expresses more pro-PrP. In this review, we will discuss the underlying mechanisms by which binding of pro-PrP to FLNA disrupts normal cellular physiology and contributes to tumorigenesis, and the potential mechanisms that cause the accumulation of pro-PrP in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7288, USA
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28
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Cushman M, Johnson BS, King OD, Gitler AD, Shorter J. Prion-like disorders: blurring the divide between transmissibility and infectivity. J Cell Sci 2010; 123:1191-201. [PMID: 20356930 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.051672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prions are proteins that access self-templating amyloid forms, which confer phenotypic changes that can spread from individual to individual within or between species. These infectious phenotypes can be beneficial, as with yeast prions, or deleterious, as with mammalian prions that transmit spongiform encephalopathies. However, the ability to form self-templating amyloid is not unique to prion proteins. Diverse polypeptides that tend to populate intrinsically unfolded states also form self-templating amyloid conformers that are associated with devastating neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, two RNA-binding proteins, FUS and TDP-43, which form cytoplasmic aggregates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, harbor a 'prion domain' similar to those found in several yeast prion proteins. Can these proteins and the neurodegenerative diseases to which they are linked become 'infectious' too? Here, we highlight advances that define the transmissibility of amyloid forms connected with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Collectively, these findings suggest that amyloid conformers can spread from cell to cell within the brains of afflicted individuals, thereby spreading the specific neurodegenerative phenotypes distinctive to the protein being converted to amyloid. Importantly, this transmissibility mandates a re-evaluation of emerging neuronal graft and stem-cell therapies. In this Commentary, we suggest how these treatments might be optimized to overcome the transmissible conformers that confer neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Cushman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 805b Stellar-Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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29
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Sy MS, Li C, Yu S, Xin W. The fatal attraction between pro-prion and filamin A: prion as a marker in human cancers. Biomark Med 2010. [PMID: 20550479 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.10.14]available] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cancer causing deaths in the USA, with more than 30,000 deaths per year. The overall median survival for all pancreatic cancer is 6 months and the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. This dismal outcome reflects the inefficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents, as well as the lack of an early diagnostic marker. A protein known as prion (PrP) is expressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. However, in these cell lines, the PrP is incompletely processed and exists as pro-PrP. The pro-PrP binds to a molecule inside the cell, filamin A (FLNa), which is an integrator of cell signaling and mechanics. The binding of pro-PrP to FLNa disrupts the normal functions of FLNa, altering the cell's cytoskeleton and signal transduction machineries. As a result, the tumor cells grow more aggressively. Approximately 40% of patients with pancreatic cancer express PrP in their cancer. These patients have significantly shorter survival compared with patients whose pancreatic cancers lack PrP. Therefore, expression of pro-PrP and its binding to FLNa provide a growth advantage to pancreatic cancers. In this article, we discuss the following points: the biology of PrP, the consequences of binding of pro-PrP to FLNa in pancreatic cancer, the detection of pro-PrP in other cancers, the potential of using pro-PrP as a diagnostic marker, and prevention of the binding between pro-PrP and FLNa as a target for therapeutic intervention in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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30
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Abstract
Soluble oligomers of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide are thought to play a key role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, we reported that synthetic Abeta oligomers bind to cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) and that this interaction is required for suppression of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal slices by oligomeric Abeta peptide. We hypothesized that PrP(C) is essential for the ability of brain-derived Abeta to suppress cognitive function. Here, we crossed familial AD transgenes encoding APPswe and PSen1DeltaE9 into Prnp-/- mice to examine the necessity of PrP(C) for AD-related phenotypes. Neither APP expression nor Abeta level is altered by PrP(C) absence in this transgenic AD model, and astrogliosis is unchanged. However, deletion of PrP(C) expression rescues 5-HT axonal degeneration, loss of synaptic markers, and early death in APPswe/PSen1DeltaE9 transgenic mice. The AD transgenic mice with intact PrP(C) expression exhibit deficits in spatial learning and memory. Mice lacking PrP(C), but containing Abeta plaque derived from APPswe/PSen1DeltaE9 transgenes, show no detectable impairment of spatial learning and memory. Thus, deletion of PrP(C) expression dissociates Abeta accumulation from behavioral impairment in these AD mice, with the cognitive deficits selectively requiring PrP(C).
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31
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Sy MS, Li C, Yu S, Xin W. The fatal attraction between pro-prion and filamin A: prion as a marker in human cancers. Biomark Med 2010; 4:453-64. [PMID: 20550479 PMCID: PMC2925173 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.10.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cancer causing deaths in the USA, with more than 30,000 deaths per year. The overall median survival for all pancreatic cancer is 6 months and the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. This dismal outcome reflects the inefficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents, as well as the lack of an early diagnostic marker. A protein known as prion (PrP) is expressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. However, in these cell lines, the PrP is incompletely processed and exists as pro-PrP. The pro-PrP binds to a molecule inside the cell, filamin A (FLNa), which is an integrator of cell signaling and mechanics. The binding of pro-PrP to FLNa disrupts the normal functions of FLNa, altering the cell's cytoskeleton and signal transduction machineries. As a result, the tumor cells grow more aggressively. Approximately 40% of patients with pancreatic cancer express PrP in their cancer. These patients have significantly shorter survival compared with patients whose pancreatic cancers lack PrP. Therefore, expression of pro-PrP and its binding to FLNa provide a growth advantage to pancreatic cancers. In this article, we discuss the following points: the biology of PrP, the consequences of binding of pro-PrP to FLNa in pancreatic cancer, the detection of pro-PrP in other cancers, the potential of using pro-PrP as a diagnostic marker, and prevention of the binding between pro-PrP and FLNa as a target for therapeutic intervention in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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