1
|
Slattery C, Beck J, Harper L, Adamson G, Abdi Z, Uphill J, Campbell T, Druyeh R, Mahoney C, Rohrer J, Kenny J, Lowe J, Leung K, Barnes J, Clegg S, Blair M, Nicholas J, Guerreiro R, Rowe J, Ponto C, Zerr I, Kretzschmar H, Gambetti P, Crutch S, Warren J, Rossor M, Fox N, Collinge J, Schott J, Mead S. TREM2 VARIANTS INCREASE RISK OF TYPICAL EARLY-ONSET ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE BUT NOT OF PRION OR FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308883.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
2
|
Provini F, Cortelli P, Montagna P, Gambetti P, Lugaresi E. Fatal insomnia and agrypnia excitata: Sleep and the limbic system. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2008; 164:692-700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 11/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
3
|
Yuan J, Dong Z, Guo JP, McGeehan J, Xiao X, Wang J, Cali I, McGeer PL, Cashman NR, Bessen R, Surewicz WK, Kneale G, Petersen RB, Gambetti P, Zou WQ. Accessibility of a critical prion protein region involved in strain recognition and its implications for the early detection of prions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2008; 65:631-43. [PMID: 18193391 PMCID: PMC7079802 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-007-7478-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human prion diseases are characterized by the accumulation in the brain of proteinase K (PK)-resistant prion protein designated PrP27-30 detectable by the 3F4 antibody against human PrP109-112. We recently identified a new PK-resistant PrP species, designated PrP*20, in uninfected human and animal brains. It was preferentially detected with the 1E4 antibody against human PrP 97-108 but not with the anti-PrP 3F4 antibody, although the 3F4 epitope is adjacent to the 1E4 epitope in the PrP*20 molecule. The present study reveals that removal of the N-terminal amino acids up to residue 91 significantly increases accessibility of the 1E4 antibody to PrP of brains and cultured cells. In contrast to cells expressing wild-type PrP, cells expressing pathogenic mutant PrP accumulate not only PrP*20 but also a small amount of 3F4-detected PK-resistant PrP27-30. Remarkably, during the course of human prion disease, a transition from an increase in 1E4-detected PrP*20 to the occurrence of the 3F4-detected PrP27-30 was observed. Our study suggests that an increase in the level of PrP*20 characterizes the early stages of prion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Yuan
- Department of Pathology and National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Capellari S, Parchi P, Cortelli P, Avoni P, Casadei GP, Bini C, Baruzzi A, Lugaresi E, Pocchiari M, Gambetti P, Montagna P. SPORADIC FATAL INSOMNIA IN A FATAL FAMILIAL INSOMNIA PEDIGREE. Neurology 2008; 70:884-5. [DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000287140.94379.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
5
|
|
6
|
Montagna P, Cortelli P, Avoni P, Tinuper P, Plazzi G, Gallassi R, Portaluppi F, Julien J, Vital C, Delisle MB, Gambetti P, Lugaresi E. Clinical features of fatal familial insomnia: phenotypic variability in relation to a polymorphism at codon 129 of the prion protein gene. Brain Pathol 2006; 8:515-20. [PMID: 9669701 PMCID: PMC8098256 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.1998.tb00172.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatal Familial Insomnia is a hereditary prion disease characterized by a mutation at codon 178 of the prion protein gene cosegregating with the methionine polymorphism at codon 129 of the mutated allele. It is characterized by disturbances of the wake-sleep cycle, dysautonomia and somatomotor manifestations (myoclonus, ataxia, dysarthria, spasticity). PET studies disclose severe thalamic and additionally cortical hypometabolism. Neuropathology shows marked neuronal loss and gliosis in the thalamus, especially the medio-dorsal and anterior-ventral nuclei, olivary hypertrophy and some spongiosis of the cerebral cortex. Detailed analysis of 14 cases from 5 unrelated families showed that patients ran either a short (9.1 +/- 1.1 months) or a prolonged (30.8 +/- 21.3 months) clinical course according to whether they were homozygote met/met or heterozygote met/val at codon 129. Moreover, homozygotes had more prominent oneiric episodes, insomnia and dysautonomia at onset, whereas heterozygotes showed ataxia and dysarthria at onset, earlier sphincter loss and epileptic Grand Mal seizures; they also displayed more extensive cortical involvement on PET and at postmortem examination. Our data suggest that the phenotype expression of Fatal Familial Insomnia is related, at least partly, to the polymorphism at codon 129 of the prion protein-gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Montagna
- Institute of Clinical Neurology, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
The key clinical aspects of FFI, i.e. hypovigilance and attention deficit, inability to generate EEG sleep patterns, sympathetic hyperactivity and attenuation of vegetative and hormonal circadian oscillations, are related to selective atrophy of the anteroventral and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei. These nuclei constitute the limbic part of the thalamus interconnecting limbic and paralimbic regions of the cortex and other subcortical structures in the limbic system including the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus released from cortico-limbic control is shifted to a prevalence of activating, as opposed to deactivating, functions including loss of sleep, sympathetic hyperactivity and the attendant attenuation of autonomic circadian and endocrine oscillations. These findings document that the limbic thalamus has a strategic position in the central autonomic network running from the limbic cortical regions to the lower brain stem which regulates the body's homeostasis in an integrated fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Lugaresi
- Institute of Clinical Neurology, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Castellani RJ, Colucci M, Xie Z, Zou W, Li C, Parchi P, Capellari S, Pastore M, Rahbar MH, Chen SG, Gambetti P. Sensitivity of 14-3-3 protein test varies in subtypes of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Neurology 2004; 63:436-42. [PMID: 15304573 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000135153.96325.3b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase of the 14-3-3 protein in CSF is used as a diagnostic test in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), but the sensitivity and specificity of the 14-3-3 test are disputed. One reason for the dispute may be the recently established heterogeneity of sporadic CJD. The relationship between CSF 14-3-3 protein and sporadic CJD subtypes, distinguished by electrophoretic mobility of proteinase K-resistant prion protein (PrP(Sc)) and genotype at codon 129 of the prion protein gene, has not been elucidated. METHODS The authors examined the 14-3-3 protein test in 90 patients with sporadic CJD. PrP(Sc) type (type 1 or type 2) and the genotype at polymorphic codon 129 were determined in each patient. Mutations were excluded by prion gene sequencing. RESULTS The authors' findings indicate that the sensitivity of the 14-3-3 test is higher in patients with molecular features of the classic sporadic CJD than in patients with the nonclassic CJD subtypes. The difference appears to be related to the PrP(Sc) type and not to the codon 129 genotype. Disease duration before 14-3-3 testing might also have an influence because it was shorter in classic sporadic CJD. CONCLUSION The Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease clinical subtype should be considered when interpreting results of the 14-3-3 test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Castellani
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Capellari S, Parchi P, Wolff BD, Campbell J, Atkinson R, Posey DM, Petersen RB, Gambetti P. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease associated with a deletion of two repeats in the prion protein gene. Neurology 2002; 59:1628-30. [PMID: 12451210 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000035533.86833.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A two-octapeptide repeat deletion of the prion protein gene has been recently observed in a patient with a 2-year history of dementia and a clinical diagnosis of possible Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). The authors report a similar deletion in a patient with a definitive diagnosis of CJD. Since the two-repeat deletion has not been observed in large, population-based studies, the two cases suggest that this deletion is a new pathogenic mutation associated with CJD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Capellari
- Institute of Pathology and National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Beaudry P, Parchi P, Peoc'h K, Desbordes P, Dartigues JF, Vital A, Vital C, Capellari S, Gambetti P, Delasnerie-Lauprêtre N, Mary JY, Laplanche JL. A French cluster of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a molecular analysis. Eur J Neurol 2002; 9:457-62. [PMID: 12220376 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2002.00456.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report the molecular and phenotypic analysis of a French cluster of three cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), two of them occurring in 1998 in the same village and the other in 1995 in a neighboring village. Analyses of the occurrence of these events in a close area with less than 3000 inhabitants over the 1992-1999 notification period confirmed that they are rare. This could be explained either by a common source of contamination or by the coincidental occurrence of either sporadic or genetic CJD. We applied genetic analysis and brain PrPres typing to explore these CJD cases. The three patients did not carry any mutation in their prion protein gene coding sequence. All were homozygous for methionine at the polymorphic codon 129. Brain tissue was available from two cases that died in 1998. The two patients showed different PrPres profiles on Western blot and distinct clinico-pathological features. These findings do not support the conclusion that in these three cases, CJD was acquired from a unique source of contamination and suggest that concurrent occurrence of sporadic CJD accounted for this CJD cluster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Beaudry
- Service de Biochimie et Biologie moléculaire, Centre de recherche Claude Bernard, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Taratuto AL, Piccardo P, Reich EG, Chen SG, Sevlever G, Schultz M, Luzzi AA, Rugiero M, Abecasis G, Endelman M, Garcia AM, Capellari S, Xie Z, Lugaresi E, Gambetti P, Dlouhy SR, Ghetti B. Insomnia associated with thalamic involvement in E200K Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Neurology 2002; 58:362-7. [PMID: 11839833 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.58.3.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia with predominant thalamic involvement and minor cortical and cerebellar pathologic changes is not characteristic of familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) but is a hallmark of fatal familial insomnia. OBJECTIVE To report a 53-year-old woman with intractable insomnia as her initial symptom of disease. METHODS The authors characterized clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of the disease using EEG, polysomnography, neurohistology, Western blotting, protein sequencing, and prion protein (PrP) gene (PRNP) analysis. RESULTS The patient developed dysgraphia, dysarthria, bulimia, myoclonus, memory loss, visual hallucinations, and opisthotonos, as well as pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and cerebellar signs. Polysomnographic studies showed an absence of stages 3 and 4, and REM. She died 8 months after onset. On neuropathologic examination, there was major thalamic involvement characterized by neuronal loss, spongiform changes, and prominent gliosis. The inferior olivary nuclei exhibited chromatolysis, neuronal loss, and gliosis. Spongiform changes were mild in the neocortex and not evident in the cerebellum. PrP immunopositivity was present in these areas as well as in the thalamus. PRNP analysis showed the haplotype E200K-129M. Western blot analysis showed the presence of proteinase K (PK)-resistant PrP (PrP(sc)) with the nonglycosylated isoform of approximately 21 kd, corresponding in size to that of type 1 PrP(sc). N-terminal protein sequencing demonstrated PK cleavage sites at glycine (G) 82 and G78, as previously reported in CJD with the E200K-129 M haplotype. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia may be a prominent early symptom in cases of CJD linked to the E200K-129M haplotype in which the thalamus is severely affected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lia Taratuto
- Institute for Neurological Research, J. Mendez Hospital, Montaneses 2325-(1428)Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liguori R, Vincent A, Clover L, Avoni P, Plazzi G, Cortelli P, Baruzzi A, Carey T, Gambetti P, Lugaresi E, Montagna P. Morvan's syndrome: peripheral and central nervous system and cardiac involvement with antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channels. Brain 2001; 124:2417-26. [PMID: 11701596 DOI: 10.1093/brain/124.12.2417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Morvan's 'fibrillary chorea' or Morvan's syndrome is characterized by neuromyotonia (NMT), pain, hyperhydrosis, weight loss, severe insomnia and hallucinations. We describe a man aged 76 years with NMT, dysautonomia, cardiac arrhythmia, lack of slow-wave sleep and abnormal rapid eye movement sleep. He had raised serum antibodies to voltage-gated K(+) channels (VGKC), oligoclonal bands in his CSF, markedly increased serum norepinephrine, increased serum cortisol and reduced levels and absent circadian rhythms of prolactin and melatonin. The neurohormonal findings and many of the clinical features were very similar to those in fatal familial insomnia, a hereditary prion disease that is associated with thalamic degenerative changes. Strikingly, however, all symptoms in our MFC patient improved with plasma exchange. The patient died unexpectedly 11 months later. At autopsy, there was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma, but brain pathology showed only a microinfarct in the hippocampus and no thalamic changes. The NMT and some of the autonomic features are likely to be directly related to the VGKC antibodies acting in the periphery. The central symptoms might also be due to the direct effects of VGKC antibodies, or perhaps of other autoantibodies still to be defined, on the limbic system with secondary effects on neurohormone levels. Alternatively, changes in secretion of neurohormones in the periphery might contribute to the central disturbance. The relationship between VGKC antibodies, neurohormonal levels, autonomic, limbic and sleep disorders requires further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Liguori
- Institute of Neurology, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wong BS, Brown DR, Pan T, Whiteman M, Liu T, Bu X, Li R, Gambetti P, Olesik J, Rubenstein R, Sy MS. Oxidative impairment in scrapie-infected mice is associated with brain metals perturbations and altered antioxidant activities. J Neurochem 2001; 79:689-98. [PMID: 11701772 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2001.00625.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are characterized by the conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a pathogenic isoform (PrP(Sc)). PrP(C) binds copper, has superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity in vitro, and its expression aids in the cellular response to oxidative stress. However, the interplay between PrPs (PrP(C), PrP(Sc) and possibly other abnormal species), copper, anti-oxidation activity and pathogenesis of prion diseases remain unclear. In this study, we reported dramatic depression of SOD-like activity by the affinity-purified PrPs from scrapie-infected brains, and together with significant reduction of Cu/Zn-SOD activity, correlates with significant perturbations in the divalent metals contents. We also detected elevated levels of nitric oxide and superoxide in the infected brains, which could be escalating the oxidative modification of cellular proteins, reducing gluathione peroxidase activity and increasing the levels of lipid peroxidation markers. Taken together, our results suggest that brain metal imbalances, especially copper, in scrapie infection is likely to affect the anti-oxidation functions of PrP and SODs, which, together with other cellular dysfunctions, predispose the brains to oxidative impairment and eventual degeneration. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting a physiological connection between brain metals imbalances, the anti-oxidation function of PrP, and aberrations in the cellular responses to oxidative stress, in scrapie infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pan T, Colucci M, Wong BS, Li R, Liu T, Petersen RB, Chen S, Gambetti P, Sy MS. Novel differences between two human prion strains revealed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:37284-8. [PMID: 11489910 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m107358200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotype of human sporadic prion diseases is affected by patient genotype at codon 129 of the prion protein (PrP) gene, the site of a common methionine/valine polymorphism, and by the type of the scrapie PrP (PrP(Sc)), which likely reflects the prion strain. However, two distinct disease phenotypes, identified as sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (M/M2 sCJD) and sporadic fatal insomnia (sFI), share methionine homozygosity at codon 129 and PrP(Sc) type 2. One-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting reveal no difference between the M/M2 sCJD and sFI species of PrP(Sc) in gel mobility and glycoform ratio. In contrast, the two-dimensional immunoblot demonstrates that in M/M2 sCJD the full-length PrP(Sc) form is overrepresented and carries glycans that are different from those present in the PrP(Sc) of sFI. Because the altered glycans are detectable only in the PrP(Sc) and not in the normal or cellular PrP (PrP(C)), they are likely to result from preferential conversion to PrP(Sc) of rare PrP(C) glycoforms. This is the first evidence that a qualitative difference in glycans contributes to prion diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Pan
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44107-1712, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Belay ED, Gambetti P, Schonberger LB, Parchi P, Lyon DR, Capellari S, McQuiston JH, Bradley K, Dowdle G, Crutcher JM, Nichols CR. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in unusually young patients who consumed venison. Arch Neurol 2001; 58:1673-8. [PMID: 11594928 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.58.10.1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk occur in the United States. Recent reports of 3 unusually young patients with CJD who regularly consumed deer or elk meat created concern about the possible zoonotic transmission of CWD. OBJECTIVE To examine the possible transmission of CWD to humans. PATIENTS Three unusually young patients (aged 28, 28, and 30 years) with CJD in the United States during 1997-2000. METHODS We reviewed medical records and interviewed family members and state wildlife and agriculture officials. Brain tissue samples were tested using histopathologic, immunohistochemical, immunoblot, or prion protein gene analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence or absence of established CJD risk factors, deer and elk hunting in CWD-endemic areas, and comparison of the evidence for the 3 patients with that of a zoonotic link between new variant CJD and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. RESULTS None of the patients had established CJD risk factors or a history of travel to Europe. Two patients hunted game animals and 1 was a daughter of a hunter. Unlike patients with new variant CJD, the 3 patients did not have a unique neuropathologic manifestation, clinicopathologic homogeneity, uniformity in the codon 129 of the prion protein gene, or prion characteristics different from those of classic variants. CONCLUSIONS Although the occurrence of 3 unusually young patients with CJD who consumed venison suggested a possible relationship with CWD, our follow-up investigation found no strong evidence for a causal link. Ongoing CJD surveillance remains important for continuing to assess the risk, if any, of CWD transmission to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E D Belay
- Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop A-39, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ferrillo F, Plazzi G, Nobili L, Beelke M, De Carli F, Cortelli P, Tinuper P, Avoni P, Vandi S, Gambetti P, Lugaresi E, Montagna P. Absence of sleep EEG markers in fatal familial insomnia healthy carriers: a spectral analysis study. Clin Neurophysiol 2001; 112:1888-92. [PMID: 11595148 DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2457(01)00600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is linked to a mutation at codon 178 (C178) of the prion protein gene (PRNP). FFI is pathologically characterized by selective atrophy of the anteroventral and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei and clinically by loss of sleep, dysautonomia and motor signs. A key early polysomnographic sign of the disease onset is the loss of sleep spindling (sigma activity, SA). In FFI the loss of SA leads to the spectral representation of a sudden slow wave activity (SWA) increase from an awake state, the reaching of a stable plateau without oscillations, followed by abrupt fall down to REM sleep. We evaluated the presence of differences in the spectral sleep EEG pattern in FFI relatives carriers (C178(pos)) or non-carriers (C178(neg)) of the C178 mutation. METHODS Seventeen healthy relatives of FFI patients, 8 carriers of the C178 FFI mutation in a preclinical condition and 9 non carriers, underwent two-night polysomnography. The absolute and relative EEG power of the 4 main bands (delta: SWA, 0.5-4.0 Hz; theta: TB, 4.5-8 Hz; alpha: AB, 8.5-12 Hz; sigma: SA, 12.5-16 Hz) has been studied for the total sleep time, the period of delta increase after sleep onset, and the period of delta plateau. Multiple regression has been applied to investigate relations between the power of the bands studied and 3 parameters: age, the gender of the subjects and the C178 genotype. RESULTS Our study could not show evidence of differences in the sleep EEG composition between carriers and non-carriers of the C178 FFI mutation. CONCLUSIONS The spectral analysis techniques we used were not able to disclose sleep EEG markers linked to the FFI C178(pos) in the preclinical condition. Key sleep EEG alteration become evident only at the clinical onset of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrillo
- Sleep Disorder Center, DISMR, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Human prion diseases are characterized by the conversion of the normal prion protein (PrP(C)) into a pathogenic isomer (PrP(Sc)). Distinct PrP(Sc) conformers are associated with different subtypes of prion diseases. PrP(C) binds copper and has antioxidation activity. Changes in metal-ion occupancy can lead to significant decline of the antioxidation activity and changes in conformation of the protein. We studied the trace element status of brains from patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). We found a decrease of up to 50% of copper and an increase in manganese of approximately 10-fold in the brain tissues from sCJD subjects. We have also studied the metal occupancy of PrP in sCJD patients. We observed striking elevation of manganese and, to a lesser extent, of zinc accompanied by significant reduction of copper bound to purified PrP in all sCJD variants, determined by the PrP genotype and PrP(Sc) type, combined. Both zinc and manganese were undetectable in PrP(C) preparations from controls. Copper and manganese changes were pronounced in sCJD subjects homozygous for methionine at codon 129 and carrying PrP(Sc) type-1. Anti-oxidation activity of purified PrP was dramatically reduced by up to 85% in the sCJD variants, and correlated with increased in oxidative stress markers in sCJD brains. These results suggest that altered metal-ion occupancy of PrP plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Since the metal changes differed in each sCJD variants, they may contribute to the diversity of PrP(Sc) and disease phenotype in sCJD. Finally, this study also presented two potential approaches in the diagnosis of CJD; the significant increase in brain manganese makes it potentially detectable by MRI, and the binding of manganese by PrP in sCJD might represent a novel diagnostic marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Russo C, Schettini G, Saido T, Gambetti P, Tabaton M, Teller J. N-terminally truncated amyloid β peptides and Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol Aging 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(01)00208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
19
|
Wong BS, Green AJ, Li R, Xie Z, Pan T, Liu T, Chen SG, Gambetti P, Sy MS. Absence of protease-resistant prion protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. J Pathol 2001; 194:9-14. [PMID: 11329135 DOI: 10.1002/path.872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), believed to be caused by a protease-resistant isoform of prion protein (PrP(Sc)), usually manifests itself as a clinically distinctive age-related dementia because of its rapid progression, occasionally accompanied by cerebellar ataxia. Recently, a variant CJD (vCJD) has been described, which has prominent early psychiatric symptoms and an earlier age of death. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is part of the extracellular fluid of the central nervous system (CNS), the bulk of its proteins are derived from the plasma and there is increasing concern about possible transmission of prion disease by blood. As investigation of CSF has played a significant role in the diagnosis and management of several neurological diseases, it was decided to characterize PrP present in the CSF of CJD individuals. Significant variation was observed in the level of PrP in the CSF from both non-CJD and CJD (including vCJD) patients, and the detected PrP forms are protease-sensitive. Using a conformation-dependent immunoassay, it was further demonstrated that the PrP detected in the CSF from CJD patients was broadly similar in conformation to that found in non-CJD patients. Taken together, the results of this study fail to demonstrate any correlation between the presence of protease-resistant PrP isoform (PrP(Sc)) in the CSF and disease manifestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hannah EL, Belay ED, Gambetti P, Krause G, Parchi P, Capellari S, Hoffman RE, Schonberger LB. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease after receipt of a previously unimplicated brand of dura mater graft. Neurology 2001; 56:1080-3. [PMID: 11320182 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.56.8.1080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) transmission via dura mater grafts has been reported in many countries. In September 1998, a 39-year-old Colorado woman was reported as having suspected CJD after receiving a dura mater graft 6 years earlier. METHODS An investigation was initiated to confirm the diagnosis of CJD and assess the possible source of CJD transmission. The authors determined the presence or absence of other known CJD risk factors, checked for epidemiologic evidence of possible CJD transmission via neurosurgical instruments, and evaluated the procedures used in the collection and processing of the graft, including whether the donor may have had CJD. RESULTS The CJD diagnosis was confirmed in the dural graft recipient by neuropathologic and immunodiagnostic evaluation of the autopsy brain tissue. She had no history of receipt of cadaveric pituitary hormones or corneal grafts or of CJD in her family. The authors found no patients who underwent a neurosurgical procedure within 6 months before or 5 months after the patient's surgery in 1992 who had been diagnosed with CJD. The dura mater was obtained from a 57-year-old man with a history of dysarthria, ataxia, and behavioral changes of uncertain origin. The graft was commercially prepared by use of a process that included treatment with 0.1 N sodium hydroxide and avoided commingling of dura from different donors. CONCLUSIONS The patient's age, absence of evidence for other sources of CJD, the latent period, and the report of an unexplained neurologic illness in the donor of the dura mater indicate that the graft was the most likely source of CJD in this patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E L Hannah
- Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen SG, Zou W, Parchi P, Gambetti P. PrP(Sc) typing by N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry. Arch Virol Suppl 2001:209-16. [PMID: 11214924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of the clinicopathological phenotype in human prion diseases is associated with the presence of the different forms of the abnormal prion protein, PrP(Sc). We have previously shown that PrP(Sc) in FFI and a subtype of familial CJD linked to the D178N mutation can be distinguished by their difference in gel mobility following proteinase K (PK) treatment. To further characterize the structural difference of PrP(Sc) in familial prion diseases, N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry were used to identify the protease cleavage sites in PrP(Sc) extracted from affected brains. We found that the main PK cleavage sites of PrP(Sc) are located at residue 97 in FFI, and residue 82 in both CJD178 and a GSS subtype linked to the P102L mutation. The differential accessibility to protease in the native PrP(Sc) suggests that PrP(Sc) exist as distinct conformers in different disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S G Chen
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wong BS, Liu T, Paisley D, Li R, Pan T, Chen SG, Perry G, Petersen RB, Smith MA, Melton DW, Gambetti P, Brown DR, Sy MS. Induction of HO-1 and NOS in doppel-expressing mice devoid of PrP: implications for doppel function. Mol Cell Neurosci 2001; 17:768-75. [PMID: 11312611 DOI: 10.1006/mcne.2001.0963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic expression of the doppel (Dpl) protein, a homologue of the prion protein (PrP), was recently associated with cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration observed in two aging prion protein knock-out (Prnp(0/0)) mouse lines. We investigated the possible role of Dpl in oxidative metabolism. Two Prnp(0/0) mouse lines of similar genetic background were studied. One line expresses Dpl in the brain and displays Dpl-associated cerebellar abnormalities. The other has no elevated expression of Dpl and no cerebellar abnormalities. We observed a correlation between Dpl expression and the induction of both heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nitric oxide synthase systems (nNOS and iNOS). These responses are suggestive of increased oxidative stress in the brains of the Dpl-expressing Prnp(0/0) mice. No induction was observed with Hsp-60, indicating a specific response by the HO/NOS system. We proposed that Dpl expression exacerbates oxidative damage that is antagonistic to the protective function of wild-type PrP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu T, Zwingman T, Li R, Pan T, Wong BS, Petersen RB, Gambetti P, Herrup K, Sy MS. Differential expression of cellular prion protein in mouse brain as detected with multiple anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies. Brain Res 2001; 896:118-29. [PMID: 11277980 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(01)02050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) plays an essential role in the development of prion diseases. Indirect evidence has suggested that different PrP(C) glycoforms may be expressed in different brain regions and perform distinct functions. However, due to a lack of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) that are specific for mouse PrP(C), the expression of PrP(C) in the mouse brain has not been studied in great detail. We used Mabs specific for either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the mouse PrP(C) to study its expression in the mouse brain by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated that the expression of PrP(C) differed quantitatively as well as qualitatively in different regions of the brain. The anti-C-terminus Mabs reacted with all three molecular weight bands of PrP(C); the anti-N-terminus Mabs only reacted with the 39-42 kDa PrP(C). The results from immunohistochemical staining revealed the spatial distribution of PrP(C) in the mouse brain, which were consistent with that from immunoblotting. Although expression of PrP(C) has been reported to be required for long-term survival of Purkinje cells, we were unable to detect PrP(C) in the Purkinje cell layer in the cerebellum with multiple anti-PrP Mabs. Our findings suggest that PrP(C) variants, i.e. various glycoforms and truncated forms, might be specifically expressed in different regions of mouse brain and might have different functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Liu
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-1712, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu T, Li R, Wong BS, Liu D, Pan T, Petersen RB, Gambetti P, Sy MS. Normal cellular prion protein is preferentially expressed on subpopulations of murine hemopoietic cells. J Immunol 2001; 166:3733-42. [PMID: 11238614 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.6.3733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We studied the expression of normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) in mouse lymphoid tissues with newly developed mAbs to PrP(C). Most of the mature T and B cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs do not express PrP(C). In contrast, most thymocytes are PrP(C+). In the bone marrow, erythroid cells and maturing granulocytes are PrP(C+). Approximately 50% of the cells in the region of small lymphocytes and progenitor cells also express PrP(C). Most of these PrP(C+) cells are CD43(+), but B220(-), surface IgM(-) (sIgM(-)), and IL-7R(-), a phenotype that belongs to cells not yet committed to the B cell lineage. Another small group of the PrP(C+) cell are B220(+), and some of these are also sIgM(+). The majority of the B220(+) cells, however, are PrP(C-). Therefore, PrP(C) is preferentially expressed in early bone marrow progenitor cells and subsets of maturing B cells. Supporting this interpretation is our observation that stimulation of bone marrow cells in vitro with PMA results in a decrease in the number of PrP(C+)B220(-) cells with a corresponding increase of sIgM(+)B220(high) mature B cells. This result suggests that the PrP(C+)B220(-) cells are potential progenitors. Furthermore, in the bone marrow of Rag-1(-/-) mice, there are an increased number of PrP(C+)B220(-) cells, and most of the developmentally arrested pro-B cells in these mice are PrP(C+). Collectively, these results suggest that PrP(C) is expressed preferentially in immature T cells in the thymus and early progenitor cells in the bone marrow, and the expression of PrP(C) is regulated during hemopoietic differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Liu
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Herrmann LM, Davis WC, Knowles DP, Wardrop KJ, Sy MS, Gambetti P, O' Rourke KI. Cellular prion protein is expressed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells but not platelets of normal and scrapie-infected sheep. Haematologica 2001; 86:146-53. [PMID: 11224483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) including sheep scrapie are characterized by the conversion of a normal, cellular prion protein (PrPc) to an abnormal protease-resistant form (PrPSc). Like human peripheral blood, the peripheral blood of scrapie-infected sheep remains one possible source of disease transmission. As a first step in understanding the disease requirements in the natural scrapie host, the presence of PrPc was evaluated in peripheral blood cells from five normal and five scrapie-infected Suffolk sheep. DESIGN AND METHODS Live peripheral blood cells from normal and scrapie-infected sheep were analyzed for the presence of PrP using flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS PrP mRNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) but not in platelets or granulocytes. Consistent with PrP mRNA expression, cell-surface expressed PrP was detected on PBMC, but was not detected on granulocytes, platelets, or erythrocytes. Two-color flow cytometric analysis of PBMC specific phenotypes revealed that regardless of scrapie-status, expression of PrP was significantly higher on B2 positive B-lymphocytes than on CD4, CD8, WC1 positive T-lymphocytes or CD14 positive monocytes. In addition, PrP expressed on PBMC from normal and scrapie-infected sheep was sensitive to proteinase K (PK)and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the scrapie-status of the sheep, resting PBMC transcribe PrPc and express PrPc as a cell-surface protein sensitive to both PK and PIPLC. Because of the abundance of PrPc on PBMC, future diagnostic tests using PK and PIPLC to discriminate between protease sensitive and resistant PrP must be carefully evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Herrmann
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Disease Research Unit, 3003 ADBF, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li R, Liu D, Zanusso G, Liu T, Fayen JD, Huang JH, Petersen RB, Gambetti P, Sy MS. The expression and potential function of cellular prion protein in human lymphocytes. Cell Immunol 2001; 207:49-58. [PMID: 11161453 DOI: 10.1006/cimm.2000.1751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We examined expression of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in transfected neuroblastoma cells with a panel of six monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). While all six of the Mabs reacted strongly with the neuroblastoma cells, only four of the Mabs reacted with PrP(C) expressed by human PBMC. PrP(C) is expressed at high levels in human T cells, B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, but not in red blood cells. Immunoblotting studies revealed that the PrP(C) glycoforms and the composition of the N-linked glycans on PrP(C) in human PBMC are different from those of the brain or the neuroblastoma cells. In human PBMC and the neuroblastoma cell lines the N-terminal portion of the PrP(C) is hypersensitive to proteolytic digestion, suggesting that the N-terminus of the PrP(C) on the surface of a living cell lacks secondary structure. We found that the level of PrP(C) expressed on the surface of human T lymphocytes was up-regulated as a consequence of cellular activation. Accordingly, memory T cells express more PrP(C) than naïve T cells. In addition, the proliferation of human T lymphocytes stimulated with an anti-CD3 Mab was inhibited by anti-PrP(C) Mabs. Collectively, these results suggest that PrP(C) can participate in signal transduction in human T lymphocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Li
- Institute of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4943, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wong BS, Liu T, Li R, Pan T, Petersen RB, Smith MA, Gambetti P, Perry G, Manson JC, Brown DR, Sy MS. Increased levels of oxidative stress markers detected in the brains of mice devoid of prion protein. J Neurochem 2001; 76:565-72. [PMID: 11208919 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2001.00028.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although minor abnormalities have been reported in prion protein (PrP) knock-out (Prnp-/-) mice, the normal physiological function of PrP, the causative agent implicated in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), remains unresolved. Since there are increasing correlations between oxidative stress and amyloidoses, we decided to investigate whether PrP plays a role in oxidative modulation. We found higher levels of oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in the brain lysates of Prnp-/- as compared to wild-type (WT) mice of the same genetic background. These two indicators, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, are hallmarks of cellular oxidative damage. Elevated levels of ubiquitin-protein conjugates were also observed in Prnp-/- mice, a probable consequence of cellular attempts to remove the damaged proteins as indicated by increased proteasome activity. Taken together, these findings are indicative of a role for PrP in oxidative homeostasis in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jin T, Gu Y, Zanusso G, Sy M, Kumar A, Cohen M, Gambetti P, Singh N. The chaperone protein BiP binds to a mutant prion protein and mediates its degradation by the proteasome. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:38699-704. [PMID: 10970892 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m005543200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial prion diseases are thought to result from a change in structure of the mutant prion protein (PrP), which takes a pathogenic conformation. We have examined the role of molecular chaperones in the folding of normal and mutant PrP Q217R (PrP(217)) in transfected neuroblastoma cells. In a previous report we showed that, although most of the PrP(217) forms escape the endoplasmic reticulum quality control system and aggregate in post-Golgi compartments, a significant proportion of PrP(217) retains the C-terminal glycosylphosphatidyl inositol signal peptide (PrP32), and does not exit the endoplasmic reticulum (Singh, N., Zanusso, G., Chen, S. G., Fujioka, H., Richardson, S., Gambetti, P., and Petersen, R. B. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 28461-28470). We have now studied the folding and turnover of PrP32 to understand the mechanism by which abnormal PrP forms cause cellular toxicity in our cell culture model and in the human brain carrying the Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease Q217R mutation. In this report, we show that PrP32 remains associated with the chaperone BiP for an abnormally prolonged period of time and is degraded by the proteasomal pathway. This study is the first demonstration that BiP is chaperoning the folding of PrP and plays a role in maintaining the quality control in the PrP maturation pathway. Our data provide new insight into the diverse pathways of mutant PrP metabolism and neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Jin
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wanschitz J, Klöppel S, Jarius C, Birner P, Flicker H, Hainfellner JA, Gambetti P, Guentchev M, Budka H. Alteration of the serotonergic nervous system in fatal familial insomnia. Ann Neurol 2000; 48:788-91. [PMID: 11079543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is a unique hereditary prion disease with characteristic disturbances of sleep. We studied the serotonergic system in 8 FFI-affected subjects by immunohistochemistry for the serotonin-synthesizing enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase (TH). Quantification of neurons in median raphe nuclei showed no total neuronal loss in FFI but a substantial increase of TH+ neurons (approximately 62%) in FFI subjects compared with controls. Our data indicate an alteration of the serotonergic system that might represent the functional substrate of some typical symptoms of FFI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Wanschitz
- Institute of Neurology, University of Vienna, and Austrian Reference Center of Human Prion Diseases
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
We have shown previously that normal mouse prion protein (MoPrP) binds copper ions during protein refolding and acquires antioxidant activity. In this report, we probe the structure of the copper refolded form of MoPrP to determine how copper binding alters the secondary and tertiary features of the protein. Circular dichroism showed that recombinant MoPrP prepared in the presence of copper (as Cu(++)) showed an increased signal in the 210-220 nm range of the spectrum. Changes in protein conformation were localised to the N-terminal region of MoPrP using a panel of antibodies to assess epitope accessibility. The copper refolded recombinant prion protein had reduced proteinase K (PK) sensitivity when compared to the non-copper liganded form. Reduced PK sensitivity was not due to aggregation however as high resolution electron microscopy showed a homogenous preparation with little aggregate when compared to the non-copper form. Finally, disruption of the single disulphide linkage in MoPrP significantly diminished the antioxidant activity of the copper refolded form suggesting that activity was not solely dependent on bound copper but also on a conformation enabled by the formation of the disulphide bond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, Reading, RG6 6AH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Scaravilli F, Cordery RJ, Kretzschmar H, Gambetti P, Brink B, Fritz V, Temlett J, Kaplan C, Fish D, An SF, Schulz-Schaeffer WJ, Rossor MN. Sporadic fatal insomnia: a case study. Ann Neurol 2000; 48:665-8. [PMID: 11026452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
A 58-year-old man died after a 27-month illness characterized by insomnia, confirmed by polysomnography. He was homozygous for methionine at codon 129 of the prion gene but had no mutation in the prion gene. Neuropathology showed thalamic and olivary atrophy and no spongiform changes. Paraffin-embedded tissue blotting demonstrated abnormal prion protein in the brain. This is the first case of the sporadic form of fatal familial insomnia with demonstration of the disorder by polysomnography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Scaravilli
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Parchi P, Zou W, Wang W, Brown P, Capellari S, Ghetti B, Kopp N, Schulz-Schaeffer WJ, Kretzschmar HA, Head MW, Ironside JW, Gambetti P, Chen SG. Genetic influence on the structural variations of the abnormal prion protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000; 97:10168-72. [PMID: 10963679 PMCID: PMC27779 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.18.10168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are characterized by the presence of the abnormal prion protein PrP(Sc), which is believed to be generated by the conversion of the alpha-helical structure that predominates in the normal PrP isoform into a beta-sheet structure resistant to proteinase K (PK). In human prion diseases, two major types of PrP(Sc), type 1 and 2, can be distinguished based on the difference in electrophoretic migration of the PK-resistant core fragment. In this study, protein sequencing was used to identify the PK cleavage sites of PrP(Sc) in 36 cases of prion diseases. We demonstrated two primary cleavage sites at residue 82 and residue 97 for type 1 and type 2 PrP(Sc), respectively, and numerous secondary cleavages distributed along the region spanning residues 74-102. Accordingly, we identify three regions in PrP(Sc): one N-terminal (residues 23-73) that is invariably PK-sensitive, one C-terminal (residues 103-231) that is invariably PK-resistant, and a third variable region (residues 74-102) where the site of the PK cleavage, likely reflecting the extent of the beta-sheet structure, varies mostly as a function of the PrP genotype at codon 129.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Parchi
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Prion disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is widely believed to arise when a cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) undergoes conformational changes to a pathogenic isoform (PrP(Sc)). Recent data have shown PrP(C) to be copper binding and that it acquires antioxidant activity as a result. This enzymatic property is dependent mainly on copper binding to the octarepeats region. In normal human brain and human prion disease, there is a population of brain-derived PrP that has been truncated at the N-terminal which encompassed the octarepeats region. Increasing evidences have suggested imbalances of metal-catalyzed reactions to be the common denominator for several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we propose that one of the causative factors for prion disease could be due to the imbalances in metal-catalyzed reactions resulting in an alteration of the antioxidant function. These result in an increase level of oxidative stress and, as such, trigger the neurodegenerative cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bütefisch CM, Gambetti P, Cervenakova L, Park KY, Hallett M, Goldfarb LG. Inherited prion encephalopathy associated with the novel PRNP H187R mutation: a clinical study. Neurology 2000; 55:517-22. [PMID: 10953183 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.55.4.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a variant of prion encephalopathy associated with the recently identified H187R mutation in the prion protein (PRNP) gene. METHODS The authors studied a multigenerational American family with nine affected individuals. Clinical examination included imaging, EEG, and CSF analysis with 14-3-3 protein testing. Histopathology was characterized by examination of a brain biopsy from an H187R mutation-positive patient. RESULTS The disease in this family is caused by the PRNP H187R mutation and characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance, median age at disease onset of 42 years (range 33 to 50 years), and median duration of illness of 12 years (range 8 to 19 years). Clinical signs include progressive dementia, ataxia, myoclonus, and seizures. Histopathologic features consist of distinctive "curly" prion protein deposits with a strictly laminar distribution in the cerebral cortex and minimal astrogliosis in the absence of amyloid plaques or spongiosis. CONCLUSION A variant of prion encephalopathy associated with the novel H187R mutation in the PRNP gene displays distinctive clinical and immunostaining characteristics that further expand the boundaries of human prion disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Bütefisch
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li R, Liu T, Wong BS, Pan T, Morillas M, Swietnicki W, O'Rourke K, Gambetti P, Surewicz WK, Sy MS. Identification of an epitope in the C terminus of normal prion protein whose expression is modulated by binding events in the N terminus. J Mol Biol 2000; 301:567-73. [PMID: 10966770 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2000.3986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized the epitopes of a panel of 12 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed to normal human cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) using ELISA and Western blotting of recombinant PrP or synthetic peptide fragments of PrP. The first group of antibodies, which is represented by Mabs 5B2 and 8B4, reacts with PrP(23-145), indicating that the epitopes for these Mabs are located in the 23 to 145 N-terminal region of human PrP. The second group includes Mabs 1A1, 6H3, 7A9, 8C6, 8H4, 9H7 and 2G8. These antibodies bind to epitopes localized within N-terminally truncated recombinant PrP(90-231). Finally, Mabs 5C3, 2C9 and 7A12 recognize both PrP(23-145) and PrP(90-231), suggesting that the epitopes for this group are located in the region encompassing residues 90 to 145. By Western blotting with PepSpot(TM), only three of Mabs studied (5B2, 8B4 and 2G8) bind to linear epitopes that are present in 13-residue long synthetic peptides corresponding to human PrP fragments. The remaining nine Mabs appear to recognize conformational epitopes. Two N terminus-specific Mabs were found to prevent the binding of the C terminus-specific Mab 6H3. This observation suggests that the unstructured N-terminal region may influence the local conformation within the folded C-terminal domain of prion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Li
- Institute of Pathology Division of Neuropathology Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44107-1712, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Capellari S, Parchi P, Russo CM, Sanford J, Sy MS, Gambetti P, Petersen RB. Effect of the E200K mutation on prion protein metabolism. Comparative study of a cell model and human brain. Am J Pathol 2000; 157:613-22. [PMID: 10934164 PMCID: PMC1850141 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64572-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The hallmark of prion diseases is the cerebral accumulation of a conformationally altered isoform (PrP(Sc)) of a normal cellular protein, the prion protein (PrP(C)). In the inherited form, mutations in the prion protein gene are thought to cause the disease by altering the metabolism of the mutant PrP (PrP(M)) engendering its conversion into PrP(Sc). We used a cell model to study biosynthesis and processing of PrP(M) carrying the glutamic acid to lysine substitution at residue 200 (E200K), which is linked to the most common inherited human prion disease. PrP(M) contained an aberrant glycan at residue 197 and generated an increased quantity of truncated fragments. In addition, PrP(M) showed impaired transport of the unglycosylated isoform to the cell surface. Similar changes were found in the PrP isolated from brains of patients affected by the E200K variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Although the cellular PrP(M) displayed some characteristics of PrP(Sc), the PrP(Sc) found in the E200K brains was quantitatively and qualitatively different. We propose that the E200K mutation cause the same metabolic changes of PrP(M) in the cell model and in the brain. However, in the brain, PrP(M) undergoes additional modifications, by an age-dependent mechanism that leads to the formation of PrP(Sc) and the development of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Capellari
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Molecular genetics and protein chemistry have led to major advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of phenotypic variability of prion diseases. A large body of evidence indicates that a common methionine/valine polymorphism at codon 129 in the prion protein gene (PRNP), alone or in conjunction with PRNP mutations, modulates both disease susceptibility and phenotypic expression of human prion diseases. In addition, there are physicochemical properties of the abnormal isoform of the prion protein (PrP(sc)), such as relative molecular mass and glycosylation, that correlate with distinct phenotypes even in subjects carrying the same PRNP genotype. Different PrP(sc) "type"-PRNP genotype combinations are found associated with pathological phenotypes that differ in the relative severity of lesions among distinct brain regions, the presence and morphology of certain lesions such as amyloid plaques, and the pattern of intracerebral and tissue deposition of PrP(sc). This review summarizes the currently available data on the molecular pathology of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, the most common human prion disease, and fatal insomnia, a more recently defined entity that has rapidly become one of the best characterized of the human prion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Parchi
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Normal prion protein (PrP(C)) is a copper binding protein and may play a role in cellular resistance to oxidative stress. Recently, copper-bound recombinant PrP(C) has been shown to exhibit superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. However, as PrP(C) affinity for copper is low in comparison to other cupro-proteins, the question remains as to whether PrP(C) could contribute SOD activity in vivo. To unravel this enigma, we compared the SOD activity in lysates extracted from different regions of the brain from wild-type mice before and after the depletion of PrP(C). We found that removal of PrP(C) from the brain lysates reduced the levels of total SOD activity. The level of contribution to the total SOD activity was correlated to the level of PrP expressed and to the predominant form of PrP present in the specific brain region. Collectively, these results provide strong evidence that PrP(C) differentially contributes to the total SOD activity in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Cancer Research Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Russo C, Schettini G, Saido TC, Hulette C, Lippa C, Lannfelt L, Ghetti B, Gambetti P, Tabaton M, Teller JK. Presenilin-1 mutations in Alzheimer's disease. Nature 2000; 405:531-2. [PMID: 10850703 DOI: 10.1038/35014735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Russo
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Brown DR, Iordanova IK, Wong BS, Vénien-Bryan C, Hafiz F, Glasssmith LL, Sy MS, Gambetti P, Jones IM, Clive C, Haswell SJ. Functional and structural differences between the prion protein from two alleles prnp(a) and prnp(b) of mouse. Eur J Biochem 2000; 267:2452-9. [PMID: 10759872 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2000.01275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The prion protein is a glycoprotein expressed by neurones and other cells. In its holo-form it binds copper and exhibits superoxide dismutase activity. Studies in mice have led to the description of two distinct alleles. Differences in these alleles are linked to long and short incubation times following infection with scrapie. We studied recombinant mouse protein corresponding to the products of either allele and two intermediates carrying single amino-acid residue substitutions. The different forms of the prion protein exhibited differences in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and conformation. Intermediates with single substitutions were less stable than either allelic product. The findings provide insight into the differences between the two alleles and might have consequences for understanding differences in susceptibility to prion disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D R Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge University, UK; NERC Institute of Virology, Oxford, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wong BS, Clive C, Haswell SJ, Williamson RA, Burton DR, Gambetti P, Sy MS, Jones IM, Brown DR. Copper has differential effect on prion protein with polymorphism of position 129. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 269:726-31. [PMID: 10720484 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.2355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The pathology of human prion diseases is affected by polymorphism at amino acid residue 129 of the prion protein gene. Recombinant mouse prion proteins mimicking either form of the polymorphism were prepared to examine their effect on the conformation and the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the prion protein. Following the binding of copper atoms to prion protein, antibody mapping and CD analysis detected conformational differences between the two forms of protein. However, neither the level of copper binding nor the level of SOD activity associated with this form of prion protein altered with the identity of codon 129. These results suggest that in the holo-metal binding form of the protein, prion structure but not its SOD activity is affected by polymorphism at codon 129.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Wong
- NERC Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
According to the "protein-only" hypothesis, the critical step in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the conformational transition between the normal (PrP(C)) and pathological (PrP(Sc)) isoforms of prion protein. To gain insight into the mechanism of this transition, we have characterized the biophysical properties of the recombinant protein corresponding to residues 90-231 of the human prion protein (huPrP90-231). Incubation of the protein under acidic conditions (pH 3.6-5) in the presence of 1 M guanidine-HCl resulted in a time-dependent transition from an alpha-helical conformation to a beta-sheet structure and oligomerization of huPrP90-231 into large molecular weight aggregates. No stable monomeric beta-sheet-rich folding intermediate of the protein could be detected in the present experiments. Kinetic analysis of the data indicates that the formation of beta-sheet structure and protein oligomerization likely occur concomitantly. The beta-sheet-rich oligomers were characterized by a markedly increased resistance to proteinase K digestion and a fibrillar morphology (i.e., they had the essential physicochemical properties of PrP(Sc)). Contrary to previous suggestions, the conversion of the recombinant prion protein into a PrP(Sc)-like form could be accomplished under nonreducing conditions, without the need to disrupt the disulfide bond. Experiments in urea indicate that, in addition to acidic pH, another critical factor controlling the transition of huPrP90-231 to an oligomeric beta-sheet structure is the presence of salt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Swietnicki
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Morillas M, Swietnicki W, Gambetti P, Surewicz WK. Membrane environment alters the conformational structure of the recombinant human prion protein. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:36859-65. [PMID: 10601237 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.52.36859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP) in a living cell is associated with cellular membranes. However, all previous biophysical studies with the recombinant prion protein have been performed in an aqueous solution. To determine the effect of a membrane environment on the conformational structure of PrP, we studied the interaction of the recombinant human prion protein with model lipid membranes. The protein was found to bind to acidic lipid-containing membrane vesicles. This interaction is pH-dependent and becomes particularly strong under acidic conditions. Spectroscopic data show that membrane binding of PrP results in a significant ordering of the N-terminal part of the molecule. The folded C-terminal domain, on the other hand, becomes destabilized upon binding to the membrane surface, especially at low pH. Overall, these results show that the conformational structure and stability of the recombinant human PrP in a membrane environment are substantially different from those of the free protein in solution. These observations have important implications for understanding the mechanism of the conversion between the normal (PrP(C)) and pathogenic (PrP(Sc)) forms of prion protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Morillas
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Xu X, Shi YC, Wu X, Gambetti P, Sui D, Cui MZ. Identification of a novel PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ)-like protein interacting with the C terminus of presenilin-1. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:32543-6. [PMID: 10551805 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.46.32543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Presenilin-1 (PS-1) is the most causative Alzheimer gene product, and its function is not well understood. In an attempt to elucidate the function of PS-1, we screened a human brain cDNA library for PS-1-interacting proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system and isolated a novel protein containing a PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ)-like domain. This novel PS-1-associated protein (PSAP) shares a significant similarity with a Caenorhabditis elegans protein of unknown function. Northern blot analysis revealed that PSAP is predominantly expressed in the brain. Deletion of the first four C-terminal amino acid residues of PS-1, which contain the PDZ domain-binding motif (Gln-Phe-Tyr-Ile), reduced the binding activity of PS-1 toward PSAP 4-fold. These data suggest that PS-1 may associate with a PDZ-like domain-containing protein in vivo and thus may participate in receptor or channel clustering and intracellular signaling events in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Xu
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Worrall BB, Herman ST, Capellari S, Lynch T, Chin S, Gambetti P, Parchi P. Type 1 protease resistant prion protein and valine homozygosity at codon 129 of PRNP identify a subtype of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1999; 67:671-4. [PMID: 10519879 PMCID: PMC1736644 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.67.5.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A man was studied with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) who had serial cortical syndromes evolving over 15 months without significant ataxia, prominent myoclonus, or periodic complexes on EEG examinations. This clinical phenotype correlated with a predominantly cortical and striatal distribution of lesions and accumulation of protease resistant prion protein with relative sparing of the brainstem or cerebellum. No amyloid plaques were seen and prion protein (PrP) immunohistochemistry only demonstrated very faint granular deposits in the cerebral cortex. Molecular analysis showed homozygosity for valine at codon 129 in the prion protein gene (PRNP) and protease resistant prion protein type 1 deposition. The comparison of molecular and clinicopathological features of the present case with those previously reported in sCJD, indicates that valine homozygosity at codon 129 and type 1 protease resistant prion protein are associated with a distinct phenotypic variant of sCJD. The data also support the view that the PRNP codon 129 polymorphism and the physicochemical properties of the protease resistant prion protein are major determinants of phenotypic variability in sCJD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B B Worrall
- Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The lymphoid system is known to be involved in the propagation and spread of scrapie. However, the identity of the cell type responsible for scrapie replication remains controversial. A new study provides evidence that the follicular dendritic cells in the spleen are the targets of this infectious form of prion (pages 1308-1312).
Collapse
|
47
|
Zanusso G, Petersen RB, Jin T, Jing Y, Kanoush R, Ferrari S, Gambetti P, Singh N. Proteasomal degradation and N-terminal protease resistance of the codon 145 mutant prion protein. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:23396-404. [PMID: 10438517 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.33.23396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An amber mutation at codon 145 (Y145stop) of the prion protein gene results in a variant of an inherited human prion disease named Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome. The characteristic features of this disorder include amyloid deposits of prion protein in cerebral parenchyma and vessels. We have studied the biosynthesis and processing of the prion protein containing the Y145stop mutation (PrP(145)) in transfected human neuroblastoma cells in an attempt to clarify the effect of the mutation on the metabolism of PrP(145) and to gain insight into the underlying pathogenetic mechanism. Our results demonstrate that 1) a significant proportion of PrP(145) is not processed post-translationally and retains the N-terminal signal peptide, 2) most PrP(145) is degraded very rapidly by the proteasome-mediated pathway, 3) blockage of proteasomal degradation results in intracellular accumulation of PrP(145), 4) most of the accumulated PrP(145) is detergent-insoluble, and both the detergent-soluble and -insoluble fractions are resistant to mild proteinase K (PK) treatment, suggesting that PK resistance is not simply because of aggregation. The present study demonstrates for the first time that a mutant prion protein is degraded through the proteasomal pathway and acquires PK-resistance if degradation is impaired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Zanusso
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, 2085, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Parchi P, Giese A, Capellari S, Brown P, Schulz-Schaeffer W, Windl O, Zerr I, Budka H, Kopp N, Piccardo P, Poser S, Rojiani A, Streichemberger N, Julien J, Vital C, Ghetti B, Gambetti P, Kretzschmar H. Classification of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease based on molecular and phenotypic analysis of 300 subjects. Ann Neurol 1999; 46:224-33. [PMID: 10443888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is well documented, but there is not yet a systematic classification of the disease variants. In a previous study, we showed that the polymorphic codon 129 of the prion protein gene (PRNP), and two types of protease-resistant prion protein (PrP(Sc)) with distinct physicochemical properties, are major determinants of these variants. To define the full spectrum of variants, we have examined a series of 300 sCJD patients. Clinical features, PRNP genotype, and PrP(Sc) properties were determined in all subjects. In 187, we also studied neuropathological features and immunohistochemical pattern of PrP(Sc) deposition. Seventy percent of subjects showed the classic CJD phenotype, PrP(Sc) type 1, and at least one methionine allele at codon 129; 25% of cases displayed the ataxic and kuru-plaque variants, associated to PrP(Sc) type 2, and valine homozygosity or heterozygosity at codon 129, respectively. Two additional variants, which included a thalamic form of CJD and a phenotype characterized by prominent dementia and cortical pathology, were linked to PrP(Sc) type 2 and methionine homozygosity. Finally, a rare phenotype characterized by progressive dementia was linked to PrP(Sc) type 1 and valine homozygosity. The present data demonstrate the existence of six phenotypic variants of sCJD. The physicochemical properties of PrP(Sc) in conjunction with the PRNP codon 129 genotype largely determine this phenotypic variability, and allow a molecular classification of the disease variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Parchi
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Parchi P, Capellari S, Chin S, Schwarz HB, Schecter NP, Butts JD, Hudkins P, Burns DK, Powers JM, Gambetti P. A subtype of sporadic prion disease mimicking fatal familial insomnia. Neurology 1999; 52:1757-63. [PMID: 10371520 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.52.9.1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a variant of sporadic prion disease as the sporadic form of fatal familial insomnia (FFI). BACKGROUND FFI is a recently described prion disease characterized clinically by severe sleep impairment, dysautonomia, and motor signs, and pathologically by atrophy of thalamic nuclei, especially the medial dorsal and anterior ventral, and of the inferior olive. FFI is linked to the D178N mutation coupled with the methionine codon at position 129 in the prion protein gene (PRNP). It is also identified by the properties of the abnormal prion protein (PrP(Sc)), which has the relative molecular mass of 19 kDa, corresponding to the so-called type 2, and a marked underrepresentation of the unglycosylated form relative to the diglycosylated and monoglycosylated forms. METHODS Clinical, pathologic, PrP(Sc), and PRNP data from 5 subjects with a sporadic prion disease phenotypically similar to FFI were collected and analyzed. RESULTS All 5 subjects had a disease clinically similar and histopathologically virtually identical to FFI. PrP(Sc) type 2 was present in all subjects in amount and distribution similar to those of FFI. However, the PrP(Sc) did not show the striking underrepresentation of the unglycosylated isoform of the protein that is characteristic of FFI. Moreover, none of the subjects had the D178N PRNP mutation but all were homozygous for methionine at codon 129. CONCLUSION This condition is likely to represent the sporadic form of FFI and the term "sporadic fatal insomnia" is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Parchi
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) is an autosomal dominant prion disease clinically characterized by inattention, sleep loss, dysautonomia, and motor signs and pathologically characterized by a preferential thalamic degeneration. FFI is linked to a missense mutation at codon 178 of the prion protein gene, PRNP, coupled with the presence of the codon methionine at position 129, the locus of a methionine-valine polymorphism. Homozygotes at codon 129, expressing methionine also in the nonmutated allele, have a shorter disease course (often less than 1 year), prominent sleep and autonomic disturbances at disease onset, and pathology restricted to the thalamus. Heterozygotes at codon 129, expressing valine in the nonmutated allele, have a longer disease course (often longer than 1 year), ataxia and dysarthria at disease onset, and lesions widespread to cerebral cortex. Both in the thalamus and in the cortex, the limbic structures are those most consistently and severely involved: the anterior ventral and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei, the cingulate gyrus, and the orbitofrontal cortex. FFI is thus a prion disease selectively damaging the thalamocortical limbic structures. Loss of sleep, sympathetic hyperactivity, and flattening of vegetative and hormonal circadian oscillations characterize FFI and result from a homeostatic imbalance caused by the interruption of the thalamocortical limbic circuits, the phylogenetically most advanced structures involved in the control of the sleep-wake cycle and the body's homeostasis. The selective atrophy of the limbic thalamus that characterizes FFI might be due to the binding of FFI toxic PrP or PrPres to specific receptors on thalamolimbic neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Cortelli
- Institute of Clinical Neurology, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|