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Uceda AB, Mariño L, Casasnovas R, Adrover M. An overview on glycation: molecular mechanisms, impact on proteins, pathogenesis, and inhibition. Biophys Rev 2024; 16:189-218. [PMID: 38737201 PMCID: PMC11078917 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-024-01188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation of a heterogeneous set of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is the final outcome of a non-enzymatic process that occurs in vivo on long-life biomolecules. This process, known as glycation, starts with the reaction between reducing sugars, or their autoxidation products, with the amino groups of proteins, DNA, or lipids, thus gaining relevance under hyperglycemic conditions. Once AGEs are formed, they might affect the biological function of the biomacromolecule and, therefore, induce the development of pathophysiological events. In fact, the accumulation of AGEs has been pointed as a triggering factor of obesity, diabetes-related diseases, coronary artery disease, neurological disorders, or chronic renal failure, among others. Given the deleterious consequences of glycation, evolution has designed endogenous mechanisms to undo glycation or to prevent it. In addition, many exogenous molecules have also emerged as powerful glycation inhibitors. This review aims to provide an overview on what glycation is. It starts by explaining the similarities and differences between glycation and glycosylation. Then, it describes in detail the molecular mechanism underlying glycation reactions, and the bio-molecular targets with higher propensity to be glycated. Next, it discusses the precise effects of glycation on protein structure, function, and aggregation, and how computational chemistry has provided insights on these aspects. Finally, it reports the most prevalent diseases induced by glycation, and the endogenous mechanisms and the current therapeutic interventions against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Uceda
- Departament de Química, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Mariño
- Departament de Química, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Casasnovas
- Departament de Química, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Adrover
- Departament de Química, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain
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2
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Silva CJ, Erickson-Beltran ML. General Method of Quantifying the Extent of Methionine Oxidation in the Prion Protein. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:255-263. [PMID: 36608322 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) and its infectious conformer, PrPSc, possess a disproportionately greater amount of methionines than would be expected for a typical mammalian protein. The thioether of methionine can be readily oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxide, which means that oxidation of methionine can be used to map the surface of the conformation of PrPC or PrPSc, as covalent changes are retained after denaturation. We identified a set of peptides (TNMK, MLGSAMSR, LLGSAMSR, PMIHFGNDWEDR, ENMNR, ENMYR, IMER, MMER, MIER, VVEQMCVTQYQK, and VVEQMCITQYQR) that contains every methionine in sheep, cervid, mouse, and bank vole PrP. Each is the product of a tryptic digestion and is suitable for a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) based analysis. The peptides chromatograph well. The oxidized and unoxidized peptides containing one methionine readily separate. The unoxidized, two singly oxidized, and doubly oxidized forms of the MLGSAMSR and MMER peptides are also readily distinguishable. This approach can be used to determine the surface exposure of each methionine by measuring its oxidation after reaction with added hydrogen peroxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Silva
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, California 94710, United States
| | - Melissa L Erickson-Beltran
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, California 94710, United States
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Alves Conceição C, Assis de Lemos G, Barros CA, Vieira TCRG. What is the role of lipids in prion conversion and disease? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1032541. [PMID: 36704327 PMCID: PMC9871914 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1032541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular cause of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) involves the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into its pathogenic form, called prion scrapie (PrPSc), which is prone to the formation of amorphous and amyloid aggregates found in TSE patients. Although the mechanisms of conversion of PrPC into PrPSc are not entirely understood, two key points are currently accepted: (i) PrPSc acts as a seed for the recruitment of native PrPC, inducing the latter's conversion to PrPSc; and (ii) other biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, or lipids, can act as cofactors, mediating the conversion from PrPC to PrPSc. Interestingly, PrPC is anchored by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol molecule in the outer cell membrane. Therefore, interactions with lipid membranes or alterations in the membranes themselves have been widely investigated as possible factors for conversion. Alone or in combination with RNA molecules, lipids can induce the formation of PrP in vitro-produced aggregates capable of infecting animal models. Here, we discuss the role of lipids in prion conversion and infectivity, highlighting the structural and cytotoxic aspects of lipid-prion interactions. Strikingly, disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease also seem to be caused by changes in protein structure and share pathogenic mechanisms with TSEs. Thus, we posit that comprehending the process of PrP conversion is relevant to understanding critical events involved in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders and will contribute to developing future therapeutic strategies for these devastating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyntia Alves Conceição
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Assis de Lemos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caroline Augusto Barros
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tuane C. R. G. Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Tuane C. R. G. Vieira, ✉
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Vihinen M. Individual Genetic Heterogeneity. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091626. [PMID: 36140794 PMCID: PMC9498725 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation has been widely covered in literature, however, not from the perspective of an individual in any species. Here, a synthesis of genetic concepts and variations relevant for individual genetic constitution is provided. All the different levels of genetic information and variation are covered, ranging from whether an organism is unmixed or hybrid, has variations in genome, chromosomes, and more locally in DNA regions, to epigenetic variants or alterations in selfish genetic elements. Genetic constitution and heterogeneity of microbiota are highly relevant for health and wellbeing of an individual. Mutation rates vary widely for variation types, e.g., due to the sequence context. Genetic information guides numerous aspects in organisms. Types of inheritance, whether Mendelian or non-Mendelian, zygosity, sexual reproduction, and sex determination are covered. Functions of DNA and functional effects of variations are introduced, along with mechanism that reduce and modulate functional effects, including TARAR countermeasures and intraindividual genetic conflict. TARAR countermeasures for tolerance, avoidance, repair, attenuation, and resistance are essential for life, integrity of genetic information, and gene expression. The genetic composition, effects of variations, and their expression are considered also in diseases and personalized medicine. The text synthesizes knowledge and insight on individual genetic heterogeneity and organizes and systematizes the central concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
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Inaba M, Fort A, Bringloe T, Mols-Mortensen A, Ni Ghriofa C, Sulpice R. Branding and tracing seaweed: Development of a high-resolution genetic kit to identify the geographic provenance of Alaria esculenta. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Piccardo P, Cervenak J, Goldmann W, Stewart P, Pomeroy KL, Gregori L, Yakovleva O, Asher DM. Experimental Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Squirrel Monkeys: The Same Complex Proteinopathy Appearing after Very Different Incubation Times. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050597. [PMID: 35631118 PMCID: PMC9144249 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Incubation periods in humans infected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents can exceed 50 years. In humans infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agents, the effects of a “species barrier,” often observed when TSE infections are transmitted from one species to another, would be expected to increase incubation periods compared with transmissions of same infectious agents within the same species. As part of a long-term study investigating the susceptibility to BSE of cell cultures used to produce vaccines, we inoculated squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sp., here designated SQ) with serial dilutions of a bovine brain suspension containing the BSE agent and monitored them for as long as ten years. Previously, we showed that SQ infected with the original “classical” BSE agent (SQ-BSE) developed a neurological disease resembling that seen in humans with variant CJD (vCJD). Here, we report the final characterization of the SQ-BSE model. We observed an unexpectedly marked difference in incubation times between two animals inoculated with the same dilution and volume of the same C-BSE bovine brain extract on the same day. SQ-BSE developed, in addition to spongiform changes and astrogliosis typical of TSEs, a complex proteinopathy with severe accumulations of protease-resistant prion protein (PrPTSE), hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), ubiquitin, and α-synuclein, but without any amyloid plaques or β-amyloid protein (Aβ) typical of Alzheimer’s disease. These results suggest that PrPTSE enhanced the accumulation of several key proteins characteristically seen in human neurodegenerative diseases. The marked variation in incubation periods in the same experimental TSE should be taken into account when modeling the epidemiology of human TSEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Piccardo
- Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (P.P.); (J.C.); (L.G.); (O.Y.)
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; (W.G.); (P.S.)
- National Academy of Medicine of Uruguay, Montevideo CP 11200, Uruguay
| | - Juraj Cervenak
- Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (P.P.); (J.C.); (L.G.); (O.Y.)
| | - Wilfred Goldmann
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; (W.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Paula Stewart
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; (W.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Kitty L. Pomeroy
- Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (P.P.); (J.C.); (L.G.); (O.Y.)
| | - Luisa Gregori
- Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (P.P.); (J.C.); (L.G.); (O.Y.)
| | - Oksana Yakovleva
- Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (P.P.); (J.C.); (L.G.); (O.Y.)
| | - David M. Asher
- Laboratory of Bacterial and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents, Division of Emerging and Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (P.P.); (J.C.); (L.G.); (O.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Silva CJ. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Cervids and the Consequences of a Mutable Protein Conformation. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:12474-12492. [PMID: 35465121 PMCID: PMC9022204 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease of cervids (deer, elk, moose, etc.). It spreads readily from CWD-contaminated environments and among wild cervids. As of 2022, North American CWD has been found in 29 states, four Canadian provinces and South Korea. The Scandinavian form of CWD originated independently. Prions propagate their pathology by inducing a natively expressed prion protein (PrPC) to adopt the prion conformation (PrPSc). PrPC and PrPSc differ solely in their conformation. Like other prion diseases, transmissible CWD prions can arise spontaneously. The CWD prions can respond to selection pressures resulting in the emergence of new strain phenotypes. Annually, 11.5 million Americans hunt and harvest nearly 6 million deer, indicating that CWD is a potential threat to an important American food source. No tested CWD strain has been shown to be zoonotic. However, this may not be true for emerging strains. Should a zoonotic CWD strain emerge, it could adversely impact the hunting economy and game meat consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Silva
- Produce Safety & Microbiology
Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research
Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, California 94710, United States of America
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Crestini A, Santilli F, Martellucci S, Carbone E, Sorice M, Piscopo P, Mattei V. Prions and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Focus on Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:503-518. [PMID: 34864675 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Specific protein misfolding and aggregation are mechanisms underlying various neurodegenerative diseases such as prion disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The misfolded proteins are involved in prions, amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein disorders; they share common structural, biological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as similar mechanisms of aggregation and self-propagation. Pathological features of AD include the appearance of plaques consisting of deposition of protein Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles formed by the hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Although it is not clear how protein aggregation leads to AD, we are learning that the cellular prion protein (PrPC) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Herein, we first examined the pathogenesis of prion and AD with a focus on the contribution of PrPC to the development of AD. We analyzed the mechanisms that lead to the formation of a high affinity bond between Aβ oligomers (AβOs) and PrPC. Also, we studied the role of PrPC as an AβO receptor that initiates an AβO-induced signal cascade involving mGluR5, Fyn, Pyk2, and eEF2K linking Aβ and tau pathologies, resulting in the death of neurons in the central nervous system. Finally, we have described how the PrPC-AβOs interaction can be used as a new potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PrPC-dependent AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Crestini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Santilli
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, "Sabina Universitas", Rieti, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, "Sabina Universitas", Rieti, Italy
| | - Elena Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, "Sabina Universitas", Rieti, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
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Hiller H, Yang C, Beachy DE, Kusmartseva I, Candelario-Jalil E, Posgai AL, Nick HS, Schatz D, Atkinson MA, Wasserfall CH. Altered cellular localisation and expression, together with unconventional protein trafficking, of prion protein, PrP C, in type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia 2021; 64:2279-2291. [PMID: 34274990 PMCID: PMC8715394 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05501-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a conserved mammalian glycoprotein found on the outer plasma membrane leaflet through a glycophosphatidylinositol anchor. Although PrPC is expressed by a wide range of tissues throughout the body, the complete repertoire of its functions has not been fully determined. The misfolded pathogenic isoform PrPSc (the scrapie form of PrP) is a causative agent of neurodegenerative prion diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate PrPC localisation, expression and trafficking in pancreases from organ donors with and without type 1 diabetes and to infer PrPC function through studies on interacting protein partners. METHODS In order to evaluate localisation and trafficking of PrPC in the human pancreas, 12 non-diabetic, 12 type 1 diabetic and 12 autoantibody-positive organ donor tissue samples were analysed using immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, total RNA was isolated from 29 non-diabetic, 29 type 1 diabetic and 24 autoantibody-positive donors to estimate PrPC expression in the human pancreas. Additionally, we performed PrPC-specific immunoblot analysis on total pancreatic protein from non-diabetic and type 1 diabetic organ donors to test whether changes in PrPC mRNA levels leads to a concomitant increase in PrPC protein levels in human pancreases. RESULTS In non-diabetic and type 1 diabetic pancreases (the latter displaying both insulin-positive [INS(+)] and -negative [INS(-)] islets), we found PrPC in islets co-registering with beta cells in all INS(+) islets and, strikingly, unexpected activation of PrPC in alpha cells within diabetic INS(-) islets. We found PrPC localised to the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but not the Golgi, defining two cellular pools and an unconventional protein trafficking mechanism bypassing the Golgi. We demonstrate PrPC co-registration with established protein partners, neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) and stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1 (STI1; encoded by STIP1) on the plasma membrane and ER, respectively, linking PrPC function with cyto-protection, signalling, differentiation and morphogenesis. We demonstrate that both PRNP (encoding PrPC) and STIP1 gene expression are dramatically altered in type 1 diabetic and autoantibody-positive pancreases. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION As the first study to address PrPC expression in non-diabetic and type 1 diabetic human pancreas, we provide new insights for PrPC in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. We evaluated the cell-type specific expression of PrPC in the human pancreas and discovered possible connections with potential interacting proteins that we speculate might address mechanisms relevant to the role of PrPC in the human pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Hiller
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Changjun Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dawn E Beachy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Irina Kusmartseva
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Amanda L Posgai
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Harry S Nick
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Desmond Schatz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark A Atkinson
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Clive H Wasserfall
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Jankovska N, Rusina R, Bruzova M, Parobkova E, Olejar T, Matej R. Human Prion Disorders: Review of the Current Literature and a Twenty-Year Experience of the National Surveillance Center in the Czech Republic. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1821. [PMID: 34679519 PMCID: PMC8534461 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human prion disorders (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, TSEs) are unique, progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by aggregation of misfolded prion protein in neuronal tissue. Due to the potential transmission, human TSEs are under active surveillance in a majority of countries; in the Czech Republic data are centralized at the National surveillance center (NRL) which has a clinical and a neuropathological subdivision. The aim of our article is to review current knowledge about human TSEs and summarize the experience of active surveillance of human prion diseases in the Czech Republic during the last 20 years. Possible or probable TSEs undergo a mandatory autopsy using a standardized protocol. From 2001 to 2020, 305 cases of sporadic and genetic TSEs including 8 rare cases of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) were confirmed. Additionally, in the Czech Republic, brain samples from all corneal donors have been tested by the NRL immunology laboratory to increase the safety of corneal transplants since January 2007. All tested 6590 corneal donor brain tissue samples were negative for prion protein deposits. Moreover, the routine use of diagnostic criteria including biomarkers are robust enough, and not even the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted TSEs surveillance in the Czech Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol Jankovska
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, 14059 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (E.P.); (T.O.); (R.M.)
| | - Robert Rusina
- Department of Neurology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, 14059 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Magdalena Bruzova
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, 14059 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (E.P.); (T.O.); (R.M.)
| | - Eva Parobkova
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, 14059 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (E.P.); (T.O.); (R.M.)
| | - Tomas Olejar
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, 14059 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (E.P.); (T.O.); (R.M.)
| | - Radoslav Matej
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, 14059 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.B.); (E.P.); (T.O.); (R.M.)
- Department of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and General University Hospital, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, 10034 Prague, Czech Republic
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Pogue AI, Lukiw WJ. microRNA-146a-5p, Neurotropic Viral Infection and Prion Disease (PrD). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179198. [PMID: 34502105 PMCID: PMC8431499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain and central nervous system (CNS) harbor a select sub-group of potentially pathogenic microRNAs (miRNAs), including a well-characterized NF-kB-sensitive Homo sapiens microRNA hsa-miRNA-146a-5p (miRNA-146a). miRNA-146a is significantly over-expressed in progressive and often lethal viral- and prion-mediated and related neurological syndromes associated with progressive inflammatory neurodegeneration. These include ~18 different viral-induced encephalopathies for which data are available, at least ~10 known prion diseases (PrD) of animals and humans, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other sporadic and progressive age-related neurological disorders. Despite the apparent lack of nucleic acids in prions, both DNA- and RNA-containing viruses along with prions significantly induce miRNA-146a in the infected host, but whether this represents part of the host’s adaptive immunity, innate-immune response or a mechanism to enable the invading prion or virus a successful infection is not well understood. Current findings suggest an early and highly interactive role for miRNA-146a: (i) as a major small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) regulator of innate-immune responses and inflammatory signaling in cells of the human brain and CNS; (ii) as a critical component of the complement system and immune-related neurological dysfunction; (iii) as an inducible sncRNA of the brain and CNS that lies at a critical intersection of several important neurobiological adaptive immune response processes with highly interactive associations involving complement factor H (CFH), Toll-like receptor pathways, the innate-immunity, cytokine production, apoptosis and neural cell decline; and (iv) as a potential biomarker for viral infection, TSE and AD and other neurological diseases in both animals and humans. In this report, we review the recent data supporting the idea that miRNA-146a may represent a novel and unique sncRNA-based biomarker for inflammatory neurodegeneration in multiple species. This paper further reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the nature and mechanism of miRNA-146a in viral and prion infection of the human brain and CNS with reference to AD wherever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter J. Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence:
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Bakal JA, Charlton CL, Hlavay B, Jansen GH, Svenson LW, Power C. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: population-wide incidences, comorbidities, costs of care, and outcomes. J Neurovirol 2021; 27:476-481. [PMID: 33978904 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-021-00983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders associated with chronic infections are often progressive as well as challenging to diagnose and manage. Among 4.4 million persons from 2004 to 2019 receiving universal health, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, n = 58) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD, n = 93) cases were identified, revealing stable yearly incidence rates with divergent comorbidities: HIV/AIDS affected 37.8% of PML cases while cerebrovascular disease affected 26.9% of CJD cases. Most CJD cases died within 1 year (73%) although PML cases lived beyond 5 years (34.1%) despite higher initial costs of care. PML and CJD represent important neurological disorders with evolving risk variables and impact on health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Bakal
- Provincial Research Data Services-Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - C L Charlton
- Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ki Sheng Institute of Virology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - B Hlavay
- Department of Medicine, Medical Research Centre, University of Alberta, 6-11 Heritage, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - G H Jansen
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - L W Svenson
- Department of Medicine, Medical Research Centre, University of Alberta, 6-11 Heritage, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Analytics & Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - C Power
- Department of Medicine, Medical Research Centre, University of Alberta, 6-11 Heritage, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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13
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Jankovska N, Olejar T, Matej R. Extracellular Amyloid Deposits in Alzheimer's and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Similar Behavior of Different Proteins? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E7. [PMID: 33374972 PMCID: PMC7792617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the deposition of specific protein aggregates, both intracellularly and/or extracellularly, depending on the type of disease. The extracellular occurrence of tridimensional structures formed by amyloidogenic proteins defines Alzheimer's disease, in which plaques are composed of amyloid β-protein, while in prionoses, the same term "amyloid" refers to the amyloid prion protein. In this review, we focused on providing a detailed didactic description and differentiation of diffuse, neuritic, and burnt-out plaques found in Alzheimer's disease and kuru-like, florid, multicentric, and neuritic plaques in human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, followed by a systematic classification of the morphological similarities and differences between the extracellular amyloid deposits in these disorders. Both conditions are accompanied by the extracellular deposits that share certain signs, including neuritic degeneration, suggesting a particular role for amyloid protein toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol Jankovska
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.O.); (R.M.)
| | - Tomas Olejar
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.O.); (R.M.)
| | - Radoslav Matej
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.O.); (R.M.)
- Department of Pathology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and General University Hospital, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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14
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Yakubu UM, Catumbela CSG, Morales R, Morano KA. Understanding and exploiting interactions between cellular proteostasis pathways and infectious prion proteins for therapeutic benefit. Open Biol 2020; 10:200282. [PMID: 33234071 PMCID: PMC7729027 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals are caused by the misfolded prion protein (PrPSc), a self-propagating protein infectious agent that aggregates into oligomeric, fibrillar structures and leads to cell death by incompletely understood mechanisms. Work in multiple biological model systems, from simple baker's yeast to transgenic mouse lines, as well as in vitro studies, has illuminated molecular and cellular modifiers of prion disease. In this review, we focus on intersections between PrP and the proteostasis network, including unfolded protein stress response pathways and roles played by the powerful regulators of protein folding known as protein chaperones. We close with analysis of promising therapeutic avenues for treatment enabled by these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unekwu M Yakubu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX USA.,MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School at UTHealth, Houston, TX USA
| | - Celso S G Catumbela
- MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School at UTHealth, Houston, TX USA.,Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX USA
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX USA.,Centro integrativo de biología y química aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kevin A Morano
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX USA
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15
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Cozzi B, Bonfanti L, Canali E, Minero M. Brain Waste: The Neglect of Animal Brains. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:573934. [PMID: 33304245 PMCID: PMC7693423 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.573934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Bonfanti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Minero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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16
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Areškevičiūtė A, Broholm H, Melchior LC, Bartoletti-Stella A, Parchi P, Capellari S, Scheie D, Lund EL. Molecular Characterization of the Danish Prion Diseases Cohort With Special Emphasis on Rare and Unique Cases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:980-992. [PMID: 31553446 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to perform an updated reclassification of all definite prion disease cases with available fresh-frozen samples referred to the Danish Reference Center over the past 40 years, putting a special emphasis on the molecular characterization of novel disease subtypes. Investigation of the Danish prion diseases cohort revealed rare sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases with mixed subtypes and subtypes with previously uncharacterized white matter plaques, a new case of sporadic fatal insomnia, and 3 novel mutations, including 2 large octapeptide repeat insertions, and a point mutation in the prion protein gene. The evaluation of methionine and valine distribution at codon 129 among the prion disease patients in the cohort revealed the increased prevalence of methionine homozygotes compared to the general population. This observation was in line with the prevalence reported in other Caucasian prion disease cohort studies. Reclassification of the old prion diseases cohort revealed unique cases, the molecular characterization of which improves prion diseases classification, diagnostic accuracy, genetic counseling of affected families, and the understanding of disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aušrinė Areškevičiūtė
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Helle Broholm
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Linea C Melchior
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Bartoletti-Stella
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Piero Parchi
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabina Capellari
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - David Scheie
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva L Lund
- Department of Pathology, Danish Reference Center for Prion Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine; and Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
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17
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Prion Protein in Stem Cells: A Lipid Raft Component Involved in the Cellular Differentiation Process. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114168. [PMID: 32545192 PMCID: PMC7312503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prion protein (PrP) is an enigmatic molecule with a pleiotropic effect on different cell types; it is localized stably in lipid raft microdomains and it is able to recruit downstream signal transduction pathways by its interaction with various biochemical partners. Since its discovery, this lipid raft component has been involved in several functions, although most of the publications focused on the pathological role of the protein. Recent studies report a key role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in physiological processes, including cellular differentiation. Indeed, the PrPC, whose expression is modulated according to the cell differentiation degree, appears to be part of the multimolecular signaling pathways of the neuronal differentiation process. In this review, we aim to summarize the main findings that report the link between PrPC and stem cells.
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18
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Leiter O, Walker TL. Platelets in Neurodegenerative Conditions-Friend or Foe? Front Immunol 2020; 11:747. [PMID: 32431701 PMCID: PMC7214916 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now apparent that platelet function is more diverse than originally thought, shifting the view of platelets from blood cells involved in hemostasis and wound healing to major contributors to numerous regulatory processes across different tissues. Given their intriguing ability to store, produce and release distinct subsets of bioactive molecules, including intercellular signaling molecules and neurotransmitters, platelets may play an important role in orchestrating healthy brain function. Conversely, a number of neurodegenerative conditions have recently been associated with platelet dysfunction, further highlighting the tissue-independent role of these cells. In this review we summarize the requirements for platelet-neural cell communication with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the therapeutic potential of healthy platelets and the proteins which they release to counteract these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odette Leiter
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tara L Walker
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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19
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Gavín R, Lidón L, Ferrer I, del Río JA. The Quest for Cellular Prion Protein Functions in the Aged and Neurodegenerating Brain. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030591. [PMID: 32131451 PMCID: PMC7140396 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular (also termed ‘natural’) prion protein has been extensively studied for many years for its pathogenic role in prionopathies after misfolding. However, neuroprotective properties of the protein have been demonstrated under various scenarios. In this line, the involvement of the cellular prion protein in neurodegenerative diseases other than prionopathies continues to be widely debated by the scientific community. In fact, studies on knock-out mice show a vast range of physiological functions for the protein that can be supported by its ability as a cell surface scaffold protein. In this review, we first summarize the most commonly described roles of cellular prion protein in neuroprotection, including antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities and modulation of glutamate receptors. Second, in light of recently described interaction between cellular prion protein and some amyloid misfolded proteins, we will also discuss the molecular mechanisms potentially involved in protection against neurodegeneration in pathologies such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalina Gavín
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Science Park of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.L.); (J.A.d.R.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Ciberned), 28031 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-4031185
| | - Laia Lidón
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Science Park of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.L.); (J.A.d.R.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Ciberned), 28031 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidre Ferrer
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Ciberned), 28031 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Senior Consultant, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Science Park of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (L.L.); (J.A.d.R.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (Ciberned), 28031 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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