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Agamennone M, Storchi L, Marrone A, Paciotti R. Hampering the early aggregation of PrP-E200K protein by charge-based inhibitors: a computational study. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2021; 35:751-770. [PMID: 34110550 PMCID: PMC8213589 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-021-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A multilayered computational workflow was designed to identify a druggable binding site on the surface of the E200K pathogenic mutant of the human prion protein, and to investigate the effect of the binding of small molecules in the inhibition of the early aggregation of this protein. At this purpose, we developed an efficient computational tool to scan the molecular interaction properties of a whole MD trajectory, thus leading to the characterization of plausible binding regions on the surface of PrP-E200K. These structural data were then employed to drive structure-based virtual screening and fragment-based approaches to the seeking of small molecular binders of the PrP-E200K. Six promising compounds were identified, and their binding stabilities were assessed by MD simulations. Therefore, analyses of the molecular electrostatic potential similarity between the bound complexes and unbound protein evidenced their potential activity as charged-based inhibitors of the PrP-E200K early aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loriano Storchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Molecular Discovery Limited, Middlesex, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Paciotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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Bernardi L, Bruni AC. Mutations in Prion Protein Gene: Pathogenic Mechanisms in C-Terminal vs. N-Terminal Domain, a Review. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3606. [PMID: 31340582 PMCID: PMC6678283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited mutations in the Prion protein (PrP), encoded by the PRNP gene, have been associated with autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders, such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD), Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS), and Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI). Notably, PRNP mutations have also been described in clinical pictures resembling other neurodegenerative diseases, such as frontotemporal dementia. Regarding the pathogenesis, it has been observed that these point mutations are located in the C-terminal region of the PRNP gene and, currently, the potential significance of the N-terminal domain has largely been underestimated. The purpose of this report is to review and provide current insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of PRNP mutations, emphasizing the differences between the C- and N-terminal regions and focusing, in particular, on the lesser-known flexible N-terminal, for which recent biophysical evidence has revealed a physical interaction with the globular C-terminal domain of the cellular prion protein (PrPC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Bernardi
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASP Catanzaro, 88046 Lamezia Terme (CZ), Italy
| | - Amalia C Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASP Catanzaro, 88046 Lamezia Terme (CZ), Italy.
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Paciotti R, Storchi L, Marrone A. An insight of early PrP-E200K aggregation by combined molecular dynamics/fragment molecular orbital approaches. Proteins 2018; 87:51-61. [PMID: 30367504 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Unveiling the events leading to the formation of prion particles is a nowadays challenge in the field of neurochemistry. Pathogenic mutants of prion protein (PrP) are characterized by both an intrinsic tendency to aggregation and scrapie conversion propensity. However, the question about a possible correlation between these two events lasts still unanswered. Here, a multilayered computational workflow was employed to investigate structure, stability, and molecular interaction properties of a dimer of PrPC -E200K, a well-known mutant of the PrP that represents a reduced model of early aggregates of this protein. Based on the combination of molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical approaches, this study provided for an in depth insight of PrPC -E200K dimer in terms of residue-residue interactions. Assembly hypotheses for the early aggregation of PrPC -E200K are paved and compared with PrPSc models reported in the literature to find a structural link between early and late (scrapie) aggregates of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Paciotti
- Department of Pharmacy, Università "G d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Loriano Storchi
- Department of Pharmacy, Università "G d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Discovery Limited, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom.,ISTM - CNR, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Pharmacy, Università "G d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Landemberger MC, de Oliveira GP, Machado CF, Gollob KJ, Martins VR. Loss of STI1-mediated neuronal survival and differentiation in disease-associated mutations of prion protein. J Neurochem 2018; 145:409-416. [PMID: 29337365 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC ) is widely expressed and displays a variety of well-described functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Mutations of the PRNP gene are known to promote genetic human spongiform encephalopathies, but the components of gain- or loss-of-function mutations to PrPC remain a matter for debate. Among the proteins described to interact with PrPC is Stress-inducible protein 1 (STI1), a co-chaperonin that is secreted from astrocytes and triggers neuroprotection and neuritogenesis through its interaction with PrPC . In this work, we evaluated the impact of different PrPC pathogenic point mutations on signaling pathways induced by the STI1-PrPC interaction. We found that some of the pathogenic mutations evaluated herein induce partial or total disruption of neuritogenesis and neuroprotection mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase A (PKA) signaling triggered by STI1-PrPC engagement. A pathogenic mutant PrPC that lacked both neuroprotection and neuritogenesis activities fail to promote negative dominance upon wild-type PrPC . Also, a STI1-α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-dependent cellular signaling was present in a PrPC mutant that maintained both neuroprotection and neuritogenesis activities similar to what has been previously observed by wild-type PrPC . These results point to a loss-of-function mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of PrPC mutations.
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Steinert JR. Prion protein as a mediator of synaptic transmission. Commun Integr Biol 2015; 8:e1063753. [PMID: 26478992 PMCID: PMC4594542 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2015.1063753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by synaptic and neuronal dysfunction which precedes general neuronal loss and subsequent cognitive or behavioral anomalies. Although the exact early cellular signaling mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases are largely unknown, a view is emerging that compromised synaptic function may underlie the initial steps in disease progression. Much recent research has been aimed at understanding these early underlying processes leading to dysfunctional synaptic signaling, as this knowledge could identify putative sites of interventions, which could potentially slow progression and delay onset of disease. We have recently reported that synaptic function in a Drosophila melanogaster model can be modulated by the presence of native mouse prion protein and this modulation is negatively affected by a mutation within the protein which is associated with the Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome, a human form of prion disease. Indeed, wild-type prion protein facilitates synaptic release, whereas the mutated form induced diminished phenotypes. It is believed that together with the gain-of-function of neurotoxic misfolded prion signaling, the lack of prion protein contributes to the pathology in prion diseases. Therefore, our study investigated a potential endogenous role of prion protein in synaptic signaling, the lack of which could resemble a lack-of-function phenotype in prion disease.
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Hirsch TZ, Hernandez-Rapp J, Martin-Lannerée S, Launay JM, Mouillet-Richard S. PrP(C) signalling in neurons: from basics to clinical challenges. Biochimie 2014; 104:2-11. [PMID: 24952348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein PrP(C) was identified over twenty-five years ago as the normal counterpart of the scrapie prion protein PrP(Sc), itself the main if not the sole component of the infectious agent at the root of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). PrP(C) is a ubiquitous cell surface protein, abundantly expressed in neurons, which constitute the targets of PrP(Sc)-mediated toxicity. Converging evidence have highlighted that neuronal, GPI-anchored PrP(C) is absolutely required for prion-induced neuropathogenesis, which warrants investigating into the normal function exerted by PrP(C) in a neuronal context. It is now well-established that PrP(C) can serve as a cell signalling molecule, able to mobilize transduction cascades in response to interactions with partners. This function endows PrP(C) with the capacity to participate in multiple neuronal processes, ranging from survival to synaptic plasticity. A diverse array of data have allowed to shed light on how this function is corrupted by PrP(Sc). Recently, amyloid Aβ oligomers, whose accumulation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), were shown to similarly instigate toxic events by deviating PrP(C)-mediated signalling. Here, we provide an overview of the various signal transduction cascades ascribed to PrP(C) in neurons, summarize how their subversion by PrP(Sc) or Aβ oligomers contributes to TSE or AD neuropathogenesis and discuss the ensuing clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Z Hirsch
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Sud 11, ED419 Biosigne, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Séverine Martin-Lannerée
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- AP-HP Service de Biochimie, Fondation FondaMental, INSERM U942 Hôpital Lariboisière, 75010 Paris, France; Pharma Research Department, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR-S1124, 75006 Paris, France.
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Robinson SW, Nugent ML, Dinsdale D, Steinert JR. Prion protein facilitates synaptic vesicle release by enhancing release probability. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:4581-96. [PMID: 24722203 PMCID: PMC4119408 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases as a result of protein misfolding. In humans, prion disease occurs typically with a sporadic origin where uncharacterized mechanisms induce spontaneous PrP(C) misfolding leading to neurotoxic PrP-scrapie formation (PrP(SC)). The consequences of misfolded PrP(C) signalling are well characterized but little is known about the physiological roles of PrP(C) and its involvement in disease. Here we investigated wild-type PrP(C) signalling in synaptic function as well as the effects of a disease-relevant mutation within PrP(C) (proline-to-leucine mutation at codon 101). Expression of wild-type PrP(C) at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction leads to enhanced synaptic responses as detected in larger miniature synaptic currents which are caused by enlarged presynaptic vesicles. The expression of the mutated PrP(C) leads to reduction of both parameters compared with wild-type PrP(C). Wild-type PrP(C) enhances synaptic release probability and quantal content but reduces the size of the ready-releasable vesicle pool. Partially, these changes are not detectable following expression of the mutant PrP(C). A behavioural test revealed that expression of either protein caused an increase in locomotor activities consistent with enhanced synaptic release and stronger muscle contractions. Both proteins were sensitive to proteinase digestion. These data uncover new functions of wild-type PrP(C) at the synapse with a disease-relevant mutation in PrP(C) leading to diminished functional phenotypes. Thus, our data present essential new information possibly related to prion pathogenesis in which a functional synaptic role of PrP(C) is compromised due to its advanced conversion into PrP(SC) thereby creating a lack-of-function scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan W Robinson
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Marie L Nugent
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - David Dinsdale
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Joern R Steinert
- MRC Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
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