1
|
Abstract
Introduction: Prion diseases are a class of rare and fatal neurodegenerative diseases for which no cure is currently available. They are characterized by conformational conversion of cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the disease-associated 'scrapie' isoform (PrPSc). Under an etiological point of view, prion diseases can be divided into acquired, genetic, and idiopathic form, the latter of which are the most frequent.Areas covered: Therapeutic approaches targeting prion diseases are based on the use of chemical and nature-based compounds, targeting either PrPC or PrPSc or other putative player in pathogenic mechanism. Other proposed anti-prion treatments include passive and active immunization strategies, peptides, aptamers, and PrPC-directed RNA interference techniques. The treatment efficacy has been mainly assessed in cell lines or animal models of the disease testing their ability to reduce prion accumulation.Expert opinion: The assessed strategies focussing on the identification of an efficient anti-prion therapy faced various issues, which go from permeation of the blood brain barrier to immunological tolerance of the host. Indeed, the use of combinatory approaches, which could boost a synergistic anti-prion effect and lower the potential side effects of single treatments and may represent an extreme powerful and feasible way to tackle prion disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Colini Baldeschi A, Vanni S, Zattoni M, Legname G. Novel regulators of PrP C expression as potential therapeutic targets in prion diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:759-776. [PMID: 32631090 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1782384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prion diseases are rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorders. The key molecular event in these disorders is the misfolding of the physiological form of the cellular prion protein, PrPC, leading to the accumulation of a pathological isoform, PrPSc, with unique features. Both isoforms share the same primary sequence, lacking detectable differences in posttranslational modification, a major hurdle for their biochemical or biophysical independent characterization. The mechanism underlying the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc is not completely understood, so finding an effective therapy to cure prion disorders is extremely challenging. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the strategies for decreasing prion replication and throws a spotlight on the relevance of PrPC in the prion accumulation process. EXPERT OPINION PrPC is the key substrate for prion pathology; hence, the most promising therapeutic approach appears to be the targeting of PrPC to block the production of the infectious isoform. The use of RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotide technologies may offer opportunities for treatment because of their success in clinical trials for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Colini Baldeschi
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Vanni
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS , Meldola, Italy
| | - Marco Zattoni
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Y, Han Y, Fang T, Chen SM, Hu X, Song L, Shen H, Dong H, Jiang YY, Zou Z, Li Y, An MM. Turning weakness into strength: Albumin nanoparticle-redirected amphotericin B biodistribution for reducing nephrotoxicity and enhancing antifungal activity. J Control Release 2020; 324:657-668. [PMID: 32446873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
As the gold standard treatment for invasive fungal infection, amphotericin B (AmB) is limited by its severe nephrotoxicity. It has been shown that AmB complex with albumin in vivo forms a sub-10 nm nanocomplex within kidney excretion size range and eventually induces the nephrotoxicity. This study presents an approach to take advantage of the "weakness" of such unique interaction between AmB and albumin to form AmB nanocomplex beyond the size range of kidney excretion. Herein, a novel strategy was developed by directly assembling molecular BSA into larger-sized nanostructures with the reconstructed intermolecular disulfide bond and hydrophobic interaction. The rich binding sites of AmB within BSA nanostructures enabled the efficient AmB loading and forming nanoparticle (AmB-NP) which exceeds the size range of kidney excretion (~ 60 nm). We found nanoassembly with BSA redirected biodistribution of AmB with a 2.8-fold reduction of drug accumulation in the kidney and significantly improved its renal impairment in mice. Furthermore, we found that nanoassembly with BSA significantly increased the biodistribution of AmB in brain and endowed it 100-folds increase in pharmacological effect against meningoencephalitis caused by common fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Together, this study not merely overcomes the nephrotoxicity of AmB using its "weakness" by a nanoassembly method, and provides a new strategy for reducing toxicity of drugs with high albumin binding rate in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ting Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Si-Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, PR China
| | - Lijun Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, PR China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1800 Yuntai Road, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Haiqing Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Yuan-Ying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zui Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai 200003, PR China.
| | - Yongyong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Mao-Mao An
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mechanism of aggregation and membrane interactions of mammalian prion protein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
5
|
Identification of Alprenolol Hydrochloride as an Anti-prion Compound Using Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:367-377. [PMID: 29704200 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1088-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative disorders of humans and animals, which are characterized by the aggregation of abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) in the central nervous system. Although several small compounds that bind to normal PrP (PrPC) have been shown to inhibit structural conversion of the protein, an effective therapy for human prion disease remains to be established. In this study, we screened 1200 existing drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for anti-prion activity using surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). Of these drugs, 31 showed strong binding activity to recombinant human PrP, and three of these reduced the accumulation of PrPSc in prion-infected cells. One of the active compounds, alprenolol hydrochloride, which is used clinically as a β-adrenergic blocker for hypertension, also reduced the accumulation of PrPSc in the brains of prion-infected mice at the middle stage of the disease when the drug was administered orally with their daily water from the day after infection. Docking simulation analysis suggested that alprenolol hydrochloride fitted into the hotspot within mouse PrPC, which is known as the most fragile structure within the protein. These findings provide evidence that SPRi is useful in identifying effective drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases caused by abnormal protein aggregation, such as prion diseases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Carter L, Kim SJ, Schneidman-Duhovny D, Stöhr J, Poncet-Montange G, Weiss TM, Tsuruta H, Prusiner SB, Sali A. Prion Protein-Antibody Complexes Characterized by Chromatography-Coupled Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering. Biophys J 2016; 109:793-805. [PMID: 26287631 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant self-assembly, induced by structural misfolding of the prion proteins, leads to a number of neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, misfolding of the mostly α-helical cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a β-sheet-rich disease-causing isoform (PrP(Sc)) is the key molecular event in the formation of PrP(Sc) aggregates. The molecular mechanisms underlying the PrP(C)-to-PrP(Sc) conversion and subsequent aggregation remain to be elucidated. However, in persistently prion-infected cell-culture models, it was shown that treatment with monoclonal antibodies against defined regions of the prion protein (PrP) led to the clearing of PrP(Sc) in cultured cells. To gain more insight into this process, we characterized PrP-antibody complexes in solution using a fast protein liquid chromatography coupled with small-angle x-ray scattering (FPLC-SAXS) procedure. High-quality SAXS data were collected for full-length recombinant mouse PrP [denoted recPrP(23-230)] and N-terminally truncated recPrP(89-230), as well as their complexes with each of two Fab fragments (HuM-P and HuM-R1), which recognize N- and C-terminal epitopes of PrP, respectively. In-line measurements by fast protein liquid chromatography coupled with SAXS minimized data artifacts caused by a non-monodispersed sample, allowing structural analysis of PrP alone and in complex with Fab antibodies. The resulting structural models suggest two mechanisms for how these Fabs may prevent the conversion of PrP(C) into PrP(Sc).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lester Carter
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
| | - Seung Joong Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Dina Schneidman-Duhovny
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jan Stöhr
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Guillaume Poncet-Montange
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas M Weiss
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
| | - Hiro Tsuruta
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
| | - Stanley B Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Andrej Sali
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Herrmann US, Schütz AK, Shirani H, Huang D, Saban D, Nuvolone M, Li B, Ballmer B, Åslund AKO, Mason JJ, Rushing E, Budka H, Nyström S, Hammarström P, Böckmann A, Caflisch A, Meier BH, Nilsson KPR, Hornemann S, Aguzzi A. Structure-based drug design identifies polythiophenes as antiprion compounds. Sci Transl Med 2015; 7:299ra123. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aab1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
8
|
Soto C, Satani N. The intricate mechanisms of neurodegeneration in prion diseases. Trends Mol Med 2015; 17:14-24. [PMID: 20889378 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of infectious neurodegenerative diseases with an entirely novel mechanism of transmission, involving a protein-only infectious agent that propagates the disease by transmitting protein conformational changes. The disease results from extensive and progressive brain degeneration. The molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration are not entirely known but involve multiple processes operating simultaneously and synergistically in the brain, including spongiform degeneration, synaptic alterations, brain inflammation, neuronal death and the accumulation of protein aggregates. Here, we review the pathways implicated in prion-induced brain damage and put the pieces together into a possible model of neurodegeneration in prion disorders. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of brain degeneration is essential to develop a much needed therapy for these devastating diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Soto
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's disease and related Brain disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Banerjee D, Sanyal S. Protein folding activity of the ribosome (PFAR) -- a target for antiprion compounds. Viruses 2014; 6:3907-24. [PMID: 25341659 PMCID: PMC4213570 DOI: 10.3390/v6103907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting mammals. Prions are misfolded amyloid aggregates of the prion protein (PrP), which form when the alpha helical, soluble form of PrP converts to an aggregation-prone, beta sheet form. Thus, prions originate as protein folding problems. The discovery of yeast prion(s) and the development of a red-/white-colony based assay facilitated safe and high-throughput screening of antiprion compounds. With this assay three antiprion compounds; 6-aminophenanthridine (6AP), guanabenz acetate (GA), and imiquimod (IQ) have been identified. Biochemical and genetic studies reveal that these compounds target ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and inhibit specifically the protein folding activity of the ribosome (PFAR). The domain V of the 23S/25S/28S rRNA of the large ribosomal subunit constitutes the active site for PFAR. 6AP and GA inhibit PFAR by competition with the protein substrates for the common binding sites on the domain V rRNA. PFAR inhibition by these antiprion compounds opens up new possibilities for understanding prion formation, propagation and the role of the ribosome therein. In this review, we summarize and analyze the correlation between PFAR and prion processes using the antiprion compounds as tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debapriya Banerjee
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box-596, BMC, Uppsala SE-75124, Sweden.
| | - Suparna Sanyal
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box-596, BMC, Uppsala SE-75124, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Krejciova Z, De Sousa P, Manson J, Ironside JW, Head MW. Human tonsil-derived follicular dendritic-like cells are refractory to human prion infection in vitro and traffic disease-associated prion protein to lysosomes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2014; 184:64-70. [PMID: 24183781 PMCID: PMC3873479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms involved in human cellular susceptibility to prion infection remain poorly defined. This is due, in part, to the absence of any well characterized and relevant cultured human cells susceptible to infection with human prions, such as those involved in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, prion replication is thought to occur first in the lymphoreticular system and then spread into the brain. We have, therefore, examined the susceptibility of a human tonsil-derived follicular dendritic cell-like cell line (HK) to prion infection. HK cells were found to display a readily detectable, time-dependent increase in cell-associated abnormal prion protein (PrP(TSE)) when exposed to medium spiked with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease brain homogenate, resulting in a coarse granular perinuclear PrP(TSE) staining pattern. Despite their high level of cellular prion protein expression, HK cells failed to support infection, as judged by longer term maintenance of PrP(TSE) accumulation. Colocalization studies revealed that exposure of HK cells to brain homogenate resulted in increased numbers of detectable lysosomes and that these structures immunostained intensely for PrP(TSE) after exposure to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease brain homogenate. Our data suggest that human follicular dendritic-like cells and perhaps other human cell types are able to avoid prion infection by efficient lysosomal degradation of PrP(TSE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Krejciova
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul De Sousa
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Manson
- Neurobiology Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - James W Ironside
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark W Head
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asante EA, Linehan JM, Smidak M, Tomlinson A, Grimshaw A, Jeelani A, Jakubcova T, Hamdan S, Powell C, Brandner S, Wadsworth JDF, Collinge J. Inherited prion disease A117V is not simply a proteinopathy but produces prions transmissible to transgenic mice expressing homologous prion protein. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003643. [PMID: 24086135 PMCID: PMC3784465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prions are infectious agents causing fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals. In humans, these have sporadic, acquired and inherited aetiologies. The inherited prion diseases are caused by one of over 30 coding mutations in the human prion protein (PrP) gene (PRNP) and many of these generate infectious prions as evidenced by their experimental transmissibility by inoculation to laboratory animals. However, some, and in particular an extensively studied type of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) caused by a PRNP A117V mutation, are thought not to generate infectious prions and instead constitute prion proteinopathies with a quite distinct pathogenetic mechanism. Multiple attempts to transmit A117V GSS have been unsuccessful and typical protease-resistant PrP (PrP(Sc)), pathognomonic of prion disease, is not detected in brain. Pathogenesis is instead attributed to production of an aberrant topological form of PrP, C-terminal transmembrane PrP ((Ctm)PrP). Barriers to transmission of prion strains from one species to another appear to relate to structural compatibility of PrP in host and inoculum and we have therefore produced transgenic mice expressing human 117V PrP. We found that brain tissue from GSS A117V patients did transmit disease to these mice and both the neuropathological features of prion disease and presence of PrP(Sc) was demonstrated in the brains of recipient transgenic mice. This PrP(Sc) rapidly degraded during laboratory analysis, suggesting that the difficulty in its detection in patients with GSS A117V could relate to post-mortem proteolysis. We conclude that GSS A117V is indeed a prion disease although the relative contributions of (Ctm)PrP and prion propagation in neurodegeneration and their pathogenetic interaction remains to be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A. Asante
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Linehan
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Smidak
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Tomlinson
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Grimshaw
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asif Jeelani
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana Jakubcova
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shyma Hamdan
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Powell
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. F. Wadsworth
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Z, Gever JR, Rao S, Widjaja K, Prusiner SB, Silber BM. Discovery and Preliminary SAR of Arylpiperazines as Novel, Brainpenetrant Antiprion Compounds. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:397-401. [PMID: 23847718 DOI: 10.1021/ml300472n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and kuru in humans, BSE in cattle, and scrapie in sheep. Such illnesses are caused by the conversion and accumulation of a misfolded pathogenic isoform (termed PrPSc) of a normally benign, host cellular protein, denoted PrPC. We employed high-throughput screening (HTS) ELISAs to evaluate compounds for their ability to reduce the level of PrPSc in Rocky Mountain Laboratory (RML) prion-infected mouse neuroblastoma cells (ScN2a-cl3). Arylpiperazines were among the active compounds identified but the initial hits suffered from low potency and poor drug-likeness. The best of those hits, such as 1, 7, 13, and 19, displayed moderate antiprion activity with EC50 values in the micromolar range. Key analogs were designed and synthesized based on the SAR, with analogs 41, 44, 46, and 47 found to have sub-micromolar potency. Analogs 41 and 44 were able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and achieved excellent drug concentrations in the brains of mice after oral dosing. These compounds represent good starting points for further lead optimization in our pursuit of potential drug candidates for the treatment of prion diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Institute
for Neurodegenerative Diseases, ‡Department of Neurology, and §Department of Bioengineering and
Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Joel R. Gever
- Institute
for Neurodegenerative Diseases, ‡Department of Neurology, and §Department of Bioengineering and
Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Satish Rao
- Institute
for Neurodegenerative Diseases, ‡Department of Neurology, and §Department of Bioengineering and
Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Kartika Widjaja
- Institute
for Neurodegenerative Diseases, ‡Department of Neurology, and §Department of Bioengineering and
Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Stanley B. Prusiner
- Institute
for Neurodegenerative Diseases, ‡Department of Neurology, and §Department of Bioengineering and
Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - B. Michael Silber
- Institute
for Neurodegenerative Diseases, ‡Department of Neurology, and §Department of Bioengineering and
Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lamontagne J, Mills C, Mao R, Goddard C, Cai D, Guo H, Cuconati A, Block T, Lu X. Screening and identification of compounds with antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus using a safe compound library and novel real-time immune-absorbance PCR-based high throughput system. Antiviral Res 2013; 98:19-26. [PMID: 23415884 PMCID: PMC3628437 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There are now seven nucleoside/tide analogues, along with interferon-α, that are approved by the FDA for the management of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a disease affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. These medications, however, are limited in usefulness, and significant side effects and the emergence of viral escape mutants make the development of novel and updated therapeutics a pressing need in the treatment of HBV. With this in mind, a library containing 2000 compounds already known to be safe in both humans and mice with known mechanisms of action in mammalian cells were tested for the possibility of either antiviral activity against HBV or selective toxicity in HBV producing cell lines. A modified real-time immune-absorbance-polymerase chain reaction (IA-PCR) assay was developed for this screen, utilizing cells that produce and secrete intact HBV virions. In this procedure, viral particles are first captured by an anti-HBs antibody immobilized on a plate. The viral load is subsequently assessed by real-time PCR directly on captured particles. Using this assay, eight compounds were shown to consistently reduce the amount of secreted HBV viral particles in the culture medium under conditions that had no detectable impact on cell viability. Two compounds, proparacaine and chlorophyllide, were shown to reduce HBV levels 4- to 6-fold with an IC₅₀ of 1 and 1.5 μM, respectively, and were selected for further study. The identification of these compounds as promising antiviral drug candidates against HBV, despite a lack of previous recognition of HBV antiviral activity, supports the validity and utility of testing known compounds for "off-pathogen target" activity against HBV, and also validates this IA-PCR assay as an important tool for the detection of anti-viral activity against enveloped viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Lamontagne
- Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, Doylestown, PA 18902
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Drexel University, College of medicine. Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Courtney Mills
- Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Richeng Mao
- Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Cally Goddard
- Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Dawei Cai
- Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Haitao Guo
- Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Andy Cuconati
- Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Timothy Block
- Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, Doylestown, PA 18902
- Drexel Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Doylestown, PA 18902
| | - Xuanyong Lu
- Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, Doylestown, PA 18902
- ImCare Biotech, Doylestown, PA 18902
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Unique drug screening approach for prion diseases identifies tacrolimus and astemizole as antiprion agents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:7044-9. [PMID: 23576755 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1303510110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) are incurable and rapidly fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Because prion protein (PrP) is necessary for prion replication but dispensable for the host, we developed the PrP-FRET-enabled high throughput assay (PrP-FEHTA) to screen for compounds that decrease PrP expression. We screened a collection of drugs approved for human use and identified astemizole and tacrolimus, which reduced cell-surface PrP and inhibited prion replication in neuroblastoma cells. Tacrolimus reduced total cellular PrP levels by a nontranscriptional mechanism. Astemizole stimulated autophagy, a hitherto unreported mode of action for this pharmacophore. Astemizole, but not tacrolimus, prolonged the survival time of prion-infected mice. Astemizole is used in humans to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis in a chronic setting. Given the absence of any treatment option for CJD patients and the favorable drug characteristics of astemizole, including its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it may be considered as therapy for CJD patients and for prophylactic use in familial prion diseases. Importantly, our results validate PrP-FEHTA as a method to identify antiprion compounds and, more generally, FEHTA as a unique drug discovery platform.
Collapse
|
15
|
Mura E, Suman M, Montelli S, Peruffo A, Cozzi B, Farina V. Characterization of an established endothelial cell line from primary cultures of fetal sheep hypothalamus. Res Vet Sci 2012. [PMID: 23186802 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Immortalized cell lines from fetal brain are an experimental model for studying the in vitro molecular pathways regulating neural cell differentiation and the development of neural networks. The procedures are described to obtain an established cell line from the 90-day old fetal sheep hypothalamus. Viral oncogene LT-SV40 transformation was used to isolate a stable cell line (ENOS-01) that was characterized immunocytochemically. Immortalized cells can be classified as an endothelial cell line of hypothalamic microvasculature. Furthermore, mRNA expression and immunocytochemical of estrogen receptors α and β were also evaluated. Since it is known that cerebral vessels are directly targeted by sex steroids, our established cell line represents an alternative system to study estradiol/receptor interactions during brain development. Our in vitro model can provide a tool to investigate the complex relationships among the cell types forming the blood-brain barrier, which is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of sheep transmissible neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Mura
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Safety, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gavrin LK, Denny RA, Saiah E. Small Molecules That Target Protein Misfolding. J Med Chem 2012; 55:10823-43. [DOI: 10.1021/jm301182j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Krim Gavrin
- BioTherapeutics
Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, 200 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Rajiah Aldrin Denny
- BioTherapeutics
Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, 200 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Eddine Saiah
- BioTherapeutics
Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, 200 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02140, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Johnson CJ, Bennett JP, Biro SM, Duque-Velasquez JC, Rodriguez CM, Bessen RA, Rocke TE. Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19836. [PMID: 21589935 PMCID: PMC3092769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease-associated prion protein (PrPTSE), the probable
etiological agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), is
resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment. Lichens,
mutualistic symbioses containing fungi, algae, bacteria and occasionally
cyanobacteria, are ubiquitous in the environment and have evolved unique
biological activities allowing their survival in challenging ecological niches.
We investigated PrPTSE inactivation by lichens and found acetone
extracts of three lichen species (Parmelia sulcata,
Cladonia rangiferina and Lobaria
pulmonaria) have the ability to degrade prion protein (PrP) from
TSE-infected hamsters, mice and deer. Immunoblots measuring PrP levels and
protein misfolding cyclic amplification indicated at least two logs of
reductions in PrPTSE. Degradative activity was not found in closely
related lichen species or in algae or a cyanobacterium that inhabit lichens.
Degradation was blocked by Pefabloc SC, a serine protease inhibitor, but not
inhibitors of other proteases or enzymes. Additionally, we found that PrP levels
in PrPTSE-enriched preps or infected brain homogenates are also
reduced following exposure to freshly-collected P. sulcata or
an aqueous extract of the lichen. Our findings indicate that these lichen
extracts efficiently degrade PrPTSE and suggest that some lichens
could have potential to inactivate TSE infectivity on the landscape or be a
source for agents to degrade prions. Further work to clone and characterize the
protease, assess its effect on TSE infectivity and determine which organism or
organisms present in lichens produce or influence the protease activity is
warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Johnson
- Prion Research Laboratory, United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bjorndahl TC, Zhou GP, Liu X, Perez-Pineiro R, Semenchenko V, Saleem F, Acharya S, Bujold A, Sobsey CA, Wishart DS. Detailed biophysical characterization of the acid-induced PrP(c) to PrP(β) conversion process. Biochemistry 2011; 50:1162-73. [PMID: 21189021 DOI: 10.1021/bi101435c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Prions are believed to spontaneously convert from a native, monomeric highly helical form (called PrP(c)) to a largely β-sheet-rich, multimeric and insoluble aggregate (called PrP(sc)). Because of its large size and insolubility, biophysical characterization of PrP(sc) has been difficult, and there are several contradictory or incomplete models of the PrP(sc) structure. A β-sheet-rich, soluble intermediate, called PrP(β), exhibits many of the same features as PrP(sc) and can be generated using a combination of low pH and/or mild denaturing conditions. Studies of the PrP(c) to PrP(β) conversion process and of PrP(β) folding intermediates may provide insights into the structure of PrP(sc). Using a truncated, recombinant version of Syrian hamster PrP(β) (shPrP(90-232)), we used NMR spectroscopy, in combination with other biophysical techniques (circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and proteinase K digestion), to characterize the pH-driven PrP(c) to PrP(β) conversion process in detail. Our results show that below pH 2.8 the protein oligomerizes and conversion to the β-rich structure is initiated. At pH 1.7 and above, the oligomeric protein can recover its native monomeric state through dialysis to pH 5.2. However, when conversion is completed at pH 1.0, the large oligomer "locks down" irreversibly into a stable, β-rich form. At pH values above 3.0, the protein is amenable to NMR investigation. Chemical shift perturbations, NOE, amide line width, and T(2) measurements implicate the putative "amylome motif" region, "NNQNNF" as the region most involved in the initial helix-to-β conversion phase. We also found that acid-induced PrP(β) oligomers could be converted to fibrils without the use of chaotropic denaturants. The latter finding represents one of the first examples wherein physiologically accessible conditions (i.e., only low pH) were used to achieve PrP conversion and fibril formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trent C Bjorndahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E8
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mukherjee A, Morales-Scheihing D, Gonzalez-Romero D, Green K, Taglialatela G, Soto C. Calcineurin inhibition at the clinical phase of prion disease reduces neurodegeneration, improves behavioral alterations and increases animal survival. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1001138. [PMID: 20949081 PMCID: PMC2951383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a long pre-symptomatic phase followed by rapid and progressive clinical phase. Although rare in humans, the unconventional infectious nature of the disease raises the potential for an epidemic. Unfortunately, no treatment is currently available. The hallmark event in prion diseases is the accumulation of a misfolded and infectious form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)). Previous reports have shown that PrP(Sc) induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and changes in calcium homeostasis in the brain of affected individuals. In this study we show that the calcium-dependent phosphatase Calcineurin (CaN) is hyperactivated both in vitro and in vivo as a result of PrP(Sc) formation. CaN activation mediates prion-induced neurodegeneration, suggesting that inhibition of this phosphatase could be a target for therapy. To test this hypothesis, prion infected wild type mice were treated intra-peritoneally with the CaN inhibitor FK506 at the clinical phase of the disease. Treated animals exhibited reduced severity of the clinical abnormalities and increased survival time compared to vehicle treated controls. Treatment also led to a significant increase in the brain levels of the CaN downstream targets pCREB and pBAD, which paralleled the decrease of CaN activity. Importantly, we observed a lower degree of neurodegeneration in animals treated with the drug as revealed by a higher number of neurons and a lower quantity of degenerating nerve cells. These changes were not dependent on PrP(Sc) formation, since the protein accumulated in the brain to the same levels as in the untreated mice. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of neurodegeneration in prion diseases and more importantly may provide a novel strategy for therapy that is beneficial at the clinical phase of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhisek Mukherjee
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Diego Morales-Scheihing
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dennisse Gonzalez-Romero
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristi Green
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Claudio Soto
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Prion diseases are disorders affecting the central nervous system caused by alterations in the conformation of the cellular prion protein. They can be sporadic, hereditary, or acquired and usually present with myoclonus and rapidly progressive dementia in human patients. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and laboratory testing of prion diseases with a primary focus on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Collapse
|
21
|
Efficacy of novel acridine derivatives in the inhibition of hPrP90-231 prion protein fragment toxicity. Neurotox Res 2010; 19:556-74. [PMID: 20405353 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-010-9189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Quinacrine is one of the few molecules tested to treat patients affected by prion diseases, although the clinical outcome is largely unsatisfactory. To identify novel derivatives with higher neuroprotective activity, we evaluated the effects of a small library of acridine derivatives. The 6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine derivatives bearing on position 9 a quinolizidin-1-ylamino (Q1, Q2) or a quinolizidin-1-ylalkylamino residue (Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7), the thio-bioisoster of Q3 (Q5), the 9-(N-lupinylthiopropyl)amino derivative (Q8) and simple acridines (Q9 and Q10) were considered. We compared the effects of quinacrine and these novel analogues in the inhibition of the cytotoxic activity and protease K (PK) resistance of the human prion protein fragment 90-231 (hPrP90-231). We demonstrate that quinacrine caused a significant reduction of hPrP90-231 toxicity due to its binding to the fragment and the prevention of its conversion in a toxic isoform. All acridine derivatives analyzed showed high affinity binding for hPrP90-231, but only Q3 and Q10, caused a significant reduction of hPrP90-231 cytotoxicity, with higher efficacy than quinacrine. We attempted to correlate the cytoprotective effects of the new compounds with some biochemical parameters (binding affinity to hPrP90-231, intrinsic fluorescence quenching, hydrophobic amino acid exposure), but a direct relationship occurred only with the reduction of PK resistance, likely due to the prevention of the acquisition of the β-sheet-rich toxic conformation. These data represent interesting leads for further modifications of the basic side chain and the substituent pattern of the acridine nucleus to develop novel compounds with improved antiprion activity to be tested in in vivo experimental setting.
Collapse
|
22
|
Fischer M, Appelhans D, Schwarz S, Klajnert B, Bryszewska M, Voit B, Rogers M. Influence of Surface Functionality of Poly(propylene imine) Dendrimers on Protease Resistance and Propagation of the Scrapie Prion Protein. Biomacromolecules 2010; 11:1314-25. [DOI: 10.1021/bm100101s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Fischer
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dietmar Appelhans
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Simona Schwarz
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Klajnert
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Bryszewska
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Brigitte Voit
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mark Rogers
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany, and Department of General Biophysics, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha Street, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Alexandrenne C, Wijkhuisen A, Dkhissi F, Hanoux V, Priam F, Allard B, Boquet D, Couraud JY. Electrotransfer of cDNA Coding for a Heterologous Prion Protein Generates Autoantibodies Against Native Murine Prion Protein in Wild-Type Mice. DNA Cell Biol 2010; 29:121-31. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2009.0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Alexandrenne
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anne Wijkhuisen
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Fatima Dkhissi
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Hanoux
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Priam
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Allard
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Didier Boquet
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Yves Couraud
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Feraudet-Tarisse C, Andreoletti O, Morel N, Simon S, Lacroux C, Mathey J, Lamourette P, Relano A, Torres JM, Creminon C, Grassi J. Immunotherapeutic effect of anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies in transmissible spongiform encephalopathy mouse models: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis. J Gen Virol 2010; 91:1635-45. [DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.018077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
|
25
|
Abstract
Human prion diseases are sometimes difficult to diagnose because few clinical features distinguish them reliably from other neurological disorders. A new study suggests that analysis of movement disorders might contribute to the clinical differentiation of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from Alzheimer disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Prions are infectious proteins responsible for a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases called TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) or prion diseases. In mammals, prions reproduce themselves by recruiting the normal cellular protein PrP(C) and inducing its conversion into the disease-causing isoform denominated PrP(Sc). Recently, anti-prion antibodies have been shown to permanently cure prion-infected cells. However, the inability of full-length antibodies and proteins to cross the BBB (blood-brain barrier) hampers their use in the therapy of TSEs in vivo. Alternatively, brain delivery of prion-specific scFv (single-chain variable fragment) by AAV (adeno-associated virus) transfer delays the onset of the disease in infected mice, although protection is not complete. We investigated the anti-prion effects of a recombinant anti-PrP (D18) scFv by direct addition to scrapie-infected cell cultures or by infection with both lentivirus and AAV-transducing vectors. We show that recombinant anti-PrP scFv is able to reduce proteinase K-resistant PrP content in infected cells. In addition, we demonstrate that lentiviruses are more efficient than AAV in gene transfer of the anti-PrP scFv gene and in reducing PrP(Sc) content in infected neuronal cell lines. Finally, we have used a bioinformatic approach to construct a structural model of the D18scFv-PrP(C) complex. Interestingly, according to the docking results, Arg(PrP)(151) (Arg(151) from prion protein) is the key residue for the interactions with D18scFv, anchoring the PrP(C) to the cavity of the antibody. Taken together, these results indicate that combined passive and active immunotherapy targeting PrP might be promising strategies for therapeutic intervention in prion diseases.
Collapse
|
27
|
Corsaro A, Thellung S, Chiovitti K, Villa V, Simi A, Raggi F, Paludi D, Russo C, Aceto A, Florio T. Dual modulation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase activities induced by minocycline reverses the neurotoxic effects of the prion protein fragment 90-231. Neurotox Res 2009; 15:138-54. [PMID: 19384577 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 08/15/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several in vitro and in vivo studies addressed the identification of molecular determinants of the neuronal death induced by PrP(Sc) or related peptides. We developed an experimental model to assess PrP(Sc) neurotoxicity using a recombinant polypeptide encompassing amino acids 90-231 of human PrP (hPrP90-231) that corresponds to the protease-resistant core of PrP(Sc) identified in prion-infected brains. By means of mild thermal denaturation, we can convert hPrP90-231 from a PrP(C)-like conformation into a PrP(Sc)-like structure. In virtue of these structural changes, hPrP90-231 powerfully affected the survival of SH-SY5Y cells, inducing caspase 3 and p38-dependent apoptosis, while in the native alpha-helix-rich conformation, hPrP90-231 did not induce cell toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify drugs able to block hPrP90-231 neurotoxic effects, focusing on minocycline, a tetracycline with known neuroprotective activity. hPrP90-231 caused a caspase 3-dependent apoptosis via the blockade of ERK1/2 activation and the subsequent activation of p38 MAP kinase. We propose that hPrP90-231-induced apoptosis is dependent on the inhibition of ERK1/2 responsiveness to neurotrophic factors, removing a tonic inhibition of p38 activity and resulting in caspase 3 activation. Minocycline prevented hPrP90-231-induced toxicity interfering with this mechanism: the pretreatment with this tetracycline restored ERK1/2 activity and reverted p38 and caspase 3 activities. The effects of minocycline were not mediated by the prevention of hPrP90-231 structural changes or cell internalization (differently from Congo Red). In conclusion, minocycline elicits anti-apoptotic effects against the neurotoxic activity of hPrP90-231 and these effects are mediated by opposite modulation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Corsaro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Department of Oncology Biology and Genetics, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 2, Genova 16132, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pflanz H, Vana K, Mitteregger G, Pace C, Messow D, Sedlaczek C, Nikles D, Kretzschmar HA, Weiss SFT. Microinjection of lentiviral vectors expressing small interfering RNAs directed against laminin receptor precursor mRNA prolongs the pre-clinical phase in scrapie-infected mice. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:269-74. [PMID: 19088298 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.004168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined therapeutic in vitro and in vivo approaches using lentivirus-based packaging of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the non-integrin laminin receptor mRNA for treatment and prevention of prion disorders. Transfection of N2aSc(+) cells with recombinant plasmids expressing three different siRNAs, significantly reduced both the LRP (laminin receptor precursor) and PrP(Sc) levels by approximately 40-60 %. Stereotactic intracerebral microinjection of recombinant lentiviral vectors LVsiRNA-LRP 7 and 9 into the cortex of C57BL/6 wild-type mice resulted in a significant reduction of the LR levels in the cortex 15 days post-injection by 62 and 82 %, respectively. Intracerebral RML inoculation of C57BL/6 mice after microinjection with recombinant lentiviral vector LVsiRNA-LRP 7 into the hippocampus resulted in a significant reduction of both LRP and PrP(Sc) levels by 36 and 41 %, respectively, concomitant with a significant prolongation of the pre-clinical phase. Lentiviral vectors expressing siRNAs targeting LRP mRNA represent a novel delivery system for the treatment of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heike Pflanz
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie - Genzentrum - Institut für Biochemie der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, D-81377 München, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Prion expression is activated by Adenovirus 5 infection and affects the adenoviral cycle in human cells. Virology 2009; 385:343-50. [PMID: 19138779 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The prion protein is a cell surface glycoprotein whose physiological role remains elusive, while its implication in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) has been demonstrated. Multiple interactions between the prion protein and viruses have been described: viruses can act as co-factors in TSEs and life cycles of different viruses have been found to be controlled by prion modulation. We present data showing that human Adenovirus 5 induces prion expression. Inactivated Adenovirus did not alter prion transcription, while variants encoding for early products did, suggesting that the prion is stimulated by an early adenoviral function. Down-regulation of the prion through RNA interference showed that the prion controls adenovirus replication and expression. These data suggest that the prion protein could play a role in the defense strategy mounted by the host during viral infection, in a cell autonomous manner. These results have implications for the study of the prion protein and of associated TSEs.
Collapse
|
30
|
Nordström E, Fisone G, Kristensson K. Opposing effects of ERK and p38-JNK MAP kinase pathways on formation of prions in GT1-1 cells. FASEB J 2008; 23:613-22. [PMID: 18824519 DOI: 10.1096/fj.08-115360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which activates the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, increases formation of prions in scrapie-infected gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GT1-1) cells. This indicates that conversion of the cellular prion protein PrP(C) to its pathogenic isoform, PrP(Sc), can be regulated by physiological stimuli acting on specific signal transduction pathways. In the present study, we examined the involvement of different mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades and the cAMP-PKA pathway in formation of proteinase K-resistant PrP(Sc) (rPrP(Sc)). Long-term depolarization of GT1-1 cells infected with the Rocky Mountain Laboratory strain of scrapie increased the formation of rPrP(Sc). This effect was associated to ERK activation and was blocked by the MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126. Treatment with forskolin caused a similar increase in rPrP(Sc) formation that was prevented by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. Both depolarization and forskolin treatment were accompanied by increased phosphorylation of the S6 ribosomal protein, while phosphorylation of histone H3 occurred only after forskolin treatment. Inhibitors of p38- and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) promoted the formation of rPrP(Sc), in contrast to the clearance of rPrP(Sc) produced by inhibitors of the ERK pathway. Thus, the ERK and the p38-JNK MAP kinase pathways appear to exert opposing effects on rPrP(Sc) formation, suggesting that balances between these intracellular signaling cascades may regulate replication of prions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elin Nordström
- Department of Neuroscience, Retzius väg 8, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-171 77 Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zuber C, Mitteregger G, Schuhmann N, Rey C, Knackmuss S, Rupprecht W, Reusch U, Pace C, Little M, Kretzschmar HA, Hallek M, Büning H, Weiss S. Delivery of single-chain antibodies (scFvs) directed against the 37/67 kDa laminin receptor into mice via recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors for prion disease gene therapy. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:2055-2061. [PMID: 18632978 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.83670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) acts as a receptor for prions providing a promising target for the treatment of prion diseases. Recently, we selected anti-LRP/LR single-chain antibodies (scFvs) and proved a reduction of the peripheral PrP(Sc) propagation by passive immunotransfer into scrapie-infected mice. Here, we report the development of an in vivo gene delivery system based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing scFvs-S18 and -N3 directed against LRP/LR. Transduction of neuronal and non-neuronal cells with recombinant (r)AAV serotype 2 vectors encoding scFv-S18, -N3 and -C9 verified the efficient secretion of the antibodies. These vectors were administered via stereotactic intracerebral microinjection into the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice, followed by intracerebral inoculation with 10 % RML at the same site 2 weeks post-injection of rAAV. After 90 days post-infection, scFv-S18 and -N3 expression resulted in the reduction of peripheral PrP(Sc) propagation by approximately 60 and 32 %, respectively, without a significant prolongation of incubation times and survival. Proof of rAAV vector DNA in spleen samples by real-time PCR strongly suggests a transport or trafficking of rAAV from the brain to the spleen, resulting in rAAV-mediated expression of scFv followed by reduced PrP(Sc) levels in the spleen most likely due to the blockage of the prion receptor LRP/LR by scFv.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Zuber
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie - Genzentrum - Institut für Biochemie der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377 München, Germany
| | - Gerda Mitteregger
- Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Natascha Schuhmann
- Universität zu Köln, Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Clémence Rey
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie - Genzentrum - Institut für Biochemie der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377 München, Germany
| | - Stefan Knackmuss
- Affimed Therapeutics AG, Technologiepark, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rupprecht
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie - Genzentrum - Institut für Biochemie der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377 München, Germany
| | - Uwe Reusch
- Affimed Therapeutics AG, Technologiepark, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Pace
- Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Melvyn Little
- Affimed Therapeutics AG, Technologiepark, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans A Kretzschmar
- Zentrum für Neuropathologie und Prionforschung der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 23, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52, 50931 Köln, Germany.,Universität zu Köln, Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Hildegard Büning
- Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin Köln, Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52, 50931 Köln, Germany.,Universität zu Köln, Klinik I für Innere Medizin, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Stefan Weiss
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie - Genzentrum - Institut für Biochemie der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377 München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Thakur AK, Rao CM. UV-light exposed prion protein fails to form amyloid fibrils. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2688. [PMID: 18628989 PMCID: PMC2442654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibril formation involves three steps; structural perturbation, nucleation and elongation. We have investigated amyloidogenesis using prion protein as a model system and UV-light as a structural perturbant. We find that UV-exposed prion protein fails to form amyloid fibrils. Interestingly, if provided with pre-formed fibrils as seeds, UV-exposed prion protein formed amyloid fibrils albeit with slightly different morphology. Atomic force microscopy and electron microscopic studies clearly show the formation of fibrils under these conditions. Circular dichroism study shows loss in helicity in UV-exposed protein. UV-exposed prion protein fails to form amyloid fibrils. However, it remains competent for fibril extension, suggesting that UV-exposure results in loss of nucleating capability. This work opens up possibility of segregating nucleation and elongation step of amyloidogenesis, facilitating screening of new drug candidates for specifically inhibiting either of these processes. In addition, the work also highlights the importance of light-induced structural and functional alterations which are important in protein based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Kumar Thakur
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ch Mohan Rao
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Human prion diseases are a group of progressive, fatal encephalopathies united by their similar neuropathological features, their potential transmissibility and a core molecular feature: a conformational change in prion protein. They exist in sporadic/idiopathic, genetic and acquired forms. The clinical features vary according to a number of factors, including cause and the prion protein genotype of the affected individual. Common features include dementia, cerebellar ataxia and involuntary movements. There is no absolute clinical diagnostic test; definitive diagnosis is neuropathological. However, MRI, electroencephalogram, cerebrospinal fluid protein tests, genetic tests and tonsil biopsy, can be very helpful in supporting a clinical diagnosis. The development of a noninvasive diagnostic test (e.g., on blood) would be very helpful in terms of easier, earlier clinical diagnosis, as well as having other applications (such as blood donor screening or population infection prevalence surveys). A relatively new technique (protein misfolding cyclic amplification) holds promise as such a test. Various therapeutic approaches have been suggested, but there is no current effective treatment and there are significant problems in the assessment of any candidate therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Knight
- National CJD Surveillance Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang W, Wu J, Li Y, Carke RC, Wong T. The In Vitro Bioassay Systems for the Amplification and Detection of Abnormal Prion PrPSc in Blood and Tissues. Transfus Med Rev 2008; 22:234-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
35
|
De Luigi A, Colombo L, Diomede L, Capobianco R, Mangieri M, Miccolo C, Limido L, Forloni G, Tagliavini F, Salmona M. The efficacy of tetracyclines in peripheral and intracerebral prion infection. PLoS One 2008; 3:e1888. [PMID: 18365024 PMCID: PMC2268013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 02/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that tetracyclines interact with and reverse the protease resistance of pathological prion protein extracted from scrapie-infected animals and patients with all forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, lowering the prion titre and prolonging survival of cerebrally infected animals. To investigate the effectiveness of these drugs as anti-prion agents Syrian hamsters were inoculated intramuscularly or subcutaneously with 263K scrapie strain at a 10−4 dilution. Tetracyclines were injected intramuscularly or intraperitoneally at the dose of 10 mg/kg. A single intramuscular dose of doxycycline one hour after infection in the same site of inoculation prolonged median survival by 64%. Intraperitoneal doses of tetracyclines every two days for 40 or 44 days increased survival time by 25% (doxycycline), 32% (tetracycline); and 81% (minocycline) after intramuscular infection, and 35% (doxycycline) after subcutaneous infection. To extend the therapeutic potential of tetracyclines, we investigated the efficacy of direct infusion of tetracyclines in advanced infection. Since intracerebroventricular infusion of tetracycline solutions can cause overt acute toxicity in animals, we entrapped the drugs in liposomes. Animals were inoculated intracerebrally with a 10−4 dilution of the 263K scrapie strain. A single intracerebroventricular infusion of 25 µg/ 20 µl of doxycycline or minocycline entrapped in liposomes was administered 60 days after inoculation, when 50% of animals showed initial symptoms of the disease. Median survival increased of 8.1% with doxycycline and 10% with minocycline. These data suggest that tetracyclines might have therapeutic potential for humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada De Luigi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Michela Mangieri
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Miccolo
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Limido
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Mario Salmona
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche “Mario Negri”, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Guo K, Mutter R, Heal W, Reddy TRK, Cope H, Pratt S, Thompson MJ, Chen B. Synthesis and evaluation of a focused library of pyridine dicarbonitriles against prion disease. Eur J Med Chem 2008; 43:93-106. [PMID: 17475368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2007.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We report the preparation and screening of a set of 55 pyridine dicarbonitriles as potential prion disease therapeutics. Use of microwave irradiation in an attempt to improve the synthesis typically led to only small enhancement in yields but gave cleaner reactions facilitating product isolation. The library was analysed for binding to human prion protein (huPrPC) by surface plasmon resonance and for inhibition of the formation of its partially protease resistant isoform PrPSc in mouse brain cells (SMB). A total of 26 compounds were found to bind to huPrPC whilst 12 showed discernable inhibition of PrPSc formation, five displaying EC(50)s in the range 2.5-9microwo compounds were found to reduce PrPSc levels to below 30% relative to an untreated control at 50nM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zuber C, Knackmuss S, Rey C, Reusch U, Röttgen P, Fröhlich T, Arnold GJ, Pace C, Mitteregger G, Kretzschmar HA, Little M, Weiss S. Single chain Fv antibodies directed against the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor as therapeutic tools in prion diseases. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:144-51. [PMID: 17576014 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2007.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2007] [Revised: 04/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are a group of neurological disorders associated with the deposition of PrP(Sc), an abnormal form of the cellular prion protein PrP(c). The 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) has been identified as a prion receptor and several lines of evidence strongly suggest that this protein plays a role during prion pathogenesis. Here we report the selection of recombinant single chain antibodies (scFvs) directed against LRP from naïve and synthetic phage scFv libraries for therapeutic application. Western blotting and FACS analysis confirmed a specific LRP/LR recognition pattern of the two selected scFvs S18 and N3. Both scFvs specifically interfered with the PrP/LRP interaction in vitro. High yield production of the scFvs of approx. 1mg/l of culture medium was achieved in E. coli. Passive immunotransfer of the scFv S18 antibody reduced PrP(Sc) levels by approx. 40% in the spleen of scrapie infected C57BL/6 mice 90 days post scFv injection, suggesting that scFv S18 interferes with peripheral PrP(Sc) propagation, without a significant prolongation of incubation and survival times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Zuber
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie-Genzentrum, Institut für Biochemie der LMU München, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, D-81377 München, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
A short review of the results of molecular modeling of prion disease is presented in this chapter. According to the "one-protein theory" proposed by Prusiner, prion proteins are misfolded naturally occurring proteins, which, on interaction with correctly folded proteins may induce misfolding and propagate the disease, resulting in insoluble amyloid aggregates in cells of affected specimens. Because of experimental difficulties in measurements of origin and growth of insoluble amyloid aggregations in cells, theoretical modeling is often the only one source of information regarding the molecular mechanism of the disease. Replica exchange Monte Carlo simulations presented in this chapter indicate that proteins in the native state, N, on interaction with an energetically higher structure, R, can change their conformation into R and form a dimer, R(2). The addition of another protein in the N state to R(2) may lead to spontaneous formation of a trimer, R(3). These results reveal the molecular basis for a model of prion disease propagation or conformational diseases in general.
Collapse
|
39
|
Cronier S, Beringue V, Bellon A, Peyrin JM, Laude H. Prion strain- and species-dependent effects of antiprion molecules in primary neuronal cultures. J Virol 2007; 81:13794-800. [PMID: 17913812 PMCID: PMC2168876 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01502-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) arise as a consequence of infection of the central nervous system by prions and are incurable. To date, most antiprion compounds identified by in vitro screening failed to exhibit therapeutic activity in animals, thus calling for new assays that could more accurately predict their in vivo potency. Primary nerve cell cultures are routinely used to assess neurotoxicity of chemical compounds. Here, we report that prion strains from different species can propagate in primary neuronal cultures derived from transgenic mouse lines overexpressing ovine, murine, hamster, or human prion protein. Using this newly developed cell system, the activity of three generic compounds known to cure prion-infected cell lines was evaluated. We show that the antiprion activity observed in neuronal cultures is species or strain dependent and recapitulates to some extent the activity reported in vivo in rodent models. Therefore, infected primary neuronal cultures may be a relevant system in which to investigate the efficacy and mode of action of antiprion drugs, including toward human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Cronier
- Unité de Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, INRA, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ouidja MO, Petit E, Kerros ME, Ikeda Y, Morin C, Carpentier G, Barritault D, Brugère-Picoux J, Deslys JP, Adjou K, Papy-Garcia D. Structure-activity studies of heparan mimetic polyanions for anti-prion therapies. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 363:95-100. [PMID: 17826736 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2007] [Accepted: 08/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polysulfated molecules, as the family of heparan mimetics (HMs) and pentosan polysulfate, are considered among the more promising drugs used in experimental models of prion diseases. Regardless of their therapeutic potential, structure-function studies on these polyanions are still missing. Here, we report the syntheses of a library of HMs of different molecular sizes, containing various sulfation and carboxylation levels, and substituted or not by different hydrophobic cores. The HMs capacities to inhibit the accumulation of PrPres in chronically infected cells (ScGT1-7) and their PrPc binding abilities were examined. Our results showed that an optimal size and sulfation degree are needed for optimum activity, that incorporation of hydrophobic moieties increases compounds efficacy and that the presence of carboxymethyl moieties decreases it. These structural features should be considered on the modelling of polyanionic compounds for optimum anti-prion activities and for advancing in the understanding the mechanisms involved in their biological actions.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lefebvre-Roque M, Kremmer E, Gilch S, Zou WQ, Féraudet C, Gilles CM, Salès N, Grassi J, Gambetti P, Baron T, Schätzl H, Lasmézas CI. Toxic effects of intracerebral PrP antibody administration during the course of BSE infection in mice. Prion 2007; 1:198-206. [PMID: 19164902 DOI: 10.4161/pri.1.3.4870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of specific immune response is a hallmark of prion diseases. However, in vitro and in vivo experiments have provided evidence that an anti-PrP humoral response could have beneficial effects. Prophylactic passive immunization performed at the time of infection delayed or prevented disease. Nonetheless, the potential therapeutic effect of PrP antibodies administered shortly before the clinical signs has never been tested in vivo. Moreover, a recent study showed the potential toxicity of PrP antibodies administered intracerebrally. We aimed at evaluating the effect of a prolonged intracerebral anti-PrP antibody administration at the time of neuroinvasion in BSE infected Tg20 mice. Unexpectedly, despite a good penetration of the antibodies in the brain parenchyma, the treatment was not protective against the development of BSE. Instead, it led to an extensive neuronal loss, strong astrogliosis and microglial activation. Since this effect was observed after injection of anti-PrP antibodies as whole IgGs, F(ab')(2) or Fab fragments, the toxicity was directly related to the ability of the antibodies to recognize native PrP and to the intracerebral concentration achieved, and not to the Fc portion or the divalence of the antibodies. This experiment shows that a prolonged treatment with anti-PrP antibodies by the intracerebral route can induce severe side-effects and calls for caution with regard to the use of similar approaches for late therapeutic interventions in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Lefebvre-Roque
- Department of Infectology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zuber C, Mitteregger G, Pace C, Zerr I, Kretzschmar HA, Weiss S. Anti-LRP/LR antibody W3 hampers peripheral PrPSc propagation in scrapie infected mice. Prion 2007; 1:207-12. [PMID: 19164931 DOI: 10.4161/pri.1.3.5273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified the 37kDa/67kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) as a cell surface receptor for the cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) and the infectious prion protein (PrP(Sc)). Recently, we showed that anti-LRP/LR antibody W3 cured scrapie infected N2a cells. Here, we demonstrate that W3 delivered by passive immunotransfer into C57BL/6 mice reduced the PrP(Sc) content in the spleen significantly by 66%, demonstrating an impairment of the peripheral PrP(Sc) propagation. In addition, we observed a 1.8-fold increase in survival of anti-LRP/LR antibody W3 treated mice (mean survival of 31 days) compared to preimmune serum treated control animals (mean survival of 17 days). We conclude that the significant effect of anti-LRP/LR antibody W3 on the reduction of peripheral PrP(Sc) propagation might be due to the blockage of the prion receptor LRP/LR which is required, as previously shown in vitro, for PrP(Sc) propagation in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Zuber
- Laboratorium für Molekulare Biologie-Genzentrum, Institut für Biochemie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat München, München, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gougoumas DD, Vizirianakis IS, Triviai IN, Tsiftsoglou AS. Activation of Prn-p gene and stable transfection of Prn-p cDNA in leukemia MEL and neuroblastoma N2a cells increased production of PrP(C) but not prevented DNA fragmentation initiated by serum deprivation. J Cell Physiol 2007; 211:551-9. [PMID: 17186498 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prion protein (PrP(C)) via its isoform PrP(SC) is involved in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). We observed that murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells arrested in phase G(1) undergo transcriptional activation of Prn-p gene. Here, we explored the potential role of activation of Prn-p gene and cytosolic accumulation of PrP(C) in growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptotic DNA fragmentation by stably transfecting MEL and N2a cells with Prn-p cDNA. Stably transfected MEL cells (clones # 6, 12, 20, 38, and 42) were assessed for growth and differentiation, while clones N2a13 and N2a8 of N2a cells for growth and apoptosis by flow cytometry using Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). Our results indicate that (a) Induction of terminal differentiation of stably transfected MEL cells led to growth arrest, activation of Prn-p gene, concomitant expression of transfected Prn-p cDNA, suppression of bax gene, cytosolic accumulation of PrP(C), and DNA fragmentation. The latter was also induced in non-differentiated MEL cells growing under serum-free conditions; (b) similarly, serum deprivation promoted growth arrest, apoptosis/necrosis associated with DNA fragmentation in parental N2a and N2a13 cells that produced relative high level of PrP(C) and not PrP(SC). These data indicate that activation of Prn-p gene and expression of transfected Prn-p cDNA in cells of both hematopoietic and neuronal origin occurred concomitantly, and led to cytosolic accumulation of PrP(C) and DNA damage induced by serum deprivation. PrP(C) production failed to protect DNA fragmentation induced by serum deprivation. The question how does PrP(C) contribute to growth arrest and DNA fragmentation is discussed.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Culture Media, Serum-Free/metabolism
- Cytosol/metabolism
- DNA Fragmentation
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide/pharmacology
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Erythroblastic, Acute/physiopathology
- Mice
- Neuroblastoma/genetics
- Neuroblastoma/metabolism
- Neuroblastoma/pathology
- Neuroblastoma/physiopathology
- PrPC Proteins/biosynthesis
- Prion Proteins
- Prions/biosynthesis
- Prions/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Time Factors
- Transcriptional Activation
- Transfection
- Up-Regulation
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios D Gougoumas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Nitschke C, Flechsig E, van den Brandt J, Lindner N, Lührs T, Dittmer U, Klein MA. Immunisation strategies against prion diseases: prime-boost immunisation with a PrP DNA vaccine containing foreign helper T-cell epitopes does not prevent mouse scrapie. Vet Microbiol 2007; 123:367-76. [PMID: 17499458 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination against prion diseases constitutes a promising approach for the treatment and prevention of the disease. Passive immunisation with antibodies binding to the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) can protect against prion disease. However, immunotherapeutic strategies with active immunisation are limited due to the immune tolerance against the self-antigen. In order to develop an anti-prion vaccine, we designed a novel DNA fusion vaccine composed of mouse PrP and immune stimulatory helper T-cell epitopes of the tetanus toxin that have previously been reported to break tolerance to other self-antigens. This approach provoked a strong PrP(C)-specific humoral and cellular immune response in PrP null mice, but only low antibody titres were found in vaccinated wild-type mice. Furthermore, prime-boost immunisation with the DNA vaccine and recombinant PrP protein increased antibody titres in PrP null mice, but failed to protect wild-type mice from mouse scrapie.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Nitschke
- Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Wuerzburg, Versbacherstr. 7, D-97078 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Larramendy-Gozalo C, Barret A, Daudigeos E, Mathieu E, Antonangeli L, Riffet C, Petit E, Papy-Garcia D, Barritault D, Brown P, Deslys JP. Comparison of CR36, a new heparan mimetic, and pentosan polysulfate in the treatment of prion diseases. J Gen Virol 2007; 88:1062-1067. [PMID: 17325382 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.82286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfated polyanions, including pentosan polysulfate (PPS) and heparan mimetics, number among the most effective drugs that have been used in experimental models of prion disease and are presumed to act in competition with endogenous heparan sulfate proteoglycans as co-receptors for prion protein (PrP) on the cell surface. PPS has been shown to prolong the survival of animals after intracerebral perfusion and is in limited use for the experimental treatment of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Here, PPS is compared with CR36, a new heparan mimetic. Ex vivo, CR36 was more efficient than PPS in reducing PrPres in scrapie-infected cell cultures and showed long-lasting activity. In vivo, CR36 showed none of the acute toxicity observed with PPS and reduced PrPres accumulation in spleens, but had only a marginal effect on the survival time of mice infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy. In contrast, mice treated with PPS that survived the initial toxic mortality had no detectable PrPres in the spleens and lived 185 days longer than controls (+55 %). These results show, once again, that anti-TSE drugs cannot be encouraged for human therapeutic trials solely on the basis of in vitro or ex vivo observations, but must first be subjected to in vivo animal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnès Barret
- CEA, IMETI/SEPIA, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - Estelle Daudigeos
- CEA, IMETI/SEPIA, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - Emilie Mathieu
- CEA, IMETI/SEPIA, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - Lucie Antonangeli
- CEA, IMETI/SEPIA, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - Cécile Riffet
- Laboratoire CRRET, CNRS FRE24-12, Université Paris XII-Val de Marne, Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France
| | | | - Dulce Papy-Garcia
- Laboratoire CRRET, CNRS FRE24-12, Université Paris XII-Val de Marne, Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France
| | | | - Paul Brown
- CEA, IMETI/SEPIA, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Deslys
- CEA, IMETI/SEPIA, 18 route du Panorama, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Heal W, Thompson MJ, Mutter R, Cope H, Louth JC, Chen B. Library synthesis and screening: 2,4-diphenylthiazoles and 2,4-diphenyloxazoles as potential novel prion disease therapeutics. J Med Chem 2007; 50:1347-53. [PMID: 17305326 DOI: 10.1021/jm0612719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorders for which no effective therapeutics are currently available. In this paper, we report on the synthesis and screening of a small library of 2,4-diphenylthiazol-5-ylamine and 2,4-diphenyloxazol-5-ylamine derivatives as potential novel prion disease therapeutics. Various synthetic strategies were investigated, including a novel phosgene-mediated cyclization of 2-N-benzoylphenylglycinonitrile, and a total of 45 compounds were synthesized. Library members were tested for both binding to prion protein (PrPC) using the surface plasmon resonance technique and for inhibition of PrPSc formation in persistently infected SMB cells. Of the compounds prepared, 15 were found to bind to human PrPC and six showed inhibition of PrPSc formation, displaying EC50s between 1.5 and 20 microM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Heal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Prion Diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-012088592-3/50044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
48
|
Morales R, Abid K, Soto C. The prion strain phenomenon: molecular basis and unprecedented features. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1772:681-91. [PMID: 17254754 PMCID: PMC2597801 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2006] [Revised: 12/09/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Prions are unconventional infectious agents responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Compelling evidences indicate that prions are composed exclusively by a misfolded form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) that replicates in the absence of nucleic acids. One of the most challenging problems for the prion hypothesis is the existence of different strains of the infectious agent. Prion strains have been characterized in most of the species. Biochemical characteristics of PrP(Sc) used to identify each strain include glycosylation profile, electrophoretic mobility, protease resistance, and sedimentation. In vivo, prion strains can be differentiated by the clinical signs, incubation period after inoculation and the lesion profiles in the brain of affected animals. Sources of prion strain diversity are the inherent conformational flexibility of the prion protein, the presence of PrP polymorphisms and inter-species transmissibility. The existence of the strain phenomenon is not only a scientific challenge, but it also represents a serious risk for public health. The dynamic nature and inter-relations between strains and the potential for the generation of a large number of new prion strains is the perfect recipe for the emergence of extremely dangerous new infectious agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Morales
- Protein Misfolding Disorders Laboratory, George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience & Cell Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0646, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karim Abid
- Protein Misfolding Disorders Laboratory, George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience & Cell Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0646, USA
| | - Claudio Soto
- Protein Misfolding Disorders Laboratory, George and Cynthia Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative diseases, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience & Cell Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0646, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lehto MT, Peery HE, Cashman NR. Current and future molecular diagnostics for prion diseases. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2006; 6:597-611. [PMID: 16824033 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.6.4.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
It is now widely held that the infectious agents underlying the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are prions, which are primarily composed of a misfolded, protease-resistant isoform of the host prion protein. Untreatable prion disorders include some human diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and diseases of economically important animals, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (cattle) and chronic wasting disease (deer and elk). Detection and diagnosis of prion disease (and presymptomatic incubation) is contingent upon developing novel assays, which exploit properties uniquely possessed by this misfolded protein complex, rather than targeting an agent-specific nucleic acid. This review highlights some of the conventional and disruptive technologies developed to respond to this challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marty T Lehto
- Amorfix Life Sciences, 3080 Yonge Street, Suite 6020, Toronto, M4N 3N1, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bach S, Tribouillard D, Talarek N, Desban N, Gug F, Galons H, Blondel M. A yeast-based assay to isolate drugs active against mammalian prions. Methods 2006; 39:72-7. [PMID: 16750390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2006.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 04/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have developed a yeast-based (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) assay to isolate drugs active against mammalian prions. The initial assumption was that mechanisms controlling prion appearance and/or propagation could be conserved from yeast to human, as it is the case for most of the major cell biology regulatory mechanisms. Indeed, the vast majority of drugs we isolated as active against both [PSI(+)] and [URE3] budding yeast prions turned out to be also active against mammalian prion in three different mammalian cell-based assays. These results strongly argue in favor of common prion controlling mechanisms conserved in eukaryotes, thus validating our yeast-based assay and also the use of budding yeast to identify antiprion compounds and to study the prion world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Bach
- CNRS, Station Biologique, UPS2682, Place G. Teissier, 29680 Roscoff, Bretagne, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|