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Calcineurin Activation by Prion Protein Induces Neurotoxicity via Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5572129. [PMID: 34394828 PMCID: PMC8363446 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5572129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are caused by PrPsc accumulation in the brain, which triggers dysfunctional mitochondrial injury and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in neurons. Recent studies on prion diseases suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by misfolding proteins such as misfolded prion protein results in activation of calcineurin. Calcineurin is a calcium-related protein phosphatase of type 2B that exists in copious quantities in the brain and acts as a critical nodal component in the control of cellular functions. To investigate the relationship between calcineurin and intracellular ROS, we assessed the alteration of CaN and ROS induced by prion peptide (PrP) 106-126. Human prion peptide increased mitochondrial ROS by activating calcineurin, and the inhibition of calcineurin activity protected mitochondrial function and neuronal apoptosis in neuronal cells. These results suggest that calcineurin plays a pivotal role in neuronal apoptosis by mediating mitochondrial injury and ROS in prion diseases.
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Moon JH, Hong JM, Park SY. The antidiabetic drug troglitazone protects against PrP (106‑126)‑induced neurotoxicity via the PPARγ‑autophagy pathway in neuronal cells. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:430. [PMID: 33846779 PMCID: PMC8047904 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases, which involve the alteration of cellular prion protein into a misfolded isoform, disrupt the central nervous systems of humans and animals alike. Prior research has suggested that peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor (PPAR)γ and autophagy provide some protection against neurodegeneration. PPARs are critical to lipid metabolism regulation and autophagy is one of the main cellular mechanisms by which cell function and homeostasis is maintained. The present study examined the effect of troglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, on autophagy flux in a prion peptide (PrP) (106–126)-mediated neurodegeneration model. Western blot analysis confirmed that treatment with troglitazone increased LC3-II and p62 protein expression, whereas an excessive increase in autophagosomes was verified by transmission electron microscopy. Troglitazone weakened PrP (106–126)-mediated neurotoxicity via PPARγ activation and autophagy flux inhibition. A PPARγ antagonist blocked PPARγ activation as well as the neuroprotective effects induced by troglitazone treatment, indicating that PPARγ deactivation impaired troglitazone-mediated protective effects. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that troglitazone protected primary neuronal cells against PrP (106–126)-induced neuronal cell death by inhibiting autophagic flux and activating PPARγ signals. These results suggested that troglitazone may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hong Moon
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Min Hong
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Youel Park
- Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
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3
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Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Neurometals in the Pathogenesis of Prion Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031267. [PMID: 33525334 PMCID: PMC7866166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are progressive and transmissive neurodegenerative diseases. The conformational conversion of normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) into abnormal pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) is critical for its infection and pathogenesis. PrPC possesses the ability to bind to various neurometals, including copper, zinc, iron, and manganese. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that PrPC plays essential roles in the maintenance of homeostasis of these neurometals in the synapse. In addition, trace metals are critical determinants of the conformational change and toxicity of PrPC. Here, we review our studies and other new findings that inform the current understanding of the links between trace elements and physiological functions of PrPC and the neurotoxicity of PrPSc.
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Bosio AG, Zambito M, Barbieri F, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Emerging Role of Cellular Prion Protein in the Maintenance and Expansion of Glioma Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111458. [PMID: 31752162 PMCID: PMC6912268 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein representing the physiological counterpart of PrP scrapie (PrPSc), which plays a pathogenetic role in prion diseases. Relatively little information is however available about physiological role of PrPC. Although PrPC ablation in mice does not induce lethal phenotypes, impairment of neuronal and bone marrow plasticity was reported in embryos and adult animals. In neurons, PrPC stimulates neurite growth, prevents oxidative stress-dependent cell death, and favors antiapoptotic signaling. However, PrPC activity is not restricted to post-mitotic neurons, but promotes cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in adult. PrPC acts as scaffold to stabilize the binding between different membrane receptors, growth factors, and basement proteins, contributing to tumorigenesis. Indeed, ablation of PrPC expression reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration and restores cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, PrPC overexpression in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from different tumors, including gliomas—the most malignant brain tumors—is predictive for poor prognosis, and correlates with relapses. The mechanisms of the PrPC role in tumorigenesis and its molecular partners in this activity are the topic of the present review, with a particular focus on PrPC contribution to glioma CSCs multipotency, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessia G. Bosio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Martina Zambito
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
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Forloni G, Chiesa R, Bugiani O, Salmona M, Tagliavini F. Review: PrP 106-126 - 25 years after. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2019; 45:430-440. [PMID: 30635947 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A quarter of a century ago, we proposed an innovative approach to study the pathogenesis of prion disease, one of the most intriguing biomedical problems that remains unresolved. The synthesis of a peptide homologous to residues 106-126 of the human prion protein (PrP106-126), a sequence present in the PrP amyloid protein of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome patients, provided a tractable tool for investigating the mechanisms of neurotoxicity. Together with several other discoveries at the beginning of the 1990s, PrP106-126 contributed to underpin the role of amyloid in the pathogenesis of protein-misfolding neurodegenerative disorders. Later, the role of oligomers on one hand and of prion-like spreading of pathology on the other further clarified mechanisms shared by different neurodegenerative conditions. Our original report on PrP106-126 neurotoxicity also highlighted a role for programmed cell death in CNS diseases. In this review, we analyse the prion research context in which PrP106-126 first appeared and the advances in our understanding of prion disease pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives 25 years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - R Chiesa
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - O Bugiani
- Department of Biochemistry, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - M Salmona
- Department of Biochemistry, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - F Tagliavini
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milano, Italy
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6
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Zhou S, Wang Q, Wang Y, Yao X, Han W, Liu H. The folding mechanism and key metastable state identification of the PrP127–147 monomer studied by molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model analysis. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:11249-11259. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp01521f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
MD simulation combined with MSM analysis was employed to investigate the structural dynamics and the folding mechanism of the key fragment 127–147 monomer of prion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qianqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine
- Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health
- Macau University of Science and Technology
- Taipa
- China
| | - Wei Han
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics
- School of Chemical biology and Biotechnology
- Beijing University Shenzhen Graduate School
- Shenzhen
- China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy
- Lanzhou University
- Lanzhou 730000
- China
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7
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Gong G, Wang W, Du W. Binuclear ruthenium complexes inhibit the fibril formation of human islet amyloid polypeptide. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra28107a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Binuclear ruthenium complexes reverse the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehui Gong
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
| | - Wenji Wang
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
| | - Weihong Du
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
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8
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Zhu D, Zhao C, Wang X, Wang W, Wang B, Du W. Roles of DMSO-type ruthenium complexes in disaggregation of prion neuropeptide PrP106–126. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra21523d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DMSO-type ruthenium complexes with aromatic ligands disaggregate the mature PrP106–126 fibrilsviametal coordination and hydrophobic interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengsen Zhu
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
| | - Wenji Wang
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
| | - Baohuai Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
- Peking University
- China
| | - Weihong Du
- Department of Chemistry
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing
- China
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9
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Wang X, Zhu D, Zhao C, He L, Du W. Inhibitory effects of NAMI-A-like ruthenium complexes on prion neuropeptide fibril formation. Metallomics 2015; 7:837-46. [PMID: 25856332 DOI: 10.1039/c5mt00029g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of infectious and fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the conformational conversion of a cellular prion protein (PrP) into its abnormal isoform PrP(Sc). PrP106-126 resembles PrP(Sc) in terms of physicochemical and biological characteristics and is used as a common model for the treatment of prion diseases. Inhibitory effects on fibril formation and neurotoxicity of the prion neuropeptide PrP106-126 have been investigated using metal complexes as potential inhibitors. Nevertheless, the binding mechanism between metal complexes and the peptide remains unclear. The present study is focused on the interaction of PrP106-126 with NAMI-A and NAMI-A-like ruthenium complexes, including KP418, KP1019, and KP1019-2. Results demonstrated that these ruthenium complexes could bind to PrP106-126 in a distinctive binding mode through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. NAMI-A-like ruthenium complexes can also effectively inhibit the aggregation and fibril formation of PrP106-126. The complex KP1019 demonstrated the optimal inhibitory ability upon peptide aggregation, and cytotoxicity because of its large aromatic ligand contribution. The studied complexes could also regulate the copper redox chemistry of PrP106-126 and effectually inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species. Given these findings, ruthenium complexes with relatively low cellular toxicity may be used to develop potential pharmaceutical products against prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Wang X, Cui M, Zhao C, He L, Zhu D, Wang B, Du W. Regulation of aggregation behavior and neurotoxicity of prion neuropeptides by platinum complexes. Inorg Chem 2014; 53:5044-54. [PMID: 24787240 DOI: 10.1021/ic500092t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases belong to a group of infectious, fatal neurodegenerative disorders. The conformational conversion of a cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into an abnormal misfolded isoform (PrP(Sc)) is the key event in prion disease pathology. PrP106-126 resembles PrP(Sc) in some physicochemical and biological characteristics, such as apoptosis induction in neurons, fibrillar formation, and mediation of the conversion of native cellular PrP(C) to PrP(Sc). Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the inhibiting methods on the aggregation and neurotoxicity of prion neuropeptide PrP106-126. We showed that PrP106-126 aggregation, as assessed by fluorescence assay and atomic force microscopy, is inhibited by platinum complexes cisplatin, carboplatin, and Pt(bpy)Cl2. ESI-MS and NMR assessments of PrP106-126 and its mutant peptides demonstrate that platinum complexes bind to the peptides in coordination and nonbonded interactions, which rely on the ligand properties and the peptide sequence. In peptides, methionine residue is preferred as a potent binding site over histidine residue for the studied platinum complexes, implying a typical thiophile characteristic of platinum. The neurotoxicity induced by PrP106-126 is better inhibited by Pt(bpy)Cl2 and cisplatin. Furthermore, the ligand configuration contributes to both the binding affinity and the inhibition of peptide aggregation. The pursuit of novel platinum candidates that selectively target prion neuropeptide is noteworthy for medicinal inorganic chemistry and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China , Beijing 100872, People's Republic of China
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11
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C-terminal peptides modelling constitutive PrPC processing demonstrate ameliorated toxicity predisposition consequent to α-cleavage. Biochem J 2014; 459:103-15. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20131378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
C-terminal fragments generated through α- and β-cleavage of PrPC appear to harbour different pathogenic potential for host cells. Most significantly, α-cleavage produces a C-terminal fragment that is resistant to folding into soluble β-strand-rich toxic isoforms.
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12
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Stoilova T, Colombo L, Forloni G, Tagliavini F, Salmona M. A new face for old antibiotics: tetracyclines in treatment of amyloidoses. J Med Chem 2013; 56:5987-6006. [PMID: 23611039 DOI: 10.1021/jm400161p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The use of tetracyclines has declined because of the appearance of resistant bacterial strains. However, the indications of nonantimicrobial activities of these drugs have considerably raised interest and triggered clinical trials for a number of different pathologies. About 10 years ago we first reported that tetracyclines inhibited the aggregation of prion protein fragments and Alzheimer's β peptides, destabilizing their aggregates and promoting their degradation by proteases. On the basis of these observations, the antiamyloidogenic effects of tetracyclines on a variety of amyloidogenic proteins were studied and confirmed by independent research groups. In this review we comment on the data available on their antiamyloidogenic activity in preclinical and clinical studies. We also put forward that the beneficial effects of these drugs are a result of a peculiar pleiotropic action, comprising their interaction with oligomers and disruption of fibrils, as well as their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Stoilova
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
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Peoc'h K, Levavasseur E, Delmont E, De Simone A, Laffont-Proust I, Privat N, Chebaro Y, Chapuis C, Bedoucha P, Brandel JP, Laquerriere A, Kemeny JL, Hauw JJ, Borg M, Rezaei H, Derreumaux P, Laplanche JL, Haïk S. Substitutions at residue 211 in the prion protein drive a switch between CJD and GSS syndrome, a new mechanism governing inherited neurodegenerative disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:5417-28. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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14
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Role of prion protein aggregation in neurotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:8648-8669. [PMID: 22942726 PMCID: PMC3430257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13078648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson, Alzheimer’s, Huntington, and prion diseases, the deposition of aggregated misfolded proteins is believed to be responsible for the neurotoxicity that characterizes these diseases. Prion protein (PrP), the protein responsible of prion diseases, has been deeply studied for the peculiar feature of its misfolded oligomers that are able to propagate within affected brains, inducing the conversion of the natively folded PrP into the pathological conformation. In this review, we summarize the available experimental evidence concerning the relationship between aggregation status of misfolded PrP and neuronal death in the course of prion diseases. In particular, we describe the main findings resulting from the use of different synthetic (mainly PrP106-126) and recombinant PrP-derived peptides, as far as mechanisms of aggregation and amyloid formation, and how these different spatial conformations can affect neuronal death. In particular, most data support the involvement of non-fibrillar oligomers rather than actual amyloid fibers as the determinant of neuronal death.
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Johanssen V, Barnham K, Masters C, Hill A, Collins S. Generating recombinant C-terminal prion protein fragments of exact native sequence. Neurochem Int 2012; 60:318-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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16
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Martínez J, Lisa S, Sánchez R, Kowalczyk W, Zurita E, Teixidó M, Giralt E, Andreu D, Avila J, Gasset M. Selenomethionine incorporation into amyloid sequences regulates fibrillogenesis and toxicity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27999. [PMID: 22132190 PMCID: PMC3222675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The capacity of a polypeptide chain to engage in an amyloid formation process and cause a conformational disease is contained in its sequence. Some of the sequences undergoing fibrillation contain critical methionine (Met) residues which in vivo can be synthetically substituted by selenomethionine (SeM) and alter their properties. Methodology/Principal Findings Using peptide synthesis, biophysical techniques and cell viability determinations we have studied the effect of the substitution of methionine (Met) by selenomethionine (SeM) on the fibrillogenesis and toxic properties of Aβ40 and HuPrP(106–140). We have found that the effects display site-specificity and vary from inhibition of fibrillation and decreased toxicity ([SeM35]Aβ40, [SeM129]HuPrP(106–140) and [SeM134]HuPrP(106–140)), retarded assembly, modulation of polymer shape and retention of toxicity ([SeM112]HuPrP(106–140) to absence of effects ([SeM109]HuPrP(106–140)). Conclusions/Significance This work provides direct evidence that the substitution of Met by SeM in proamyloid sequences has a major impact on their self-assembly and toxic properties, suggesting that the SeM pool can play a major role in dictating the allowance and efficiency of a polypeptide chain to undergo toxic polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martínez
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Sánchez
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wioleta Kowalczyk
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Zurita
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ernest Giralt
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Avila
- Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Gasset
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Inhibition of phospholipase A2 increased the removal of the prion derived peptide PrP82-146 from cultured neurons. Neuropharmacology 2010; 60:365-72. [PMID: 20934441 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prion diseases are characterised by the formation of the disease-associated isoform of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) and the production of disease-related peptides. The prion derived peptide PrP82-146 bound readily to cortical neurons and was found within detergent resistant membranes that are commonly called lipid rafts. It was not found within lysosomes and the slow degradation of PrP82-146 resulted in a half-life of approximately 5 days. In cortical neurons pre-treated with phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitors (AACOCF(3) or MAFP) less PrP82-146 entered lipid rafts, more PrP82-146 was found within lysosomes and the half-life of PrP82-146 was reduced to 24 h. Similarly, pre-treatment of neurons with platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists (Hexa-PAF and ginkgolide B) increased the entry of PrP82-146 into lysosomes and reduced its half-life. Furthermore, the addition of PAF reversed the effects of PLA(2) inhibitors on PrP82-146 trafficking. PAF controlled the amount of cholesterol in cell membranes and the effects of PAF receptor antagonists on the trafficking of PrP82-146 were reversed by the addition of cholesterol. We conclude that activation of PLA(2) and the production of PAF control a cholesterol-sensitive pathway that affects the cellular localisation and hence the fate of PrP82-146 in neurons.
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Choi JK, Jeon YC, Lee DW, Oh JM, Lee HP, Jeong BH, Carp RI, Koh YH, Kim YS. A Drosophila model of GSS syndrome suggests defects in active zones are responsible for pathogenesis of GSS syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:4474-89. [PMID: 20829230 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have established a Drosophila model of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS) syndrome by expressing mouse prion protein (PrP) having leucine substitution at residue 101 (MoPrP(P101L)). Flies expressing MoPrP(P101L), but not wild-type MoPrP (MoPrP(3F4)), showed severe defects in climbing ability and early death. Expressed MoPrP(P101L) in Drosophila was differentially glycosylated, localized at the synaptic terminals and mainly present as deposits in adult brains. We found that behavioral defects and early death of MoPrP(P101L) flies were not due to Caspase 3-dependent programmed cell death signaling. In addition, we found that Type 1 glutamatergic synaptic boutons in larval neuromuscular junctions of MoPrP(P101L) flies showed significantly increased numbers of satellite synaptic boutons. Furthermore, the amount of Bruchpilot and Discs large in MoPrP(P101L) flies was significantly reduced. Brains from scrapie-infected mice showed significantly decreased ELKS, an active zone matrix marker compared with those of age-matched control mice. Thus, altered active zone structures at the molecular level may be involved in the pathogenesis of GSS syndrome in Drosophila and scrapie-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Kyu Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, 1605-4 Gwanyangdong Dongangu, Anyang, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
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Bate C, Tayebi M, Williams A. A glycosylphosphatidylinositol analogue reduced prion-derived peptide mediated activation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2, synapse degeneration and neuronal death. Neuropharmacology 2010; 59:93-9. [PMID: 20398681 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of prion diseases includes synapse degeneration and neuronal death. Here we report that pre-treatment with glucosamine-phosphatidylinositol (glucosamine-PI), a synthetic analogue of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor that attaches the prion protein (PrP(C)) to plasma membranes, increased the resistance of cultured cortical neurones to the toxic effects of the prion-derived peptide PrP82-146. Pre-treatment with glucosamine-PI reduced the PrP82-146 induced activation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)), activation of caspase-3 and synapse degeneration. The addition of glucosamine-PI significantly increased the amount of cholesterol within neuronal membranes consistent with the hypothesis that GPI anchors sequester cholesterol. Whereas in untreated neurones PrP82-146 was found within lipid rafts, in glucosamine-PI treated neurones most PrP82-146 was found in the normal cell membrane and was rerouted into the lysosomes. Complex GPI anchors isolated from PrP(C), Thy-1 or CD55 were also protective against PrP82-146. We conclude that glucosamine-PI, or isolated GPI anchors, can modify local membrane micro-environments that are important in the initiation of signalling events that mediate PrP82-146 induced neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive Bate
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Herts, UK.
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Bate C, Tayebi M, Diomede L, Salmona M, Williams A. Glimepiride reduces the expression of PrPc, prevents PrPSc formation and protects against prion mediated neurotoxicity in cell lines. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8221. [PMID: 20011040 PMCID: PMC2784943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A hallmark of the prion diseases is the conversion of the host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a disease related, alternatively folded isoform (PrP(Sc)). The accumulation of PrP(Sc) within the brain is associated with synapse loss and ultimately neuronal death. Novel therapeutics are desperately required to treat neurodegenerative diseases including the prion diseases. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Treatment with glimepiride, a sulphonylurea approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, induced the release of PrP(C) from the surface of prion-infected neuronal cells. The cell surface is a site where PrP(C) molecules may be converted to PrP(Sc) and glimepiride treatment reduced PrP(Sc) formation in three prion infected neuronal cell lines (ScN2a, SMB and ScGT1 cells). Glimepiride also protected cortical and hippocampal neurones against the toxic effects of the prion-derived peptide PrP82-146. Glimepiride treatment significantly reduce both the amount of PrP82-146 that bound to neurones and PrP82-146 induced activation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and the production of prostaglandin E(2) that is associated with neuronal injury in prion diseases. Our results are consistent with reports that glimepiride activates an endogenous glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-phospholipase C which reduced PrP(C) expression at the surface of neuronal cells. The effects of glimepiride were reproduced by treatment of cells with phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and were reversed by co-incubation with p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonate, an inhibitor of endogenous GPI-PLC. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results indicate that glimepiride may be a novel treatment to reduce PrP(Sc) formation and neuronal damage in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive Bate
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, United Kingdom.
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Biasini E, Tapella L, Mantovani S, Stravalaci M, Gobbi M, Harris DA, Chiesa R. Immunopurification of pathological prion protein aggregates. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7816. [PMID: 19915706 PMCID: PMC2773113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders that can arise sporadically, be genetically inherited or acquired through infection. The key event in these diseases is misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into a pathogenic isoform that is rich in β-sheet structure. This conformational change may result in the formation of PrPSc, the prion isoform of PrP, which propagates itself by imprinting its aberrant conformation onto PrPC molecules. A great deal of effort has been devoted to developing protocols for purifying PrPSc for structural studies, and testing its biological properties. Most procedures rely on protease digestion, allowing efficient purification of PrP27-30, the protease-resistant core of PrPSc. However, protease treatment cannot be used to isolate abnormal forms of PrP lacking conventional protease resistance, such as those found in several genetic and atypical sporadic cases. Principal Findings We developed a method for purifying pathological PrP molecules based on sequential centrifugation and immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal antibody selective for aggregated PrP. With this procedure we purified full-length PrPSc and mutant PrP aggregates at electrophoretic homogeneity. PrPSc purified from prion-infected mice was able to seed misfolding of PrPC in a protein misfolding cyclic amplification reaction, and mutant PrP aggregates from transgenic mice were toxic to cultured neurons. Significance The immunopurification protocol described here isolates biologically active forms of aggregated PrP. These preparations may be useful for investigating the structural and chemico-physical properties of infectious and neurotoxic PrP aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Biasini
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Laura Tapella
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Mantovani
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Stravalaci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - David A. Harris
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Roberto Chiesa
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
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ST1859 reduces prion infectivity and increase survival in experimental scrapie. Arch Virol 2009; 154:1539-44. [PMID: 19685199 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-009-0471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
On the basis of the structural homologies between ST1859 (1[(2-hydroxy-1-naphtyl)methyl]-2-naphthol) and the anti-prion agents and its anti-amyloidogenic activity, we tested whether this molecule altered the biochemical properties of aggregates formed in vitro by synthetic prion peptides and affected prion infectivity in experimental scrapie. Co-incubation of ST1859 with the peptides PrP 106-126 and PrP 82-146 reduced their fibrillogenic capacity and their resistance to digestion with protease K. Hamsters inoculated with the ST1859-treated homogenate showed a significant delay in the onset of clinical signs of disease and longer survival. Survival was also significantly longer in infected hamsters treated peripherally with ST1859 for the whole post-inoculation period until the onset of clinical symptoms. Similar results were found with the analogue ST1745. Our data indicate that ST1859 reduces prion infectivity and can exert a therapeutic effect in experimental scrapie.
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Bate C, Tayebi M, Salmona M, Diomede L, Williams A. Polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against prion-mediated synapse damage in vitro. Neurotox Res 2009; 17:203-14. [PMID: 19644728 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A loss of synapses is characteristic of the early stages of the prion diseases. Here we modelled the synapse damage that occurs in prion diseases by measuring the amount of synaptophysin, a pre-synaptic membrane protein essential for neurotransmission, in cortical or hippocampal neurones incubated with the disease associated isoform of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)), or with the prion-derived peptide PrP82-146. The addition of PrP(Sc) or PrP82-146 caused a dose-dependent reduction in the synaptophysin content of PrP wildtype neurones indicative of synapse damage. They did not affect the synaptophysin content of PrP null neurones. The loss of synaptophysin in PrP wildtype neurones was preceded by the accumulation of PrP82-146 within synapses. Since supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are frequently taken for their perceived health benefits including reported amelioration of neurodegenerative conditions, the effects of some common PUFA on prion-mediated synapse damage were examined. Pre-treatment of cortical or hippocampal neurones with docosahexaenoic (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) protected neurones against the loss of synaptophysin induced by PrP82-146 or PrP(Sc). This effect of DHA and EPA was selective as they did not alter the loss of synaptophysin induced by a snakevenom neurotoxin. The effects of DHA and EPA were associated with a significant reduction in the amount of FITC-PrP82-146 that accumulated within synapses. Such observations raise the possibility that supplements containing PUFA may protect against the synapse damage and cognitive loss seen during the early stages of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive Bate
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
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Accelerated prion replication in, but prolonged survival times of, prion-infected CXCR3-/- mice. J Virol 2008; 82:12464-71. [PMID: 18842729 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01371-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases have a significant inflammatory component. Glia activation, which is associated with increased production of cytokines and chemokines, may play an important role in disease development. Among the chemokines upregulated highly and early upregulated during scrapie infections are ligands of CXCR3. To gain more insight into the role of CXCR3 in a prion model, CXCR3-deficient (CXCR3(-/-)) mice were infected intracerebrally with scrapie strain 139A and characterized in comparison to similarly infected wild-type controls. CXCR3(-/-) mice showed significantly prolonged survival times of up to 30 days on average. Surprisingly, however, they displayed accelerated accumulation of misfolded proteinase K-resistant prion protein PrP(Sc) and 20 times higher infectious prion titers than wild-type mice at the asymptomatic stage of the disease, indicating that these PrP isoforms may not be critical determinants of survival times. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and gene expression analysis, CXCR3-deficient animals develop an excessive astrocytosis. However, microglia activation is reduced. Quantitative analysis of gliosis-associated gene expression alterations demonstrated reduced mRNA levels for a number of proinflammatory factors in CXCR3(-/-) compared to wild-type mice, indicating a weaker inflammatory response in the knockout mice. Taken together, this murine prion model identifies CXCR3 as disease-modifying host factor and indicates that inflammatory glial responses may act in concert with PrP(Sc) in disease development. Moreover, the results indicate that targeting CXCR3 for treatment of prion infections could prolong survival times, but the results also raise the concern that impairment of microglial migration by ablation or inhibition of CXCR3 could result in increased accumulation of misfolded PrP(Sc).
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Natalello A, Prokorov VV, Tagliavini F, Morbin M, Forloni G, Beeg M, Manzoni C, Colombo L, Gobbi M, Salmona M, Doglia SM. Conformational Plasticity of the Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker Disease Peptide as Indicated by Its Multiple Aggregation Pathways. J Mol Biol 2008; 381:1349-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal isoform of the prion protein PrP(Sc). Its fragment 106-126 has been reported to maintain most of the pathological features of PrP(Sc), and a role in neurodegeneration has been proposed based on the modulation of membrane properties and channel formation. The ability of PrP(Sc) to modulate membranes and/or form channels in membranes has not been clearly demonstrated; however, if these processes are important, peptide-membrane interactions would be a key feature in the toxicity of PrP(Sc). In this work, the interaction of PrP(106-126) with model membranes comprising typical lipid identities, as well as more specialized lipids such as phosphatidylserine and GM1 ganglioside, was examined using surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence methodologies. This comprehensive study examines different parameters relevant to characterization of peptide-membrane interactions, including membrane charge, viscosity, lipid composition, pH, and ionic strength. We report that PrP(106-126) has a low affinity for lipid membranes under physiological conditions without evidence of membrane disturbances. Membrane insertion and leakage occur only under conditions in which strong electrostatic interactions operate. These results support the hypothesis that the physiological prion protein PrP(C) mediates PrP(106-126) toxic effects in neuronal cells.
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Crozet C, Beranger F, Lehmann S. Cellular pathogenesis in prion diseases. Vet Res 2008; 39:44. [DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2008021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Chiovitti K, Corsaro A, Thellung S, Villa V, Paludi D, D'Arrigo C, Russo C, Perico A, Ianieri A, Di Cola D, Vergara A, Aceto A, Florio T. Intracellular accumulation of a mild-denatured monomer of the human PrP fragment 90-231, as possible mechanism of its neurotoxic effects. J Neurochem 2007; 103:2597-609. [PMID: 17944873 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04965.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Because of high tendency of the prion protein (PrP) to aggregate, the exact PrP isoform responsible for prion diseases as well as the pathological mechanism that it activates remains still controversial. In this study, we show that a pre-fibrillar, monomeric or small oligomeric conformation of the human PrP fragment 90-231 (hPrP90-231), rather than soluble or fibrillar large aggregates, represents the neurotoxic species. In particular, we demonstrate that monomeric mild-denatured hPrP90-231 (incubated for 1 h at 53 degrees C) induces SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell death, while, when structured in large aggregates, it is ineffective. Using spectroscopic and cellular techniques we demonstrate that this toxic conformer is characterized by a high exposure of hydrophobic regions that favors the intracellular accumulation of the protein. Inside the cells hPrP90-231 is mainly compartmentalized into the lysosomes where it may trigger pro-apoptotic 'cell death' signals. The PrP toxic conformation, which we have obtained inducing a controlled in vitro conformational change of the protein, might mimic mild-unfolding events occurring in vivo, in the presence of specific mutations, oxidative reactions or proteolysis. Thus, in light of this model, we propose that novel therapeutic strategies, designed to inhibit the interaction of the toxic PrP with the plasmamembrane, could be beneficial to prevent the formation of intracellular neurotoxic aggregates and ultimately the neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Chiovitti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University G. D'Annunzio of Chieti, Italy
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