Abstract (eng)
The prion protein is a cell surface GPI-anchored protein, best known for causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) when conformationally converted into its protease resistant and beta-sheet rich scrapie form (PrPSc). Its physiological function remains largely unknown, however its expression and membrane anchoring is indispensable for the development of TSEs. Numerous biochemical efforts have been made recently to address PrP’s involvement in signaling pathways, by testing direct protein-protein interactions of PrP. To this end, an in vivo immunoprecipitation (IP) complex was isolated using mouse monoclonal antibodies (POM2) and eluted with synthetic peptides specific for the POM2 binding region. Native gels (and size-exclusion chromatography) revealed a high-molecular weight complex of approximately 800kD. Subsequent mass spectrometry analyses suggested the presence of multiple proteins in this complex.
Here, I tried to verify the interaction of the candidate proteins with PrP in the complex via Western blotting. So far, no specific interaction could be verified. In addition, silver staining under denaturing conditions revealed a single band on a SDS-PAGE corresponding to PrP, suggesting an absence of other proteins/peptides in the complex. Control experiments with monomeric detergent-free purified and phospholipase-cleaved bovine PrP further confirmed that the HMW band is not a mere electrophoretic migration artifact. Furthermore, chemical cross linking with cell impermeable agents in cell culture yielded multiple band shifts, potentially indicating a multimeric organization of PrP at the cell surface.
Taken together, these results suggest that there is a homotypic interaction of cellular PrP, which might be necessary for exerting its physiological function in signal transduction. Conversely, a disruption of this type of interaction might subvert PrP-mediated signal transduction thus causing severe neurotoxicity reminiscent of the phenotype resulting from genetic ablation of the central domain. In summary, the multimeric organization of PrP might provide new insights in understanding PrP physiology and more importantly help to better understand the initiation of toxic events in prion-mediated pathologies.