Role of Prion Proteins on the Neurons Identified

The biological impact and role of prion gene on the neurons has remained a mystery for three decades. A new study found that prion proteins are responsible for the long-term integrity of the nerves. "Finally, we can ascribe a clear-cut //function to prion proteins and reveal that, combined with a particular receptor, they are responsible for the long-term integrity of the nerves," says Professor Adriano Aguzzi from the Neuropathological Institute at the University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich.

Prions trigger fatal brain degeneration in humans and animals. In the 1990s, prions were responsible for BSE epidemic more commonly known as mad cow disease. Prions cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other neurological disorders that are fatal and untreatable.

Infectious prions consist of a defectively folded form of a normal prion protein called PrPC located in the neuron membrane. The infectious prions multiply by converting PrPC into other infectious prions.

Researchers have been puzzling for years why humans have protein in the neurons that does not perform any function, yet they can be dangerous. Professor Aguzzi spent decades researching the role of prions and examined the theory that animals without the PrPC gene are resistant to prion diseases.

The researchers found that mice without the PrPC gene suffer from a chronic disease of the peripheral nervous system. Schwann cells around the sensitive nerve fibers do not form an insulating layer to protect the nerves due to the lack of insulating myelin, the peripheral nerves become diseased, potentially resulting in motoric disorders in the motion tract and paralysis.

In the new study, the researchers Alexander Küffer and Asvin Lakkaraju explained why the peripheral nerves become damaged in the absence of the protein PrPC. The PrPC produced by the neurons docks onto the Schwann cells through a receptor called Gpr126.

When the prion protein and the Gpr126 work together, cAMP (messenger substance) which regulates the chemical interaction in the cells increases. The cAMP is essential for the integrity of the nerve’s protective sheath. Gpr126 belongs to the large family of "G-protein-coupled receptors", which are involved in many physiological processes and diseases.

"If you want to deactivate the prion protein PrPC fully for potential Creutzfeld-Jakob disease treatments, you need to know the potential side effects on the nerves in the future," explains Aguzzi. The researchers noted that the present results could yield a new approach for peripheral neuropathy.

Source-Medindia