| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Lima, Flavia R. S.
;
Arantes, Camila P.
;
Muras, Angelita G.
;
Nomizo, Regina
;
Brentani, Ricardo R.
;
Martins, Vilma R.
[6]
Total Authors: 6
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Journal of Neurochemistry; v. 103, n. 6, p. 2164-2176, Dec. 2007. |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Biochemistry |
| Abstract | |
The functions of cellular prion protein (PrPC) are under intense debate and PrPC loss of function has been implicated in the pathology of prion diseases. Neuronal PrPC engagement with stress-inducible protein-1 and laminin (LN) plays a key role in cell survival and differentiation. The present study evaluated whether PrPC expression in astrocytes modulates neuron-glia cross-talk that underlies neuronal survival and differentiation. Astrocytes from wild-type mice promoted a higher level neuritogenesis than astrocytes obtained from PrPC-null animals. Remarkably, neuritogenesis was greatly diminished in co-cultures combining PrPC-null astrocytes and neurons. LN secreted and deposited at the extracellular matrix by wild-type astrocytes presented a fibrillary pattern and was permissive for neuritogenesis. Conversely, LN coming from PrPC-null astrocytes displayed a punctate distribution, and did not support neuronal differentiation. Additionally, secreted soluble factors from PrPC-null astrocytes promoted lower levels of neuronal survival than those secreted by wild-type astrocytes. PrPC and stress-inducible protein-1 were characterized as soluble molecules secreted by astrocytes which participate in neuronal survival. Taken together, these data indicate that PrPC expression in astrocytes is critical for sustaining cell-to-cell interactions, the organization of the extracellular matrix, and the secretion of soluble factors, all of which are essential events for neuronal differentiation and survival. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 03/13189-2 - The role of celular prion protein in physiological and pathological processes II |
| Grantee: | Vilma Regina Martins |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |