The cellular form of prion protein (PrP (c)) is a highly conserved cell surface GPI-anchored glycoprotein that was identified in cholesterol-enriched, detergent-resistant microdomains, named "rafts." The association with these specialized portions of the cell plasma membrane is required for conversion of PrP (c) to the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy-associated protease-resistant isoform. Usually, PrP (c) is reported to be a plasma membrane protein, however several studies have revealed PrP (c) as an interacting protein mainly with the membrane/organelles, as well as with cytoskeleton network. Recent lines of evidence indicated its association with ER lipid raft-like microdomains for a correct folding of PrP (c), as well as for the export of the protein to the Golgi and proper glycosylation. During cell apoptosis, PrP (c) can undergo intracellular re-localization, via ER-mitochondria associated membranes (MAM) and microtubular network, to mitochondrial raft-like microdomains, w
The cellular form of prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved cell surface GPI-anchored glycoprotein that was identified in cholesterol-enriched, detergent-resistant microdomains named "rafts." The association with these specialized portions of the cell plasma membrane is required for conversion of PrPC to the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy-associated protease-resistant isoform. Usually, PrPC is reported to be a plasma membrane protein, however several studies have revealed PrPC as an interacting protein mainly with the membrane/organelles, as well as with cytoskeleton network. Recent lines of evidence indicated its association with ER lipid raft-like microdomains for a correct folding of PrPC, as well as for the export of the protein to the Golgi and proper glycosylation. During cell apoptosis, PrPC can undergo intracellular re-localization, via ER-mitochondria associated membranes (MAM) and microtubular network, to mitochondrial raft-like microdomains, where it induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release, after a contained raise of calcium concentration. We suggest that PrPC may play a role in the multi-molecular signaling complex associated with cell apoptosis. Lipid rafts and their components may, thus, be investigated as pharmacological targets of interest, introducing a novel and innovative task in modern pharmacology, i.e., the development of glycosphingolipid targeted drugs.
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Titolo: | Trafficking of PrPC to mitochondrial raft-like microdomains during cell apoptosis |
Autori: | |
Data di pubblicazione: | 2012 |
Rivista: | |
Handle: | http://hdl.handle.net/11573/487899 |
Appartiene alla tipologia: | 01a Articolo in rivista |