NMDA Receptor and L-Type Calcium Channel Modulate Prion Formation.

ABSTRACT: Transmissible neurodegenerative prion diseases are characterized by the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP^C) to misfolded isoforms denoted as prions or PrP^Sc. Although the conversion can occur in the test tube containing recombinant prion protein or cell lysates, efficient prion formation depends on the integrity of intact cell functions. Since neurons are main targets for prion replication, we asked whether their most specialized function, i.e. synaptic plasticity, could be a factor by which PrP^Sc formation can be modulated.Immortalized gonadotropin-releasing hormone cells infected with the Rocky Mountain Laboratory prion strain were treated with L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) and NMDA receptors (NMDARs) stimulators or inhibitors. Western blott

SUBMITTER: Zattoni M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11448565 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature