Pro-Inflammatory Protein PSCA Is Upregulated in Neurological Diseases and Targets β2-Subunit-Containing nAChRs.

ABSTRACT: Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a Ly6/uPAR protein that targets neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It exists in membrane-tethered and soluble forms, with the latter upregulated in Alzheimer's disease. We hypothesize that PSCA may be linked to a wider spectrum of neurological diseases and could induce neuroinflammation. Indeed, PSCA expression is significantly upregulated in the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Down syndrome, bipolar disorder, and HIV-associated dementia. To investigate PSCA's structure, pharmacology, and inflammatory function, we produced a correctly folded water-soluble recombinant analog (ws-PSCA). In primary hippocampal neurons and astrocytes, ws-PSCA differently regulates secretion of inflammatory factors and adhes

SUBMITTER: Shulepko MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12562601 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature