Enhancement of protein misfolding cyclic amplification by using concentrated cellular prion protein source

CE Mays, W Titlow, T Seward, GC Telling… - … and biophysical research …, 2009 - Elsevier
CE Mays, W Titlow, T Seward, GC Telling, C Ryou
Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 2009Elsevier
Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is a cell-free assay mimicking the prion
replication process. However, constraints affecting PMCA have not been well-defined.
Although cellular prion protein (PrPC) is required for prion replication, the influence of PrPC
abundance on PMCA has not been assessed. Here, we show that PMCA was enhanced by
using mouse brain material in which PrPC was overexpressed. Tg (MoPrP) 4112 mice
overexpressing PrPC supported more sensitive and efficient PMCA than wild type mice. As …
Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is a cell-free assay mimicking the prion replication process. However, constraints affecting PMCA have not been well-defined. Although cellular prion protein (PrPC) is required for prion replication, the influence of PrPC abundance on PMCA has not been assessed. Here, we show that PMCA was enhanced by using mouse brain material in which PrPC was overexpressed. Tg(MoPrP)4112 mice overexpressing PrPC supported more sensitive and efficient PMCA than wild type mice. As brain homogenate of Tg(MoPrP)4112 mice was diluted with PrPC-deficient brain material, PMCA became less robust. Our studies suggest that abundance of PrPC is a determinant that directs enhancement of PMCA. PMCA established here will contribute to optimizing conditions to enhance PrPSc amplification by using concentrated PrPC source and expands the use of this methodology.
Elsevier