Non-coding RNA as a trigger of neuropathologic disorder phenotypes in transgenic Drosophila.

At most, many protein-misfolding diseases develop as environmentally induced sporadic disorders. Recent studies indicate that the dynamic interplay between a wide repertoire of noncoding RNAs and the environment play an important role in brain development and pathogenesis of brain disorders. To elucidate this new issue, novel animal models which reproduce the most prominent disease manifestations are required.

Alpha2-macroglobulin is a potential facilitator of prion protein transformation.

Cellular prion protein changes conformation during transformation to an infectious scrapie isoform. One measure of transformation is the development of partial resistance to protease treatment. A fraction of human and bovine plasma was identified containing activity that facilitates transformation of cellular prion protein to a protease resistant isoform in the presence of RNA in the absence of seeded scrapie prion protein.

Pathogenic chaperone-like RNA induces congophilic aggregates and facilitates neurodegeneration in Drosophila.

Protein aggregation is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. RNA chaperones have been suggested to play a role in protein misfolding and aggregation. Noncoding, highly structured RNA recently has been demonstrated to facilitate transformation of recombinant and cellular prion protein into proteinase K-resistant, congophilic, insoluble aggregates and to generate cytotoxic oligomers in vitro.

Interaction of prion protein with small highly structured RNAs: detection and characterization of PrP-oligomers.

Conformational modification of normal prion protein (PrP(c)) to protease-resistant, beta-sheet rich, aggregates (PrP(sc)) is commonly accepted cause for prion diseases. On the other hand, several studies in recent years implicate soluble, protease-sensitive, oligomers of PrP(c) in neuronal damage. Previously, our group has shown that small, highly structured RNAs (shsRNAs), in conjunction with a serum factor, facilitated the conversion of hrPrP to a protease resistant, high molecular weight isoform.

Concentration of prion protein from biological samples to increase the limits of detection by immunoassay.

An RNA-ligand-based adsorbent has been shown to concentrate prion protein (PrP) from solutions in a model system. The work presented here extends the utility of the RNA-based adsorbent to brain homogenates of cow, sheep, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and elk (Cervus elaphus). Brain homogenates were diluted either in buffer, representing specimens used in post-mortem tests, or in serum, modelling specimens used in biological-fluid-based tests.

Small, highly structured RNAs participate in the conversion of human recombinant PrP(Sen) to PrP(Res) in vitro.

We have identified a small, highly structured (shs)RNA that binds human recombinant prion protein (hrPrP) with high affinity and specificity under physiological conditions (e.g. 10% bovine calf serum (BCS), neutral pH, nanomolar concentrations of RNA and hrPrP).

Prion protein interactions with nucleic acid: possible models for prion disease and prion function.

Several models for the transmission and progression of prion diseases have arisen, evolving with the acquisition of new experimental results. It is generally accepted that the PrP(Sc) protein is at least part of the infectious particle and the major protein component of the scrapie-associated fibrils (SAFs) that characterize the disease. An additional, unknown cofactor is most likely involved in transmission of the disease, perhaps by influencing the PrP(c) --> PrP(Sc) transition.

Concentration and removal of prion proteins from biological solutions.

The pathogenesis of prion diseases is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-like rods or scrapie-associated fibrils. The major protein component of scrapie-associated fibrils is an abnormally folded isoform of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) that is resistant to digestion by proteinase K and is referred to as PrP(Sc). Purified human recombinant (hr PrP) was used to characterize the binding of a set of RNAs with affinity to PrP proteins.