NR AEDP
AU Fournier,J.G.; Escaig-Haye,F.; Grigoriev,V.
TI Ultrastructural localization of prion proteins: physiological and pathological implications.
QU Microscopy Research and Technique 2000 Jul 1; 50(1): 76-88
PT journal article; review; review, tutorial
AB The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) or prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in which the central event is the conversion of a normal host-encoded protein (PrPc) into an abnormal isoform (PrPsc) which accumulates as amyloid in TSE brain. The two PrPc and PrPsc prion protein isoforms are membrane sialoglycoproteins synthesized in the central nervous system and various peripheral organ tissues. In this review, we describe the ultrastructural localization of prion proteins in human and animal cerebral and non-cerebral tissues whether or not infected by TSE agents. In addition to the plasma membrane of several cells, PrPc was found in association with cytoplasmic organelles of central and nerve-muscle synapses, and secretory granules of epithelial cells. Fibrils of amyloid plaques, synaptic structures, and lysosome-like organelles constitute the subcellular sites harboring PrPsc. These findings have led to discussions on the physiological role of PrPc and the pathological mechanisms underlying prion spongiform encephalopathies.
ZR 83
MH Animal; Brain/*metabolism/ultrastructure; Cytoplasmic Granules/metabolism/ultrastructure; Epithelial Cells/metabolism/ultrastructure; Hamsters; Human; Lysosomes/metabolism/ultrastructure; Microscopy, Immunoelectron; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism/ultrastructure; Nerve Tissue/metabolism/ultrastructure; Neuromuscular Junction/metabolism; Prion Diseases/metabolism/*physiopathology; Prions/*analysis/physiology; Protein Isoforms/analysis/ultrastructure; Senile Plaques/metabolism/ultrastructure; Sheep; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Synapses/metabolism/ultrastructure
AD Service de Neurovirologie, CEA, DSV/DRM, BP6, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France. fournier@dsvidf.cea.fr
SP englisch
PO USA