NR AOHT
AU Vassallo,N.; Herms,J.W.
TI Cellular prion protein function in copper homeostasis and redox signalling at the synapse
QU Journal of Neurochemistry 2003 Aug; 86(3): 538-44
PT journal article; review; review, tutorial
AB The fundamental physiological function of native cellular prion (PrPc) remains unknown. Herein, the most salient observations as regards prion physiology are critically evaluated. These include: (i) the role of PrPc in copper homeostasis, particularly at the pre-synaptic membrane; (ii) involvement of PrPc in neuronal calcium disturbances; and (iii) the neuroprotective properties of PrPc in response to copper and oxidative stress. Ultimately, a tentative hypothesis of basic prion function is derived, namely that PrPc acts as a sensor for copper and/or free radical stimuli, thereby triggering intracellular calcium signals that finally translate into modulation of synaptic transmission and maintenance of neuronal integrity.
ZR 57
MH Animal; Calcium/metabolism; Copper/*metabolism; Homeostasis/*physiology; Human; Oxidation-Reduction; PrPc Proteins/*physiology; Signal Transduction/*physiology; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Synapses/metabolism/*physiology
AD Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, Msida, Germany.
SP englisch
PO England