Characterization of the F198S prion protein mutation: enhanced glycosylation and defective refolding

J Alzheimers Dis. 2005 Apr;7(2):159-71; discussion 173-80. doi: 10.3233/jad-2005-7209.

Abstract

Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of a misfolded, protease resistant form of the prion protein, PrPres. In humans there are a variety of different prion related diseases that are sporadic, inherited, or acquired by infection. Gerstmann-Straussler-Sheinker syndrome (GSS) is an inherited prion disease in which PrPres accumulates as amorphous aggregates as well as in amyloid plaques. GSS has been associated with a variety of point mutations in the prion protein: 102, 105, 117, 131, 145, 187, 198, 202, 212, 217, and 232. The F198S mutation was discovered in a large Indiana kindred. Previous studies in vitro have shown that the 198 mutation results in structural instability of the prion protein. In the current study, we demonstrate in a cell model that the F198S mutant protein can be folded properly in a cellular context, but is unable to refold to a native state after denaturation. Further, the F198S mutation significantly affects glycosylation of the mutant protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / genetics
  • Binding Sites
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cell Extracts
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Endopeptidase K / metabolism
  • Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease / genetics*
  • Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease / metabolism
  • Glycosylation*
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Point Mutation / genetics*
  • PrPSc Proteins / metabolism*
  • Prions / genetics*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Cell Extracts
  • DNA Primers
  • PrPSc Proteins
  • Prions
  • Protein Precursors
  • Endopeptidase K