Prion protein facilitates hormone-induced differentiation of mammary gland epithelial cells.
Expression of prion protein has been reported for a variety of cell types including neuronal cells, haematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. However, the characterization of the physiological roles exhibited by this protein is still in progress and multiple biological functions have been described to date. In this study we have characterized the contribution of prion protein during hormone-induced differentiation of mouse mammary gland epithelial cells. We present evidence that prion expression enhances the differentiation-capabilities of these cells indicating novel physiological roles during mammary gland development. In addition we were able to demonstrate the presence of prion molecules resistant to mild proteinase digestion in differentiated mammary gland epithelial cells. This represents the first report of proteinase-resistant prion proteins in a physiological, non-pathogenic context.
Mörwald
Helene
H
Upper Austrian Research GmbH, Center for Biomedical Nanotechnology, Scharitzerstrasse 6-8, 4020 Linz, Austria.
Wurm
Susanne
S
Crailsheim
Karl
K
Wechselberger
Christian
C
D000818:Animals; D002364:Caseins / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018621:PrPC Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D002364:Caseins; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D018621:PrPC Proteins