Effect of enzymatic deimination on the conformation of recombinant prion protein.
Deimination is the post-translational conversion of arginine residues to citrulline. It has been implicated as a causative factor in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis and more recently, as a marker of neurodegeneration. We have investigated the effect of the post-translational modification of arginine residues on the structure of recombinant ovine prion protein. Deiminated prion protein exhibited biophysical properties characteristic of the scrapie-associated conformer of prion protein viz. an increased beta-sheet secondary structure, congophilic structures indicative of amyloid and proteinase K resistance which could be templated onto normal unmodified prion protein. In the light of these findings, a potential role of post-translational modifications to prion protein in disease initiation or propagation is discussed.
Young
Duncan S
DS
Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, UK.
Meersman
Filip
F
Oxley
David
D
Webster
Judith
J
Gill
Andrew C
AC
Bronstein
Igor
I
Lowe
Christopher R
CR
Dear
Denise V
DV