title: Unraveling the neuroprotective mechanisms of PrP (C)  in excitotoxicity.
abstract: Knowledge of the natural roles of cellular prion protein (PrP (C) ) is essential to an understanding of the molecular basis of prion pathologies. This GPI-anchored protein has been described in synaptic contacts, and loss of its synaptic function in complex systems may contribute to the synaptic loss and neuronal degeneration observed in prionopathy. In addition, Prnp knockout mice show enhanced susceptibility to several excitotoxic insults, GABAA receptor-mediated fast inhibition was weakened, LTP was modified and cellular stress increased. Although little is known about how PrP (C)  exerts its function at the synapse or the downstream events leading to PrP (C) -mediated neuroprotection against excitotoxic insults, PrP (C)  has recently been reported to interact with two glutamate receptor subunits (NR2D and GluR6/7). In both cases the presence of PrP (C)  blocks the neurotoxicity induced by NMDA and Kainate respectively. Furthermore, signals for seizure and neuronal cell death in response to Kainate in Prnp knockout mouse are associated with JNK3 activity, through enhancing the interaction of GluR6 with PSD-95. In combination with previous data, these results shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind the role of PrP (C)  in excitotoxicity. Future experimental approaches are suggested and discussed.
authors.affiliation: Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology Group, Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. fllorens@ibecbarcelona.eu
authors.forename: Franc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Llorens
authors.forename: José Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Del Río
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D048057:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 10 / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018621:PrPC Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000072002:Prion Proteins; D011328:Prions / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
chemical_list: D018621:PrPC Proteins; D000072002:Prion Proteins; D011328:Prions; C512657:Prnp protein, mouse; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D048057:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 10