Conformation Dependent Pro-Apoptotic Activity of the Recombinant Human Prion Protein Fragment 90-231

The transition of prion protein from a mainly α-structured isoform (PrPC) to a β sheet-containing protein (PrPSc) represents a major pathogenetic mechanism in prion diseases. To study the role of PrP structural conformation in prion-dependent neurodegeneration, we analysed the neurotoxicity of PrP in α and β conformations, using a recombinant protein encompassing amino acids 90-231 of the human PrP (hPrP90-231). Using controlled thermal denaturation (S3°C, 1h) we converted hPrP90-231 in a structural isoform displaying PrPSc-related characteristics: high β sheet content, increased aggregability and a slight increase in the resistance to protease K. In virtue of these structural changes, hPrP90-231 powerfully affected the survival of SH-SY5Y cells, inducing a caspase-3 and p38- dependent apoptosis. Conversely, in the native α-helix-rich conformation, hPrP90-231 did not show significant cell toxicity. The relationship between the structural state of hPrP90-231 and its neurotoxicity was demonstrated, inducing the thermal denaturation of the peptide in the presence of Congo red that prevented both the transition of hPrP90-231 into a β-rich isoform and the acquisition of toxic properties. In conclusion, we report that the toxicity of hPrP90-231 is dependent on its three-dimensional structure, as is supposed to occur for the pathogen PrP during TSE.