Tetracysteine-tagged prion protein allows discrimination between the native and converted forms

FEBS J. 2010 May;277(9):2038-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07619.x. Epub 2010 Mar 19.

Abstract

The conformational conversion of prion protein (PrP) from a native conformation to the amyloid form is a hallmark of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Conversion is usually monitored by fluorescent dyes, which bind generic amyloids and are less suited for living cell imaging. We report a new method for the synthesis of membrane-permeable and membrane-impermeable biarsenical reagents, which are then used to monitor murine PrP (mPrP) misfolding. We introduced tetracysteine (TC) tags into three different positions of mPrP, which folded into a native-like structure. Whereas mPrPs with a TC tag inserted at the N-terminus or C-terminus supported fibril formation, insertion into the helix 2-helix 3 loop inhibited conversion. We devised a quantitative protease-free method to determine the fraction of converted PrP, based on the ability of the fluorescein arsenical helix binder reagent to differentiate between the monomeric and fibrilized form of TC-tagged PrP, and showed that TC-tagged mPrP could be detected on transfected cells, thereby expanding the potential use of this method for the detection and study of conformational diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Circular Dichroism / methods*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Prions / analysis*
  • Prions / chemistry
  • Prions / metabolism
  • Prions / ultrastructure
  • Protein Folding
  • Protein Stability
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Temperature
  • Tetracycline / chemistry*
  • Tetracycline / metabolism

Substances

  • Prions
  • Tetracycline