Modulation of L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels by recombinant prion protein

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.02080.x
• Publication Date: 2003-11-06T15:13:08Z
• Authors: Stefan Korte; Neville Vassallo; Michael L. Kramer; Hans A. Kretzschmar; Jochen Herms
• Keywords: Modulation (music)

Abstract The prion protein (PrP C ) has a primary role in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Here we analysed detail effect recombinant PrP and N‐ C‐terminal fragments on whole‐cell current amplitude through voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) cultured wild‐type cerebellar granule cells. With application full‐length (50–500 n m ), highly significant reduction was observed dose‐dependent manner. Amplitude abolished when cells were pre‐incubated with nifedipine, specific blocker L‐type channels. N‐terminal also led to maximal amplitude, whereas fragment did not affect amplitude. These data demonstrate that nanomolar concentrations modulate L ‐type VGCCs mouse cells, an is dependent upon copper‐binding amino‐terminal domain .