Role of expression of cellular prion protein in the differentiation of neuronal cell lines

Cellular prion protein (PrPC ) is a membrane bound glycoprotein. The protein is expressed in all vertebrates, mainly in the nervous system, but it is present also in the cells of gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, germ cells and heart. PrPC is necessary for pathogenesis of prion diseases, which are deadly and without the possibility of therapy. The pathogenic isoform of prion protein is formed by changing of secondary structure of PrPC and it's the main constituent of infectious prion particles. Pathological form of prion protein accumulates in brain of infected patients and this process is associated with neurodegradation. Physiological function of PrPC is poorly understood. Knock-out of the PrPC gene (PRNP) is not connected with any noticeable phenotype. Potential functions of PrPC are dispersed, protein may have antiapoptotic effect, it can be involved in ions metabolism or in protection against oxidative stress. Latest results show, that PrPC can play important role in cell differentiation. During the differentiation PrPC can influence the development of cells and their typing. It could affect cell cycle and have an influence on formation of nervous system. Aim of the present study was to elucidate, whether the down-regulation of PrPC or infection with prions has an impact on differentiation of..