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Updated: Sep 21, 2026
Investigating the Spreading and Toxicity of Prion-like Proteins Using the Metazoan Model Organism C. elegans
Published on: January 8, 2015
Cellular prion protein ablation impairs behavior as a function of age
Adriana S Coitinho1, Rafael Roesler, Vilma R Martins
1Centro de Memória, Departmento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2600, Porto Alegre, Brazil. acoitinho@yahoo.com.br
Abstract:
Cellular prion protein (PrPc) has been associated with some physiological functions in recent reports. Here we investigate behavioral parameters in 3- and 9-month-old mice lacking PrPc protein (Prnp0/0) and in rats after intrahippocampal administration of affinity purified anti-PrPc IgG (0.09 microg/side). No differences were observed between 3-month-old animals. However, 9-month-old Prnp0/0 mice and rats infused with anti-PrPc antibody showed a clear impairment of short- and long-term memory retention of a step-down inhibitory avoidance task. A decreased locomotor activity during exploration of an open field was also observed. These results suggest that systems involved in memory formation become more susceptible to mechanisms that require PrPc between the ages of 3 and 9 months in both mice and rats.
Insights
Cellular prion protein (PrPc) is crucial for memory. Mice and rats lacking PrPc show impaired memory and reduced activity by 9 months of age, suggesting PrPc
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cellular prion protein (PrPc) is increasingly recognized for its physiological roles.
- Previous research has hinted at PrPc's involvement in various cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PrPc in memory and locomotor activity.
- To determine age-dependent effects of PrPc deficiency on behavior.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral testing of 3- and 9-month-old mice genetically engineered to lack PrPc (Prnp0/0).
- Intrahippocampal administration of anti-PrPc IgG in rats.
- Assessment of short- and long-term memory using a step-down inhibitory avoidance task.
- Evaluation of locomotor activity in an open field test.
Main Results:
- No behavioral differences were observed in 3-month-old Prnp0/0 mice compared to controls.
- Nine-month-old Prnp0/0 mice and rats treated with anti-PrPc antibody exhibited significant impairments in both short- and long-term memory retention.
- A notable decrease in locomotor activity was recorded in PrPc-deficient animals during open field exploration.
Conclusions:
- PrPc plays a critical role in the systems responsible for memory formation.
- The necessity of PrPc for memory function appears to increase with age, becoming evident between 3 and 9 months.
- These findings highlight PrPc's importance in maintaining cognitive and motor functions in adult rodents.
