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Investigating Mast Cell Secretory Granules; from Biosynthesis to Exocytosis
Published on: January 26, 2015
Prion protein expression and release by mast cells after activation
D James Haddon1, Michael R Hughes, Frann Antignano
1The Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 1, 2009
Summary
Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is a novel mast cell marker. Its release upon activation and during allergic inflammation suggests roles in prion disease transmission and pathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells play crucial roles in allergic inflammation and immune responses.
- Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded prion proteins.
- The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is known to be involved in various cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel markers for mast cells.
- To investigate the role of PrP(C) in mast cell biology.
- To explore the implications of PrP(C) in mast cells for prion disease pathology.
Main Methods:
- Microarray expression analysis comparing hematopoietic stem cells and mast cells.
- Immunofluorescence staining to detect PrP(C) expression on mast cells.
- In vivo studies assessing PrP(C) release during allergic inflammation.
Main Results:
- PrP(C) was identified as a potentially novel marker for mast cells.
- PrP(C) is expressed on the surface of human and mouse mast cells.
- Activated mast cells rapidly release PrP(C), and it is released during mast cell-dependent allergic inflammation in vivo.
Conclusions:
- PrP(C) is a cell surface marker of mast cells and is released upon activation.
- Mast cell PrP(C) release during allergic inflammation may impact prion disease transmission and pathology.
- Further research is warranted to understand the implications of mast cell PrP(C) in prion diseases.
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