In:
Antiviral Therapy, SAGE Publications, Vol. 9, No. 3 ( 2004-04), p. 441-445
Abstract:
The presence of the normal cellular prion-protein (PrP c ) is a prerequisite for the development of fatal, neurodegenerative diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). We discovered a new biological activity of the well-known coumarin antibiotic novobiocin; the treatment of eukaryotic cells with novobiocin induces the rapid depletion of PrP c . This activity is shared by coumermycin A1, another coumarin with a related molecular structure. Novobiocin's effects on the prion-protein are time- and dose-dependent. No permanent damage to the treated cells was observed, which continue to proliferate after cessation of drug exposure. Most of the cellular proteins are unaffected by novobiocin treatment. Pretreatment with geldanamycin, an inhibitor of the aminoterminal ATPase of heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) partially antagonizes novobiocin's depletory activity. Concurrent treatment with the protease inhibitor chymostatin completely prevents PrP c loss. Here we show that the stability of the normal cellular prion-protein may be targeted pharmacologically. These findings open up a hitherto unknown avenue to the study of TSEs in general and may have therapeutic implications.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1359-6535
,
2040-2058
DOI:
10.1177/135965350400900318
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2004
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2118396-X
SSG:
15,3
