Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Volume 2018 (2018), Article ID 4670210, 9 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4670210

Research Article

Calbindin-D28k in the Brain Influences the Expression of Cellular Prion Protein

Yeong-Min Yoo1,2 and Eui-Bae Jeung²

¹Institute of Forest Science, Department of Forest Environment Protection, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
²Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644 Chungbuk, Republic of Korea

Correspondence should be addressed to Yeong-Min Yoo; yyeongm@hanmail.net and Eui-Bae Jeung; ebjeung@chungbuk.ac.kr

Received 6 July 2017; Accepted 27 November 2017; Published 6 February 2018

Academic Editor: Victor M. Victor

Copyright © 2018 Yeong-Min Yoo and Eui-Bae Jeung. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

The phenotypes of calbindin-D9k- (CaBP-9k-) knockout (KO), calbindin-D28k- (CaBP-28k-) KO, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice are similar to those of wild-type (WT) mice due to the compensatory action of other calcium transport proteins. In this study, we investigated the expression of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. PrPC expression was significantly upregulated in the brain of all three strains. Levels of phospho-Akt (Ser473) and phospho-Bad (Ser136) were significantly elevated, but those of phospho-ERK and phospho-Bad (Ser155 and 112) were significantly reduced in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. The expressions of the Bcl-2, p53, Bax, Cu/Zn-SOD, and Mn-SOD proteins were decreased in the brains of all KO mice. Expression of the endoplasmic reticulum marker protein BiP/GRP78 was decreased, and that of the CHOP protein was increased in the brains of those KO mice. To identify the roles of CaBP-28k, we transfected PC12 cells with siRNA for CaBP-28k and found increased expression of the PrPC protein compared to the levels in control cells. These results suggest that CaBP-28k expression may regulate PrPC protein expression and these mice may be vulnerable to the influence of prion disease.

1. Introduction

The human cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol- (GPI-) anchored membrane glycoprotein, and a conformationally altered β-structure-rich insoluble isoform of PrPSc, scrapie, is an infectious agent responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which affect both humans and animals. The activities of PrPC play an important role in the protection against apoptotic and oxidative stress, cellular uptake or binding of copper ions, transmembrane signaling, formation and maintenance of synapses, and adhesion to the extracellular matrix [1, 2].

Calbindin proteins are vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding proteins in the intestine and kidney of chicks and mammals. There are two types: calbindin-D28K (CaBP-28k) and calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k). CaBP-28k presents in the intestine of birds and in the mammalian kidney. It is also expressed in a number of neuronal and endocrine cells, particularly in the cerebellum. It is encoded in humans by the CALB1 gene [3]. Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) appears in mammalian intestinal epithelial cells and in the kidney and uterus of some mammalian species. It is encoded in humans by the S100G gene, CALB3 [4]. There is no homology between CaBP-28k and CaBP-9k, except for their calcium-binding domains (EF hands), of which CaBP-28k has six and CaBP-9k has two [3, 4]. CaBP-28k KO in cerebellar Purkinje cells results in distinct cellular and behavioral alterations and marked permanent deficits in motor coordination and sensory processing, suggesting that rapid calcium buffering may directly control behaviorally relevant neuronal signal integration [5]. Lledo et al. [6] demonstrated that CaBP-28k-transfected GH3 cells exhibit lower Ca²⁺ entry through voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, resulting in reduced intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations evoked by voltage depolarization, suggesting that CaBP-28k may protect tissues against Ca²⁺-mediated excitotoxicity. Voigtländer et al. [7] found that a deficiency in CaBP-28k in scrapie-infected mice resulted in a significantly lower survival rate, indicating a neuroprotective effect of CaBP-28k.

The phenotypes of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice are similar to those of WT mice due to the compensatory action of other calcium transport proteins. Therefore, we investigated the protein expression of PrPC in the brains of CaBP-28k-KO mice.

2. Experimental Procedures

2.1. Animal Experiments

CaBP-9k-KO mice were generated as described previously [8], and CaBP-28k-KO mice were obtained from the Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME, USA). CaBP-9/28k-KO mice were generated by breeding CaBP-9k-KO female mice with CaBP-28k-KO male mice to generate double heterozygotes, which were subsequently bred to obtain homozygous CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. The genotypes of the offspring were determined by genomic PCR analysis, as described previously [9]. Wild-type (WT, C57BL/6), CaBP-9k-KO, CaBP-28k-KO, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO male mice (4 weeks old) were housed in polycarbonate cages and allowed to acclimate to an environmentally controlled room (temperature: 23 ± 2°C; relative humidity: 50 ± 10%, frequent ventilation; and a 12 hr : 12 hr light–dark cycle) before use. Eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, CaBP-28k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO) were used in this study. All animal experimental procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of Chungbuk National University in the Republic of Korea.

2.2. Cell Culture

Rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM; Gibco BRL, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS, Gibco BRL) at 37°C in 5% CO₂, 95% air in a humidified cell incubator. Knockdown of CaBP-28k with siRNA (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) was carried out in PC12 cells by transfection using Lipofectamine™ 2000 (Invitrogen Corporation, CA, USA). Briefly, cells were grown to 30–50% confluence in 100 mm dishes in medium containing 5% FBS without penicillin or streptomycin. Prior to transfection, the medium was replaced with Opti-MEM® (Gibco BRL, CA, USA) for 5 min. Lipofectamine 2000-siRNA complexes were incubated for 20 min at room temperature and then added to the cells, followed by incubation at 37°C in a CO₂ incubator for 24 hr.

2.3. Western Blot Analysis

Mouse total brains were washed twice with ice-cold PBS and then resuspended in 20 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4) containing a protease inhibitor mixture (0.1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, 5 μg/mL aprotinin, 5 μg/mL pepstatin A, and 1 μg/mL chymostatin) and phosphatase inhibitors (5 mM Na₃VO₄, 5 mM NaF). Whole cell lysates were prepared with a Dounce homogenizer using 20 strokes, followed by centrifugation of the lysates at 13,000 ×g for 20 min at 4°C. Protein concentration was determined using the BCA assay (Sigma, St. Louis, CA, USA). Proteins (40 μg) were separated by 12% SDS-PAGE and then transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. The membrane was incubated with antibodies directed against the following proteins: CaBP-9k (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), CaBP-28k (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), PrP (Cell Signaling Technology, Beverly, MA, USA), p-Akt and Akt (Cell Signaling Technology), p-Bad (Ser112, Ser155, and Ser136) and Bad (Cell Signaling Technology), p-ERK and ERK (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), Bcl-2 and Bax (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), Cu/Zn- and Mn-SOD (Cell Signaling Technology), GRP78/Bip and CHOP (Cell Signaling Technology), and GAPDH (Assay Designs, Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Membranes were incubated with anti-rabbit or anti-mouse IgG-conjugated horseradish peroxidase secondary antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnology) and then with ECL Western blotting reagents (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, IL, USA). Immunoreactive proteins were visualized by exposure to the X-ray film. Protein bands were visualized by image scanning, and optical density was measured using ImageJ analysis software (version 1.37; Wayne Rasband, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA), after the data were corrected by background subtraction and normalized to GAPDH as an internal control.

2.4. Statistical Analysis

Significant differences were determined by ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons. Analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism v4.0 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Values are expressed as means ± SD. A value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

3. Results

3.1. The Expression of the CaBP-9k and CaBP-28k Proteins in the Brain

To detect the expression of the CaBP-9k and CaBP-28k proteins in the brain, Western blot analysis was carried out. CaBP-9k protein was expressed only in the kidneys of WT and CaBP-28k-KO mice but was detected neither in the kidneys of CaBP-9k- or CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice nor in the brains of WT, CaBP-9k-KO, CaBP-28k-KO, or CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 1). CaBP-28k protein was detected in the kidneys and brains of WT and CaBP-9k-KO mice but not in the kidneys or brains of CaBP-28k- or CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. These results indicate that CaBP-28k protein is expressed in the kidneys and brains of WT and CaBP-9k-KO mice but not in those of CaBP-28k- or CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice.

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Figure 1: Expression of CaBP-9k and CaBP-28k proteins in the kidneys and brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Expression of CaBP-9k and CaBP-28k proteins in the kidneys (a) and brains (b) of mice was analyzed by Western blot as described in Experimental Procedures. Eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, CaBP-28k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO) were used.

3.2. The Expression of the PrPC Protein in the Brains of KO Mice

Next, we investigated the expression of the PrPC protein in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. PrPC protein was expressed at significantly higher levels in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice than in those of WT mice (Figure 2). These findings indicate that the increase in the PrPC protein in the mouse brains is closely related to the CaBP-9k, CaBP-28k, and CaBP-9k/28k KO.

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Figure 2: Expression of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Expression of prion protein was analyzed by Western blot (a). The relative amount of PrPC (b) was quantified as described in Experimental Procedures. Values are expressed as means ± SD of eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO). versus wild type (WT).

3.3. The Expression Level of p-Akt and p-Bad in the Brains of KO Mice

Akt regulates the expression of prosurvival genes involved in cell survival and apoptosis, and the phosphorylation of Bad (Ser136) translocates from the mitochondrial membrane to the cytosol (Manning and Cantley, 2007). In this study, the level of phospho-Akt (Ser473) was significantly increased in the brains of CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice and that of phospho-Bad (Ser136) was significantly elevated in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 3). These results indicate that the phosphor-Akt increase may play an important role in the phospho-Bad (Ser136) translocation from the mitochondrial membrane into the cytosol.

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Figure 3: Phosphorylation of Akt and Bad proteins in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and Bad (Ser136) proteins was analyzed by Western blot (a, b). The relative amounts of p-Akt (Ser473) (c) and p-Bad (Ser136) (d) were quantified as described in Experimental Procedures. Values are expressed as means ± SD of eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO). and versus WT.

3.4. The Expression Level of p-ERK and p-Bad in the Brains of KO Mice

The MEK/ERK pathway involves the phosphorylation of Bad on Ser112 and Ser155 in cell growth [10]. In this study, levels of phospho-ERK and phospho-Bad (Ser155 and 112) were significantly reduced in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 4). This signal allows Bcl-2 to dissociate from homodimers, resulting in the reduction of antiapoptotic responses. Inactivation of the MEK/ERK cascade can also result in its disassociation from Bcl-2 : Bcl-xL heterodimers, Bax inactivation, and dissociation of Bax : Bax homodimers [9]. Our study demonstrated that expression of the Bcl-2, p53, and Bax proteins is decreased in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 5). These findings indicate that phospho-ERK, phospho-Bad (Ser155 and 112), and the expression of the Bcl-2, p53, and Bax proteins are affected by the CaBP-9k, CaBP-28k, and CaBP-9k/28k KO in the mouse brains.

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Figure 4: Phosphorylation of ERK and Bad proteins in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Phosphorylation of ERK and Bad (Ser122 and 155) proteins was analyzed by Western blot (a, b). The relative amounts of p-ERK (c), p-Bad (Ser122) (d), and p-Bad (Ser155) (e) were quantified as described in Experimental Procedures. Values are expressed as means ± SD of eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO). , and versus WT.

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Figure 5: Expression of Bcl-2, p53, and Bax proteins in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Expression of Bcl-2, p53, and Bax proteins was analyzed by Western blot (a, b). The relative amounts of Bcl-2 (c), p53 (d), and Bax (e) proteins were quantified as described in Experimental Procedures. Values are expressed as means ± SD of eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO). , , and versus WT.

3.5. The Expression Level of Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, BiP/GRP78, and CHOP Proteins in the Brains of KO Mice

Protein levels of the antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) were decreased in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice, and Mn-SOD protein levels were decreased in the brains of CaBP-28k- and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 6). Levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker BiP/GRP78 were decreased, and those of the CHOP protein were increased in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 7). These results suggest that the expressions of Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, BiP/GRP78, and CHOP proteins are closely related to the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice.

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Figure 6: Expression of Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD proteins in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Expression of Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD proteins was analyzed by Western blot (a). The relative amounts of Cu/Zn-SOD (b) and Mn-SOD (c) proteins were quantified as described in Experimental Procedures. Values are expressed as means ± SD of eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO). , , and versus WT.

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Figure 7: Expression of BiP/GRP78 and CHOP proteins in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice. Expression of BiP/GRP78 and CHOP proteins was analyzed by Western blot (a). The relative amounts of BiP/GRP78 (b) and CHOP (c) proteins were quantified as described in Experimental Procedures. Values are expressed as means ± SD of eight male mice of each group (WT, CaBP-9k KO, and CaBP-9k/28k KO). , , and versus WT.

3.6. The Role of CaBP-28k in PC12 Cells

PC12 cells expressed CaBP-28k as a sensitive molecular biomarker [10]. To further characterize the role of CaBP-28k in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, cells were transfected with siRNA for CaBP-28k. Transfection of PC12 cells with siRNA for CaBP-28k increased the expression of the PrPC protein relative to controls (Figure 8). This finding indicates that the protein reduction of CaBP-28k can increase the PrPC protein.

Figure 8: Protein expression of PrPC in GH3 cells and PC12 cells. Rat pituitary GH3 cells and pheochromocytoma PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated FBS at 37°C in 5% CO₂, 95% air in a humidified cell incubator. To investigate the role of CaBP-28k in PC12 cells, cells were transfected with siRNA for CaBP-28k using Lipofectamine 2000. Expression of PrPC protein was analyzed by Western blot as described in Experimental Procedures.

4. Discussion

In this study, CaBP-9k protein was found to be expressed only in the kidneys of WT and CaBP-28k-KO mice but was never detected in the brains of any mice, including WT, CaBP-9k-KO, CaBP-28k-KO, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 1). Normal CaBP-9k protein plays a role as a calcium regulator in mammalian intestinal epithelial cells and in the kidney and uterus of some mammalian species [4, 11, 12]. For example, the CaBP-9k gene is associated with the compensatory induction of other calcium transporter genes in duodenal epithelial cells [4, 11] and with uterine functions including fetal implantation, calcium homeostasis, and endometrial cell production [12]. CaBP-9k is involved in the regulation of calcium availability in the vicinity of the implanting embryo during the early phase of embryo implantation [12, 14]. In the present study, CaBP-9k protein expression was not detected in the brains of CaBP-9k-KO mice, but the expressions of PrPC, Akt, ERK, Bad, Bcl-2, p53, Bax, Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, BiP/GRP78, and CHOP proteins were altered in the brains of CaBP-9k-KO mice relative to the levels in the brains of WT mice. So far, a study about CaBP-9k function in the mouse brain has been unknown. Our results suggest that the knockout of the CaBP-9k gene, which is not expressed in the mouse brain, may nonetheless influence the expression of cell signaling molecules, including PrPC in the brain.

CaBP-28k protein is expressed in the kidneys and brains of WT and CaBP-9k-KO mice but not in those of CaBP-28k- or CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 1). CaBP-28k is a marker of neuronal populations in cerebellar Purkinje cells [5, 13, 14]. Barski et al. [5] demonstrated that CaBP-28k expressed in Purkinje cells is an essential determinant of normal motor coordination and sensory integration. The effects of Purkinje cell-specific CaBP-28k genetic deletion on visual processing may also depend on the sensitivity of extracerebellar brain structures. Because CaBP-28k is a rapid endogenous calcium-buffering protein [15], the impact of CaBP-28k deficiency on Ca²⁺ signaling may contribute to behavioral defects [5]. Also, CaBP-28k deletion leads to the upregulation of Akt and the reduction in the levels of phospho-ERK and Bcl-2 [16], which is consistent with the results of the present study. Notably, ERK is highly expressed in the adult mammalian central nervous system, and its activation relies on Ca²⁺ influx via the NMDA receptor [17–19], suggesting that CaBP-28k depletion may contribute to neuronal deficits and mitochondrial damage, resulting in synaptic damage and subsequent neurodegeneration [20, 21]. Overexpression of CaBP-28k increases neuronal differentiation and neurite growth [22]. In mice infected with the β-structure-rich insoluble isoform of PrPSc, a deficiency in CaBP-28k leads to a reduced survival rate, indicating a neuroprotective effect of CaBP-28k [7]. However, until now, there has been little research into the interaction between PrP and CaBP-28k.

PrPC functions in cellular metabolism and regulates the homeostasis of Cu²⁺ ions. Cultured cerebellar cells lacking PrPC exhibit decreased Cu/Zn-SOD activity, suggesting that PrPC may regulate the incorporation of Cu²⁺ into Cu/Zn-SOD protein [23, 24]. Additionally, mouse brains lacking PrPC exhibit decreased SOD and catalase activities, suggesting that the physiological function of PrPC is related to cellular antioxidant defenses [25, 26]. In the present study, PrPC protein expression was significantly increased in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 2(a)), whereas levels of Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD proteins were decreased (Figure 7), suggesting that PrPC protein in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice may function as a cellular antioxidant defense.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction plays an important part in a range of neurological disorders, including cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. In particular, PrP- and Aβ-induced perturbations of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in the ER are involved in the neuronal loss that occurs in prion diseases and AD [27–29]. The unfolded protein response leads to the upregulation of ER molecular chaperones; the most abundant of which is BiP/GRP78 [30]. Suppression of BiP/GRP78 enhances apoptosis in hippocampal neurons exposed to excitotoxic and oxidative insults [31], whereas its overexpression in primary astrocyte cultures is protective against oxygen and glucose deprivation [32]. Indeed, decreased expression of BiP/GRP78 is associated with neuronal cell death [33, 34]. CHOP is induced after forebrain ischemia in various rodent models, including bilateral common carotid artery [35, 36] or middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice [37] and global cerebral ischemia in rats [38]. The location of CHOP induction in the brain seems to be closely associated with subsequent cell death [38, 39], and deletion of CHOP protects mice during bilateral common carotid artery occlusion [36]. Similarly, depletion of CHOP via RNA interference partially prevents the death of astrocyte cultures stressed by oxygen and glucose deprivation [13]. In the present study, BiP/GRP78 was decreased and CHOP protein was increased in the brains of CaBP-9k-, CaBP-28k-, and CaBP-9k/28k-KO mice (Figure 8), suggesting that these mice may be vulnerable to ER stress and that these genes may influence the expression of PrPC protein.

5. Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the level of PrPC protein was significantly increased in the brains of CaBP-28k-KO mice, indicating that CaBP-28k expression may regulate PrPC protein expression and these mice may be vulnerable to the influence of prion disease and serve as models in studies of PrP.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant of the Korean Government (MEST) (no. 2017R1A2B2005031).

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