Address of Corresponding Author

Neurodegenerative Dis 2004;1:266-268 (DOI: 10.1159/000085065)

  Key Words

• Fyn-PrP signalling
• Neurodegeneration
• Prion diseases
• Gliosis

  Abstract

Fyn is a 59-kDa member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases synthesized on cytosolic polysomes and then targeted to the plasma membrane where it clusters in caveolae-like membrane microdomains. The cellular isoform of the prion protein (PrP) has also been identified to be a caveolar constituent and to participate in signal transduction events concerning cell survival and differentiation via recruitment of Fyn. We studied the scrapie infection of mice deficient for Fyn (Fyn^-/-) to clarify the role of Fyn in an in vivo model of transmissible spongiforme encephalopathies. Fyn^-/- mice died on average 9 days earlier than wild-type control mice, but no differences were seen regarding activation of astrocytes, vacuolization of the neuropil, and accumulation of misfolded prion protein. The experimental model suggests that a deficiency for Fyn is detrimental in prion diseases, although it has no major effect on the clinical course of an experimental prion infection of the CNS.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

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  Author Contacts

Dr. Michael Baier
Neurodegenerative Diseases, Robert Koch Institute
Nordufer 29
DE-13353 Berlin (Germany)
Tel. +49 30 454 722 30, Fax +49 30 454 726 09, E-Mail BaierM@rki.de

  Article Information

Received: July 27, 2004
Accepted after revision: October 14, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 3
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 13

  Publication Details

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Vol. 1, No. 6, Year 2004 (Cover Date: Released May 2005)

Journal Editor: Nitsch, R.M. (Zürich)
ISSN: 1660-2854 (print), 1660-2862 (Online)

For additional information: http://www.karger.com/ndd

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