A neurohypophyseal hormone analog modulates the amyloid aggregation of human prion protein

Abstract

Prions have a self-perpetuating, protease-resistant conformation, posing as the infectious seeds of prion diseases. Herein, we report novel neuroprotection against the toxic conformations of human prion protein by the neurohypophyseal hormone analogue desmopressin (DDAVP). Detailed studies using molecular dynamics and biophysical techniques involving dynamic light scattering, conformational antibodies, surface plasmon resonance, high-end microscopy and cell-based assays, delineated the potency of DDAVP in inhibiting the conversion prion protein (rPrPres) into highly toxic amyloidogenic forms.