Expression and activity of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in prion infected hamster and SMB-S15 cell models

Abstract

Objective To classify the function of the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 in prion infected animal and cell models. Methods The expression of ABCA1 in scrapie strain 263K-infected hamsters and prion infected cell line SMB-S15 was checked by Western Blotting and identify the influence of ABCA1 activation was identified on the level of PrPSc in SMB-S15 cells. Results ABCA1 protein expression was down-regulated in scrap ie infection. Moreover, activation of ABCA1 by 8-Br-cAMP increased the amount of PrPSc in SMB-S15 cells, demonstrating the role of ABCA1 in prion replication. Conclusions This study further characterized the potential function of ABCA1during prion infection, which will surely bring new insights into prion pathogenesis research and provide new drug target in disease treatment study. Key words: Prions; Cholesterol; Neurons