RESUMO
The conversion of cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) to its protease-resistant isoform is involved in the pathogenesis of prion disease. Although PrP(C) is a ubiquitous glycoprotein that is present in various cell types, the physiological role of PrP(C) remains obscure. The present study aimed to determine whether PrP(C) mediates migration of brain microvascular endothelial cells. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting PrP(C) were transfected into a mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell line (bEND.3 cells). siPrP1, selected among three siRNAs, reduced mRNA and protein levels of PrP(C) in bEND.3 cells. Cellular migration was evaluated with a scratch-wound assay. siPrP1 suppressed migration without significantly affecting cellular proliferation. This study provides the first evidence that PrP(C) may be necessary for brain microvascular endothelial cells to migrate into damaged regions in the brain. This function of PrP(C) in the brain endothelium may be a mechanism by which the neurovascular unit recovers from an injury such as an ischemic insult.
