Description
Prion peptide (106-126) (PrP106-126) is a synthetic glycoprotein that mimics a segment of cellular prion protein expressed in neurons and other cells. Prp106-126 forms amyloid-like fibrils and upregulates expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 11 (MMP1/3/11) in astrocytes and microglia. In other cellular models, PrP106-126 increases levels of ROS and activates ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2, amplifying normal PrP signaling and causing oxidative stress and neuronal injury. PrP106-126 also binds the p75 neurotrophin receptor (the low-affinity NGF receptor; p75NTR) and, separately, alters microglial phagocytic activity.