Bovine prion protein as a modulator of protein kinase CK2

On the basis of far-Western blot and plasmon resonance (BIAcore) experiments, we show here that recombinant bovine prion protein (bPrP) (25–242) strongly interacts with the catalytic α/α´ subunits of protein kinase CK2 (also termed ‘casein kinase 2’). This association leads to increased phosphotransferase activity of CK2α, tested on calmodulin or specific peptides as substrate. We also show that bPrP counteracts the inhibition of calmodulin phosphorylation promoted by the regulatory β subunits of CK2. A truncated form of bPrP encompassing the C-terminal domain (residues 105–242) interacts with CK2 but does not affect its catalytic activity. The opposite is found with the N-terminal fragment of bPrP (residues 25–116), although the stimulation of catalysis is less efficient than with full-size bPrP. These results disclose the potential of the PrP to modulate the activity of CK2, a pleiotropic protein kinase that is particularly abundant in the brain.