FLIM-FRET-based analysis of S100A11/annexin interactions in living cells.

Proteins achieve their biological functions in cells by cooperation in protein complexes. In this study, we employed fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to investigate protein complexes comprising S100A11 and different members of the annexin (ANX) family, such as ANXA1, ANXA2, ANXA4, ANXA5, and AnxA6, in living cells. Using an S100A11 mutant without the capacity for Ca2+ binding, we found that Ca2+ binding of S100A11 is important for distinct S100A11/ANXA2 complex formation; however, ANXA1-containing complexes were unaffected by this mutant. An increase in the intracellular calcium concentration induced calcium ionophores, which strengthened the ANXA2/S100A11 interaction. Furthermore, we were able to show that S100A11 also interacts with ANXA4 in living cells. The FLIM-FRET approach used here can serve as a tool to analyze interactions between S100A11 and distinct annexins under physiological conditions in living cells.

cGMP Analogues with Opposing Actions on CNG Channels Selectively Modulate Rod or Cone Photoreceptor Function.

The vertebrate retina harbors rod and cone photoreceptors. Human vision critically depends on cone photoreceptor function. In the phototransduction cascade, cGMP activates distinct rod and cone isoforms of the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel. Excessive cGMP levels initiate a pathophysiological rollercoaster, which starts with CNG channel over-activation, typically in rod photoreceptors. This triggers cell death of rods first, and then cones, and is the root cause of many blinding retinal diseases, including Retinitis pigmentosa. While targeting of CNG channels has been proposed for therapeutic purposes, thus far, it has not been possible to inhibit rod CNG channels without compromising cone function. Here, we present a novel strategy, based on cGMP analogues with opposing actions on CNG channels, which enables the selective modulation of either rod or cone photoreceptor activity. The combined treatment with the weak rod-selective CNG-channel inhibitor (Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS) and the cone-selective CNG-channel activator (8-pCPT-cGMP) essentially normalized rod CNG-channel function while preserving cone functionality at physiological and pathological cGMP levels. Hence, combinations of cGMP analogues with desired properties may elegantly address the isoform-specificity problem in future pharmacological therapies. Moreover, this strategy may allow for improvements in visual performance in certain light environments.

Redefining the role of Ca2+-permeable channels in photoreceptor degeneration using diltiazem.

Hereditary degeneration of photoreceptors has been linked to over-activation of Ca2+-permeable channels, excessive Ca2+-influx, and downstream activation of Ca2+-dependent calpain-type proteases. Unfortunately, after more than 20 years of pertinent research, unequivocal evidence proving significant and reproducible photoreceptor protection with Ca2+-channel blockers is still lacking. Here, we show that both D- and L-cis enantiomers of the anti-hypertensive drug diltiazem were very effective at blocking photoreceptor Ca2+-influx, most probably by blocking the pore of Ca2+-permeable channels. Yet, unexpectedly, this block neither reduced the activity of calpain-type proteases, nor did it result in photoreceptor protection. Remarkably, application of the L-cis enantiomer of diltiazem even led to a strong increase in photoreceptor cell death. These findings shed doubt on the previously proposed links between Ca2+ and retinal degeneration and are highly relevant for future therapy development as they may serve to refocus research efforts towards alternative, Ca2+-independent degenerative mechanisms.

Determination of the number of RAD51 molecules in different human cell lines.

Knowledge about precise numbers of specific molecules is necessary for understanding and verification of biological pathways. The RAD51 protein is central in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination repair and understanding its role in cellular pathways is crucial to design mechanistic DNA repair models. Here, we determined the number of RAD51 molecules in several human cell lines including primary fibroblasts. We showed that between 20000 to 100000 of RAD51 molecules are available per human cell that theoretically can be used for simultaneously loading at least 7 DSBs. Interestingly, the amount of RAD51 molecules does not significantly change after the induction of DNA damage using bleomycin or γ-irradiation in cells but an accumulation of RAD51 on the chromatin occurs. Furthermore, we generated an EGFP-RAD51 fusion under the control of HSV thymidine kinase promoter sequences yielding moderate protein expression levels comparable to endogenously expressed RAD51. Initial characterizations suggest that these low levels of ectopically expressed RAD51 are compatible with cell cycle progression of human cells. Hence, we provide parameters for the quantitative understanding and modeling of RAD51-involving processes.

Analysis of S100A11 in DNA Damage Repair.

DNA damage possesses the capacity to threaten the genomic integrity of an organism. A multitude of proteins are involved in the detection and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), a severe kind of DNA damage. The function of DNA repair proteins can be examined by biochemical assays in vitro as well as in cell-based studies. The Ca2+-binding protein S100A11 shows functional interactions with factors involved in the repair of DSBs by homologous recombination (HR), a high-fidelity DNA repair pathway, such as RAD51 and RAD54B. The key enzyme of the homologous recombination repair is RAD51 that catalyzes the invasion of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) into double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) containing homologous regions and the exchange of these DNA molecules generating heteroduplex DNA (hDNA). In this chapter, we describe a protocol for the purification of S100A11 to near homogeneity. Using purified proteins, we show the ability of S100A11 to stimulate RAD51 in a DNA strand exchange assay. Additionally, we describe a protocol how S100A11 can be localized in sites of DNA repair by immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, we present a protocol for assessment of chromosomal aberrations after depletion of S100A11 that illustrate the apparent involvement of S100A11 in genome integrity.

S100A11 plays a role in homologous recombination and genome maintenance by influencing the persistence of RAD51 in DNA repair foci.

The repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination (HR) is an essential process in maintenance of chromosomal stability. A key player of HR is the strand exchange factor RAD51 whose assembly at sites of DNA damage is tightly regulated. We detected an endogenous complex of RAD51 with the calcium-binding protein S100A11, which is localized at sites of DNA repair in HaCaT cells as well as in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) synchronized in S phase. In biochemical assays, we revealed that S100A11 enhanced the RAD51 strand exchange activity. When cells expressing a S100A11 mutant lacking the ability to bind Ca(2+), a prolonged persistence of RAD51 in repair sites and nuclear γH2AX foci was observed suggesting an incomplete DNA repair. The same phenotype became apparent when S100A11 was depleted by RNA interference. Furthermore, down-regulation of S100A11 resulted in both reduced sister chromatid exchange confirming the restriction of the recombination capacity of the cells, and in an increase of chromosomal aberrations reflecting the functional requirement of S100A11 for the maintenance of genomic stability. Our data indicate that S100A11 is involved in homologous recombination by regulating the appearance of RAD51 in DSB repair sites. This function requires the calcium-binding activity of S100A11.

The tumor suppressor ING1b is a novel corepressor for the androgen receptor and induces cellular senescence in prostate cancer cells.

The androgen receptor (AR) signaling is critical for prostate cancer (PCa) progression to the castration-resistant stage with poor clinical outcome. Altered function of AR-interacting factors may contribute to castration-resistant PCa (CRPCa). Inhibitor of growth 1 (ING1) is a tumor suppressor that regulates various cellular processes including cell proliferation. Interestingly, ING1 expression is upregulated in senescent primary human prostate cells; however, its role in AR signaling in PCa was unknown. Using a proteomic approach by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (SELDI-MS) combined with immunological techniques, we provide here evidence that ING1b interacts in vivo with the AR. The interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation, in vitro GST-pull-down, and quantitative intracellular colocalization analyses. Functionally, ING1b inhibits AR-responsive promoters and endogenous key AR target genes in the human PCa LNCaP cells. Conversely, ING1b knockout (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibit enhanced AR activity, suggesting that the interaction with ING1b represses the AR-mediated transcription. Also, data suggest that ING1b expression is downregulated in CRPCa cells compared with androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. Interestingly, its ectopic expression induces cellular senescence and reduces cell migration in both androgen-dependent and CRPCa cells. Intriguingly, ING1b can also inhibit androgen-induced growth in LNCaP cells in a similar manner as AR antagonists. Moreover, ING1b upregulates different cell cycle inhibitors including p27(KIP1), which is a novel target for ING1b. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel corepressor function of ING1b on various AR functions, thereby inhibiting PCa cell growth.

SELDI-TOF analysis of glioblastoma cyst fluid is an approach for assessing cellular protein expression.

OBJECTIVES: In about 10% of glioblastoma patients, preoperative MRI discloses the presence of tumor cysts. Whereas the impact of cystic appearance on prognosis has been discussed extensively, only little is known about the tumor cyst fluid. In this study, we tested the feasibility of the surface enhanced laser desorption ionization time of flight (SELDI-TOF) technique to detect cyst fluid proteins. METHODS: Cyst fluid was collected from 21 glioblastoma patients for SELDI-TOF analysis and compared to control cerebrospinal fluids from 15 patients with spinal stenosis. Resulting protein peaks with significant differences between groups were further described, using the molecular weight in an internet search of protein databases and publications. Two potential cyst fluid proteins, basigin and ferritin light chain, were selected for immunohistological detection in the histologic slides of the patients, metallothionein (MT) served as negative control. RESULTS: As supposed from the results of the SELDI-TOF analysis, basigin and ferritin were detected immunohistochemically in the cyst wall, whereas MT was more equally distributed between the cyst wall and the surrounding tumor tissue. Median survival time of the patients was 20 months (range 2 to 102 months) and correlated with age, but not with expression of the three proteins. DISCUSSION: The SELDI-TOF approach reveals a number of proteins, potentially present in glioblastoma cyst fluid. Identification of these proteins in tumor cells may help understand the pathogenetic pathways and the prognostic value of cystic changes.

S100A11 is involved in the regulation of the stability of cell cycle regulator p21(CIP1/WAF1) in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(CIP1/WAF1) is a regulatory factor of the cell cycle. Its transcriptional activation and protein stability are tightly controlled by several distinct mechanisms. S100A11 is a member of the S100 family of Ca²âº-binding proteins involved in several biological processes, including cell cycle progression and signal transduction. In the present study, we show that down-regulation of S100A11 results in the reduction of p21 protein in human HaCaT keratinocytes. It appears that a ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation process is involved in p21 degradation in S100A11 down-regulated cells. The application of a proteasome inhibitor stabilized p21 protein in these cells. Analysis of distinct signal transduction pathways revealed a disturbed phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt pathway after S100A11 knockdown. We determined that the glycogen synthase kinase-3, which is negatively regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, was activated in cells possessing knocked-down S100A11 and appears to be involved in p21 protein destabilization. The application of a specific inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 resulted in an increase of the p21 protein level in S100A11 down-regulated HaCaT cells. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 is able to phosphorylate p21 at T57, which induces p21 proteasomal turnover. Mutation of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 site threonine 57 into alanine (T57A) stabilizes p21 in HaCaT cells lacking S100A11. Beside decreased p21 protein, down-regulation of S100A11 triggered the induction of apoptosis in HaCaT cells. These observations suggest that S100A11 is involved in the maintenance of p21 protein stability and appears to function as an inhibitor of apoptosis in human HaCaT keratinocyte cells. Thus, the data shed light on a novel pathway regulating p21 protein stability.

Urine screening by Seldi-Tof, followed by biomarker identification, in a Brazilian cohort of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PURPOSE: To screen proteins/peptides in urine of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients by SELDI-TOF (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization - Time of Flight) in search of possible biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-one urines samples from Clear Cell RCC and Papillary RCC were compared to 29 samples of control urine on CM10 chip. Mass analysis was performed in a ProteinChip Reader PCS 4,000 (Ciphergen Biosystems, Fremont, CA) with the software Ciphergen Express 3.0. All chips were read at low and at high laser energy. For statistical analysis the urine samples were clustered according to the histological classification (Clear Cell and Papillary Carcinoma). For identification urine was loaded on a SDS PAGE gel and bands of most interest were excised, trypsinized and identified by MS/MS. Databank searches were performed in Swiss-Prot database using the MASCOT search algorithm and in Profound. RESULTS: Proteins that were identified from urine of controls included immunoglobulin light chains, albumin, secreted and transmembrane 1 precursor (protein K12), mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) and vitelline membrane outer layer 1 isoform 1. Identification of immunoglobulins and isoforms of albumin are quite common by proteomics and therefore cannot be considered as possible molecular markers. K12 and MASP-2 play important physiological roles, while vitellite membrane outer layer 1 role is unknown since it was never purified in humans. CONCLUSIONS: The down expression of Protein K-12 and MASP-2 make them good candidates for RCC urine marker and should be validated in a bigger cohort including the other less common histological RCC subtypes.

Urine screening by Seldi-Tof, followed by biomarker identification, in a Brazilian cohort of patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Purpose To screen proteins/peptides in urine of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) patients by SELDI-TOF (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization - Time of Flight) in search of possible biomarkers. Material and Methods Sixty-one urines samples from Clear Cell RCC and Papillary RCC were compared to 29 samples of control urine on CM10 chip. Mass analysis was performed in a ProteinChip Reader PCS 4,000 (Ciphergen Biosystems, Fremont, CA) with the software Ciphergen Express 3.0. All chips were read at low and at high laser energy. For statistical analysis the urine samples were clustered according to the histological classification (Clear Cell and Papillary Carcinoma). For identification urine was loaded on a SDS PAGE gel and bands of most interest were excised, trypsinized and identified by MS/MS. Databank searches were performed in Swiss-Prot database using the MASCOT search algorithm and in Profound. Results Proteins that were identified from urine of controls included immunoglobulin light chains, albumin, secreted and transmembrane 1 precursor (protein K12), mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) and vitelline membrane outer layer 1 isoform 1. Identification of immunoglobulins and isoforms of albumin are quite common by proteomics and therefore cannot be considered as possible molecular markers. K12 and MASP-2 play important physiological roles, while vitellite membrane outer layer 1 role is unknown since it was never purified in humans. Conclusions The down expression of Protein K-12 and MASP-2 make them good candidates for RCC urine marker and should be validated in a bigger cohort including the other less common histological RCC subtypes. .

The corepressor activity of Alien is controlled by CREB-binding protein/p300.

The regulation of gene repression by corepressors is a controlled process. Surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization MS proteomic analysis and a yeast two-hybrid screen showed independently that the corepressor Alien interacts with the CREB-binding protein (CBP) coactivator. This interaction was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments, suggesting that Alien interacts in vivo and in vitro with the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) coactivators CBP and its paralog p300. Acetylation detection experiments indicated that Alien is acetylated in vivo. Furthermore, Alien interacts with the central region of CBP/p300 containing the HAT domain and becomes acetylated in vitro. When an inhibitor of CBP/p300 HAT activity was employed, the Alien-mediated silencing was enhanced. Thus, these findings suggest crosstalk between corepressors and coactivators, and indicate fine-tuning of corepressor function by post-translational modification through corepressor acetylation. STRUCTURED DIGITAL ABSTRACT: p300 binds to Alien α by pull down (View interaction) Alien α physically interacts with CBP by two hybrid (View interaction) Alien α physically interacts with MLK2 by two hybrid (View interaction) p300 acetylates Alien α by acetylation assay (View interaction) Alien α physically interacts with NAP1 by two hybrid (View interaction) Alien α physically interacts with TAFI68 by two hybrid (View interaction) Alien α physically interacts with CBP by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3) Alien α binds to CBP by pull down (View interaction).

Accumulation of annexin A5 at the nuclear envelope is a biomarker of cellular aging.

Cellular senescence is a permanent cell cycle arrest induced by short telomeres or oncogenic stress in vitro and in vivo. Because no single of the established biomarkers can reliably identify senescent cells, the application of new ones may aid the diagnosis of aged cells. Here we show that annexin A5 accumulates at the nuclear envelope during replicative and drug-induced cellular senescence in primary human fibroblasts. This new cellular aging phenotype that we have termed SA-ANX5 (senescence-associated accumulation at the nuclear envelope of annexin A5) is as efficient and quantitative as the well-established senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity assay and p21 immunoreactivity. SA-ANX5 is also observed in aged human skin where is exclusively detected in DNA damage foci-positive/Ki-67-negative cells. We also observed that depletion of annexin A5 by siRNA in human fibroblasts accelerates premature senescence through the p38MAP kinase pathway. These observations establish SA-ANX5 as a new biomarker for cellular aging and implicate a functional role for annexin A5 in cellular senescence.

Confirmation of the biological significance of transthyretin as a biomarker for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by its protein interaction partners.

We previously identified transthyretin (TTR) and its posttranslational modifications as a down-regulated marker in mycosis fungoides (MF), a benign subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). In order to more precisely understand the biological role of TTR in the etiology of MF, it is essential to clarify the pathways of progression by identifying further interacting proteins. This study is the first to combine blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) with surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) to detect new TTR interaction partners and to determine whether these TTR interaction partners can themselves be used as biomarkers. By this procedure, apolipoprotein A1, which was additionally found to be down-regulated in the serum of MF patients, apolipoprotein A4, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP-4), and retinoid X receptor ß (RXR-ß) were identified as interaction partners of TTR. The RXR family plays a role in cell differentiation and proliferation and is known to be the target of bexarotene, which is used in the treatment of CTCL. In conclusion, the combination of BN-PAGE and SELDI-TOF-MS used in this study allowed for the detection of protein interaction partners, which, in the case of RBP-4 and RXR, indicated a connection between the common tumor marker TTR and tumor progression in CTCL.

DNA damage-induced translocation of S100A11 into the nucleus regulates cell proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Proteins are able to react in response to distinct stress stimuli by alteration of their subcellular distribution. The stress-responsive protein S100A11 belongs to the family of multifunctional S100 proteins which have been implicated in several key biological processes. Previously, we have shown that S100A11 is directly involved in DNA repair processes at damaged chromatin in the nucleus. To gain further insight into the underlying mechanism subcellular trafficking of S100A11 in response to DNA damage was analyzed. RESULTS: We show that DNA damage induces a nucleolin-mediated translocation of S100A11 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. This translocation is impeded by inhibition of the phosphorylation activity of PKCα. Translocation of S100A11 into the nucleus correlates with an increased cellular p21 protein level. Depletion of nucleolin by siRNA severely impairs translocation of S100A11 into the nucleus resulting in a decreased p21 protein level. Additionally, cells lacking nucleolin showed a reduced colony forming capacity. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that regulation of the subcellular distribution of S100A11 plays an important role in the DNA damage response and p21-mediated cell cycle control.

Depicting the spatial distribution of proteins in human tumor tissue combining SELDI and MALDI imaging and immunohistochemistry.

Carcinoma tissue consists of not only tumor cells but also fibroblasts, endothelial cells or vascular structures, and inflammatory cells forming the supportive tumor stroma. Therefore, the spatial distribution of proteins that promote growth and proliferation in these complex functional units is of high interest. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry is a newly developed technique that generates spatially resolved profiles of protein signals directly from thin tissue sections. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MS)combined with tissue microdissection allows analysis of defined parts of the tissue with a higher sensitivity and a broader mass range. Nevertheless, both MS-based techniques have a limited spatial resolution. IHC is a technique that allows a resolution down to the subcellular level. However, the detection and measurement of a specific protein expression level is possible only by semiquantitative methods. Moreover, prior knowledge about the identity of the proteins of interest is necessary. In this study, we combined all three techniques to gain highest spatial resolution, sensitivity, and quantitative information. We used frozen tissue from head and neck tumors and chose two exemplary proteins (HNP1-3 and S100A8) to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. It could be shown that the combination of these three techniques results in congruent but also synergetic data.

Comparative proteomic analysis of normal and tumor stromal cells by tissue on chip based mass spectrometry (toc-MS).

In carcinoma tissues, genetic and metabolic changes not only occur at the tumor cell level, but also in the surrounding stroma. This carcinoma-reactive stromal tissue is heterogeneous and consists e.g. of non-epithelial cells such as fibroblasts or fibrocytes, inflammatory cells and vasculature-related cells, which promote carcinoma growth and progression of carcinomas. Nevertheless, there is just little knowledge about the proteomic changes from normal connective tissue to tumor stroma. In the present study, we acquired and analysed specific protein patterns of small stromal sections surrounding head and neck cell complexes in comparison to normal subepithelial connective tissue. To gain defined stromal areas we used laser-based tissue microdissection. Because these stromal areas are limited in size we established the highly sensitive 'tissue on chip based mass spectrometry' (toc-MS). Therefore, the dissected areas were directly transferred to chromatographic arrays and the proteomic profiles were subsequently analysed with mass spectrometry. At least 100 cells were needed for an adequate spectrum. The locating of differentially expressed proteins enables a precise separation of normal and tumor stroma. The newly described toc-MS technology allows an initial insight into proteomic differences between small numbers of exactly defined cells from normal and tumor stroma.

Regulation of cellular actin architecture by S100A10.

Actin structures are involved in several biological processes and the disruption of actin polymerisation induces impaired motility of eukaryotic cells. Different factors are involved in regulation and maintenance of the cytoskeletal actin architecture. Here we show that S100A10 participates in the particular organisation of actin filaments. Down-regulation of S100A10 by specific siRNA triggered a disorganisation of filamentous actin structures without a reduction of the total cellular actin concentration. In contrast, the formation of cytoskeleton structures containing tubulin was unhindered in S100A10 depleted cells. Interestingly, the cellular distribution of annexin A2, an interaction partner of S100A10, was unaffected in S100A10 depleted cells. Cells lacking S100A10 showed an impaired migration activity and were unable to close a scratched wound. Our data provide first insights of S100A10 function as a regulator of the filamentous actin network.

S100A8 cellular distribution in normal epithelium, hyperplasia, dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma and its concentration in serum.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function of S100A8, a member of the calcium-binding S100 protein family, in oral tumorigenesis. We analyzed its cellular distribution and its serum level in patients with squamous cell carcinoma and normal controls. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the histopathologic features by tissue microarrays (TMAs) including 8 normal, 66 hyperplastic and dysplastic and 26 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue cores. The serum level of S100A8 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using 33 healthy volunteers, 20 patients with hyperproliferative lesions and 23 patients with OSCC. RESULTS: The TMA analysis resulted in different findings. The strongest expression of S100A8 was found in severe dysplasias and carcinoma in situ. In tumor tissue an increased expression occurred only focally. In the normal tissue cores the epithelium showed a moderate reaction, but basal and parabasal cells were completely negative. The serum levels of S100A8 were marginally reduced in cancer patients. The expression between healthy controls and patients with hyperproliferative lesions displayed no difference. CONCLUSION: The expression of S100A8 is helpful only in the transition from severe dysplastic tissue to cancer.

Periphilin is a novel interactor of synphilin-1, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies. Alpha-synuclein and its interactor synphilin-1 are major components of these inclusions. Rare mutations in the alpha-synuclein and synphilin-1 genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD; however, the normal function of these proteins is far from being completely elucidated. We, thus, searched for novel synphilin-1-interacting proteins and deciphered periphilin as new interactor. Periphilin isoforms are involved in multiple cellular functions in vivo, and the protein is broadly expressed during embryogenesis and in the adult brain. We show that periphilin displays an overlapping expression pattern with synphilin-1 in cellular and animal models and in Lewy bodies of PD patients. Functional studies demonstrate that periphilin, as previously shown for synphilin-1, displays an antiapoptotic function by reducing caspase-3 activity. Searching for mutations in the periphilin gene, we detected a K69E substitution in two patients of a PD family. Taken together, these findings support for the first time an involvement of periphilin in PD.