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It is well established that misfolded forms of cellular prion protein (PrP [PrPC]) are crucial in the genesis and progression of transmissible spongiform encephalitis, whereas the function of native PrPC remains incompletely understood. To determine the physiological role of PrPC, we examine the neurophysiological properties of hippocampal neurons isolated from PrP-null mice. We show that PrP-null mouse neurons exhibit enhanced and drastically prolonged N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)–evoked currents as a result of a functional upregulation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) containing NR2D subunits. These effects are phenocopied by RNA interference and are rescued upon the overexpression of exogenous PrPC. The enhanced NMDAR activity results in an increase in neuronal excitability as well as enhanced glutamate excitotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, native PrPC mediates an important neuroprotective role by virtue of its ability to inhibit NR2D subunits.

We have developed a facile, scale up, and efficient method for the preparation of graphitic-C3N4 nanofibers (GCNNFs) as electrodes for supercapacitors and photocatalysts. The as-synthesized GCNNFs have 1D structure with higher concentration of nitrogen that is favorable for higher conductivity and electrochemical performance. Secondly, the high surface area of GCNNF provides a large electrode-electrolyte contact area, sufficient light harvesting and mass transfer, as well as increased redox potential. Thus, the GCNNF supercapacitor electrode shows high capacitance of 263.75 F g(-1) and excellent cyclic stability in 0.1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte with the capacitance retention of 93.6% after 2000 cycles at 1 A g(-1) current density. GCNNFs exhibit high capacitance of 208 F g(-1) even at 10 A g(-1), with the appreciable capacitance retention of 89.5%, which proves its better rate capability. Moreover, the GCNNF shows enhanced photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of RhB in comparison to the bulk graphitic-C3N4 (GCN). The degradation rate constant of GCNNF photocatalyst is almost 4 times higher than GCN. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of GCNNF is mainly due to the higher surface area, appropriate bandgap, and fewer defects in GCNNF as compared to GCN. As an economical precursor (melamine) and harmless, facile, and template-free synthesis method with excellent performance both in supercapacitors and in photodegradation, GCNNF is a strong candidate for energy storage and environment protection applications.

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