beta-Cyclodextrin interacts with the Alzheimer amyloid beta-A4 peptide

Directing the secondary structure of polypeptides at will: from helices to amyloids and back again?

An ageing society faces an increasing number of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Creutzfeld-Jacob disease. The deposition of amyloid fibrils is a pathogenic factor causing the destruction of neuronal tissue. Amyloid-forming proteins are mainly alpha-helical in their native conformation, but undergo an alpha-helix to beta-strand conversion before or during fibril formation. Partially unfolded or misfolded beta-sheet fragments are discussed as direct precursors of amyloids. To potentially cure neurodegenerative diseases we need to understand the complex folding mechanisms that shift the equilibrium from the functional to the pathological isoform of the proteins involved. This paper describes a novel approach that allows us to study the interplay between peptide primary structure and environmental conditions for peptide and protein folding in its whole complexity on a molecular level. This de novo designed peptide system may achieve selective inhibition of fibril formation.

Mechanism of accelerated assembly of beta-amyloid filaments into fibrils by KLVFFK(6)

Extracellular senile plaques are a central pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. At the core of these plaques are fibrillar deposits of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta). In vitro, Abeta spontaneously assembles into amyloid fibrils of cross-beta sheet structure. Although it was once believed that the fibrils themselves were toxic, more recent data supports the hypothesis that aggregation intermediates, rather than fully formed fibrils, are the most damaging to neuronal tissue. In previously published work, we identified several small peptides that interact with Abeta and increase its aggregation rate while decreasing its toxicity. In this work, we examined in detail the interaction between Abeta and one of these peptides. Using a mathematical model of Abeta aggregation kinetics, we show that the dominant effect of the peptide is to accelerate lateral association of Abeta filaments into fibrils.

Per-6-substituted-per-6-deoxy β-cyclodextrins Inhibit the Formation of β-Amyloid Peptide Derived Soluble Oligomers

Recent studies have indicated that the most important role of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease may not be in plaque formation but in the formation of soluble, metastable Abeta(1-42) neurotoxic intermediates (called ADDLs). In the present work we describe the preparation of per-6-amino-6-deoxy-beta-cyclodextrins, which inhibit ADDLs formation in vitro.

Two-Site Binding of β-Cyclodextrin to the Alzheimer Aβ(1−40) Peptide Measured with Combined PFG-NMR Diffusion and Induced Chemical Shifts

The interactions of Alzheimer's amyloid beta-peptide with cyclodextrins were studied by (1)H NMR: the translational diffusion coefficient of the peptide and chemical shift changes were studied by the presence of variable concentrations of cyclodextrins. For the full-length peptide, Abeta(1-40), the combined results of translational diffusion and chemical shift changes are consistent with a model where aromatic side chains interact with beta-cyclodextrin with dissociation constants in the millimolar range. The diffusion data were consistent with two beta-cyclodextrin molecules bound per peptide. The binding occurs at two sites, at F(19) and/or F(20) and at Y(10), with dissociation constants K(d)(F) = 4.7 mM and K(d)(Y) = 6.6 mM, respectively, in 10 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4 and 298 K. Shorter Alzheimer peptide fragments were studied to measure specific affinities for different binding sites. The N-terminal fragment Abeta(1-9) with a putative binding site at F(4) does not show measurable affinity for beta-cyclodextrin. The fragment Abeta(12-28) has similar apparent affinity (K(d) = 3.8 mM) to beta-cyclodextrin as the full-length peptide Abeta(1-40). Here, the diffusion data suggests a one-to-one stoichiometry, and the binding site is F(19) and/or F(20). Both diffusion results and chemical shift changes give the same affinity. A variant Abeta(12-28)G(19)G(20) without phenylalanines does not bind to beta-cyclodextrin. Other potential ligands, alpha-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, nicotine, and nornicotine do not bind to the Abeta(12-28) fragment. This study shows that combined (1)H NMR diffusion and chemical shift changes may be used to quantitatively determine affinities and stoichiometries of weak interactions, using unlabeled ligands and hosts of comparable sizes.

Behavior of α-, β-, and γ-Cyclodextrins and Their Derivatives on an in Vitro Model of Blood-Brain Barrier

Cyclodextrins (CDs) can be envisaged to cure some diseases related to the brain, but the behavior of these compounds toward the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains largely unexplored to envisage such clinical applications. To fulfill this gap, the toxicity and endothelial permeability for native, methylated, and hydroxypropylated alpha-, beta-, and gamma-CDs have been studied on an in vitro model of BBB. As shown by the endothelial permeability for sucrose and immunofluorescence stainings, the native CDs are the most toxic CDs (alpha- > beta- > gamma-CD). Whereas the chemical modification of beta-CD did not affect the toxicity of this CD, differences are observed for the alpha- and gamma-CD. To determine the origin of toxicity, lipid effluxes on the brain capillary endothelial cells were performed in the presence of native CDs. It was found that alpha-CD removed phospholipids and that beta-CD extracted phospholipids and cholesterol. gamma-CD was less lipid-selective than the other CDs. Finally, the endothelial permeability of each CD has been determined. Surprisingly, no structure/permeability relationship has been observed according to the nature and chemical modifications of CDs.

Design strategies for anti-amyloid agents

Numerous diseases have been linked to a common pathogenic process called amyloidosis, whereby proteins or peptides clump together in the brain or body to form toxic soluble oligomers and/or insoluble fibres. An attractive strategy to develop therapies for these diseases is therefore to inhibit or reverse protein/peptide aggregation. A diverse range of small organic ligands have been found to act as aggregation inhibitors. Alternatively, the wild-type peptide can be derivatised so that it still binds to the amyloid target, but prevents further aggregation. This can be achieved by adding a bulky group or charged amino acid to either end of the peptide, or by incorporating proline residues or N-methylated amide groups.

Change and stabilization of the amyloid-beta(1-40) secondary structure by fluorocompounds

The misfolding of the amyloid peptide, which is the result of a well-known alpha-to-beta transition, causes neurodegenerative disorder. Fluorinated alcohols have been described in the literature as potent solvents which can refold the beta-conformation. The present studies demonstrate the effectiveness of differently fluorinated alcohols for the beta-to-alpha refolding process on fibrillar aggregated amyloid beta(1-40). The regenerated helical structure is shown to be maintained in the absence of the fluoroalcohols, a behaviour which was found to contrast with immunoglobulin. We interpret this difference on the basis of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic domains in the amyloid sequence and present some speculations regarding the free-energy levels of the folded states of both proteins. The effect of the -CF(3) group on the observed conformational changes is interpreted as a result of alterations of the hydration shell of the peptides. Moreover, based on the results achieved with fluoroalcohols, we have used novel fluorinated amphiphiles possessing blood-compatibility properties and studied their effect on amyloid beta(1-40). First results point in the direction of a beta-to-alpha transition. Therefore, the use of fluorine groups in the development of new drugs is considered a new possibility requiring further investigation for the prevention of amyloidosis.

Beta-amyloid production, aggregation, and clearance as targets for therapy in Alzheimer's disease

1. Despite major efforts aimed at elucidating the molecular basis and physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is still no effective treatment available for this devastating disorder. The biological mechanisms underlying the development of AD are complex, as multiple factors appear to modulate (either positively or negatively) the progression of neurodegeneration in the brains of AD patients. Not surprisingly, a number of different therapeutic approaches aimed at distinct aspects of the disease are currently being pursued. Given its central role in the neuropathology of AD, the beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) is the focus of many such approaches. 2. In this review, we discuss recent developments along three major lines of investigation: (i) identification and characterization of inhibitors of the enzymes involved in proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein and production of Abeta; (ii) identification of the pathways involved in cerebral degradation and clearance of Abeta; and (iii) characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of amyloid aggregation that prevent cerebral amyloid deposition and neurotoxicity. 3. Significant progress has been achieved in these directions, opening up new perspectives toward the development of effective approaches for the treatment or prevention of AD.

NMR and CD studies on the interaction of Alzheimer beta-amyloid peptide (12-28) with beta-cyclodextrin

Polymerization of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) has been identified as a major feature of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibition of the formation of these toxic polymers of Abeta has emerged as an approach for developing therapeutics for AD. NMR and CD spectra were used to investigate the interaction between cyclodextrin and Abeta(12-28) peptide, which was reported to be an important region for forming amyloid fibrils. CD spectral analyses show that of the alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins only beta-cyclodextrin inhibits the aggregation of Abeta(12-28) at pH 5.0. Analysis of the one-dimensional proton NMR spectra of Abeta(12-28) and the mixture of Abeta(12-28) with beta-cyclodextrin clearly indicates that there are chemical shift changes in the aromatic ring of Phe19 and the methyl groups of Val18 in the peptide. The NOESY spectra show cross-peaks between H-3 and H-5 of beta-cyclodextrin and the aromatic protons of Phe19 and Phe20. These chemical shift differences and NOEs demonstrate that there is an interaction between Abeta(12-28) and beta-cyclodextrin. Analysis of the cross-peak intensity in the NOESY spectra reveals that the aromatic rings of Phe19 and 20 are generally inserted into beta-cyclodextrin at the broad side and are oriented toward the narrow side of the cavity.

Per-6-substituted beta-cyclodextrin libraries inhibit formation of beta-amyloid-peptide (A beta)-derived, soluble oligomers

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older individuals with compelling evidence favoring neuron dysfunction and death triggered by assembled forms of A beta(1-42). While large neurotoxic amyloid fibrils have been known for years, recent studies show that soluble protofibril and A beta(1-42)-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) may also be involved in neurotoxicity. In the present work, dot-blot immunoassays discriminating ADDLs from monomers were used to screen libraries of per-substituted beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) derivatives for inhibition of ADDLs formation. Libraries were prepared from per-6-iodo-beta-CD by treatment with various amine nucleophiles. The most active library tested (containing >2000 derivatives) was derived from imidazole, N, N-dimethylethylenediamine and furfurylamine, which at 10 microM total library, inhibited ADDLs formation (10 nM A beta(1-42)) over a period of 4 hours. The latter was confirmed by a western blot assay showing decreased amounts of the initially formed A beta(1-42) tetramer. These preliminary experiments suggest that derivatized forms of beta-CD can interfere with the oligomerization process of A beta(1-42).

Cholesterol-dependent gamma-secretase activity in buoyant cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains

Buoyant membrane fractions containing presenilin 1 (PS1), an essential component of the gamma-secretase complex, and APP CTFbeta, a gamma-secretase substrate, can be isolated from cultured cells and brain by several different fractionation procedures that are compatible with in vitro gamma-secretase assays. Analysis of these gradients for amyloid beta protein (Abeta) and CTFgamma production indicated that gamma-secretase activity is predominantly localized in these buoyant membrane microdomains. Consistent with this localization, we find that gamma-secretase activity is cholesterol dependent. Depletion of membrane cholesterol completely inhibits gamma-secretase cleavage, which can be restored by cholesterol replacement. Thus, altering cholesterol levels may influence the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by influencing production and deposition of Abeta within cholesterol rich membrane microdomains.

Interaction between synthetic amyloid-beta-peptide (1-40) and its aggregation inhibitors studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

It is generally postulated that amyloid-beta-peptides play a central role in the progressive neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease. Important pathological properties of these peptides, such as neurotoxicity and resistance to proteolytic degradation, depend on the ability of amyloid-beta-peptides to form beta-sheet structures and/or amyloid fibrils. Amyloid-beta-peptides are known to aggregate spontaneously in vitro with the formation of amyloid fibrils. The intervention on the amyloid-beta-peptides aggregation process can be envisaged as an approach to stopping or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. In the last few years a number of small molecules have been reported to interfere with the in vitro aggregation of amyloid-beta-peptides. Melatonin, a hormone recently found to protect neurons against amyloid-beta-peptide toxicity, interacts with amyloid-beta-peptide (1-40) and amyloid-beta-peptide (1-42) and inhibits the progressive formation of beta-sheet and/or amyloid fibrils. These interactions between melatonin and the amyloid peptides have been demonstrated by circular dichroism (CD) and electron microscopy for amyloid-beta-peptide (1-40) and amyloid-beta-peptide (1-42) and by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for amyloid-beta-peptide (1-40). Our electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) studies also proved that there is a hydrophobic interaction between amyloid-beta-peptide (1-40) and melatonin and the proteolytic investigations suggested that the interaction took place on the 29-40 amyloid-beta-peptide segment. The wide-ranging application of these results would provide further information and help in biological research.

Vaccination with soluble Abeta oligomers generates toxicity-neutralizing antibodies

In recent studies of transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it has been reported that antibodies to aged beta amyloid peptide 1-42 (Abeta(1-42)) solutions (mixtures of Abeta monomers, oligomers and amyloid fibrils) cause conspicuous reduction of amyloid plaques and neurological improvement. In some cases, however, neurological improvement has been independent of obvious plaque reduction, and it has been suggested that immunization might neutralize soluble, non-fibrillar forms of Abeta. It is now known that Abeta toxicity resides not only in fibrils, but also in soluble protofibrils and oligomers. The current study has investigated the immune response to low doses of Abeta(1-42) oligomers and the characteristics of the antibodies they induce. Rabbits that were injected with Abeta(1-42) solutions containing only monomers and oligomers produced antibodies that preferentially bound to assembled forms of Abeta in immunoblots and in physiological solutions. The antibodies have proven useful for assays that can detect inhibitors of oligomer formation, for immunofluorescence localization of cell-attached oligomers to receptor-like puncta, and for immunoblots that show the presence of SDS-stable oligomers in Alzheimer's brain tissue. The antibodies, moreover, were found to neutralize the toxicity of soluble oligomers in cell culture. Results support the hypothesis that immunizations of transgenic mice derive therapeutic benefit from the immuno-neutralization of soluble Abeta-derived toxins. Analogous immuno-neutralization of oligomers in humans may be a key in AD vaccines.

beta-Amyloid protein aggregation: its implication in the physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease

beta-Amyloid protein (A beta), a 39-42 residue peptide resulting from the proteolytic processing of a membrane-bound beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), is one of the major components of the fibrillar deposits observed in Alzheimer patients. A beta fibril formation is a complex process which involves changes in A beta conformation and self-association to form cross-beta pleated sheets, protofibrils, and fibrils. Since the aggregation of soluble A beta peptide into fibrils is viewed as a critical event in the physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), preventing, altering, or reversing fibril formation may thus be of therapeutic value. This review will focus on the current state of knowledge of A beta fibril formation, with special emphasis on physiological and exogenous inhibitors which may have a therapeutic potential.

Protocol for quantitative and qualitative analyses of the in vitro aggregation of synthetic beta-amyloid. A method applicable to the identification of substances that may have therapeutic efficacy for Alzheimer's disease

Biochemical studies of beta-amyloid (Abeta) aggregation have been hampered by the lack of a simple method to examine simultaneously the extent of aggregation and the structural nature of the aggregates. Consequently, often only the extent of aggregation is analyzed and reported. This means that there is often no knowledge of whether the aggregates consist of fibrils, a structure crucial for their neurotoxicity. Here we describe the development of a protocol for quantitatively and qualitatively evaluating the in vitro aggregation of synthetic Abeta. Specifically, a fluorescein derivatized Abeta(1-42) peptide (FITC-Abeta(1-42)) was used as the aggregation material. We found that the fluorescent Abeta peptide aggregated as efficiently as the native ones and the extent of their aggregation could be determined accurately by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Significantly, our approach is also qualitative because it allows a direct structural examination of Abeta fibrils by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, this protocol can also be applied to the identification of substance(s) capable of inhibiting Abeta aggregation and further the assessment of the nature of such inhibition.

Approaches to discovery and characterization of inhibitors of amyloid beta-peptide polymerization

Polymerization of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) has been identified as a major feature of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibition of the formation of these toxic polymers of Abeta has thus emerged as an approach to developing therapeutics for AD. Techniques for studying Abeta polymerization include the use of fibril nucleation and extension assays in a variety of formats. Detection of polymeric forms of Abeta has been achieved using turbidity, dye binding, light scattering and toxicity among other methods. Direct and indirect methods have been described for the measurement of binding affinities for Abeta fibrils. Imaging techniques include electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. These techniques have been used to characterize different classes of compounds that inhibit the formation of Abeta polymers. These compounds include dyes such as Congo Red, the antibiotic rifampicin, the anthracycline 4'-iodo-4'-deoxydoxorubicin, and a large variety of Abeta-derived peptides and modified peptides, among other reported inhibitors.

Inhibition of beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity by imidazopyridoindoles derived from a synthetic combinatorial library

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposit of amyloid fibrils in the brain that result from the self-aggregative polymerization of the beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta). Evidence of a direct correlation between the ability of Abeta to form stable aggregates in aqueous solution and its neurotoxicity has been reported. The cytotoxic effects of Abeta have been attributed to the aggregation properties of a domain corresponding to the peptide fragment Abeta25-35. In an effort to generate novel inhibitors of Abeta neurotoxicity and/or aggregation, a mixture-based synthetic combinatorial library composed of 23 375 imidazopyridoindoles was generated and screened for inhibition of Abeta25-35 neurotoxicity toward the rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cell line. The effect of the identified lead compounds on Abeta25-35 aggregation was then evaluated by means of circular dichroism (CD) and thioflavin-T fluorescence spectroscopy. Their activity against Abeta1-42 neurotoxicity toward the PC-12 cell line was also determined. The most active imidazopyridoindoles inhibited both Abeta25-35 and Abeta1-42 neurotoxicity in the low- to mid-micromolar range. Furthermore, inhibition of the random coil to beta-sheet transition and self-aggregation of Abeta25-35 was observed by CD and fluorescence spectroscopy, supporting the relationship between inhibition of the Abeta aggregation process and neurotoxicity.

A molecular model of Alzheimer amyloid beta-peptide fibril formation

Polymerization of the amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide into protease-resistant fibrils is a significant step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. It has not been possible to obtain detailed structural information about this process with conventional techniques because the peptide has limited solubility and does not form crystals. In this work, we present experimental results leading to a molecular level model for fibril formation. Systematically selected Abeta-fragments containing the Abeta16-20 sequence, previously shown essential for Abeta-Abeta binding, were incubated in a physiological buffer. Electron microscopy revealed that the shortest fibril-forming sequence was Abeta14-23. Substitutions in this decapeptide impaired fibril formation and deletion of the decapeptide from Abeta1-42 inhibited fibril formation completely. All studied peptides that formed fibrils also formed stable dimers and/or tetramers. Molecular modeling of Abeta14-23 oligomers in an antiparallel beta-sheet conformation displayed favorable hydrophobic interactions stabilized by salt bridges between all charged residues. We propose that this decapeptide sequence forms the core of Abeta-fibrils, with the hydrophobic C terminus folding over this core. The identification of this fundamental sequence and the implied molecular model could facilitate the design of potential inhibitors of amyloidogenesis.

Recognition sequence design for peptidyl modulators of beta-amyloid aggregation and toxicity

beta-Amyloid (Abeta), the primary protein component of Alzheimer's plaques, is neurotoxic when aggregated into fibrils. We have devised a modular strategy for generating compounds that inhibit Abeta toxicity, based on linking a recognition element for Abeta to a disrupting element designed to interfere with Abeta aggregation. One such compound, with the 15-25 sequence of Abeta as the recognition element and a lysine hexamer as the disrupting element, altered Abeta aggregation kinetics and protected cells from Abeta toxicity [Ghanta et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 29525]. To optimize the recognition element, peptides of 4-8 residues composed of overlapping sequences within the 15-25 domain were synthesized, along with hybrid compounds containing those recognition sequences coupled to a lysine hexamer. None of the recognition peptides altered Abeta aggregation kinetics and only two, KLVFF and KLVF, had any protective effect against Abeta toxicity. The hybrid peptide KLVFF-KKKKKK dramatically altered Abeta aggregation kinetics and aggregate morphology and provided significantly improved protection against Abeta toxicity compared to the recognition peptide alone. In contrast, FAEDVG-KKKKKK possessed only modest inhibitory activity and had no marked effect on Abeta aggregation. The scrambled sequence VLFKF was nearly as effective a recognition domain as KLVFF, suggesting the hydrophobic characteristics of the recognition sequence are critical. None of the cytoprotective peptides prevented Abeta aggregation; rather, they increased aggregate size and altered aggregate morphology. These results suggest that coupling recognition with disrupting elements is an effective generalizable strategy for the creation of Abeta inhibitors. Significantly, prevention of Abeta aggregation may not be required for prevention of toxicity.

Solubility and mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies on interaction of cyclosporin A with dimethyl-alpha- and -beta-cyclodextrins in aqueous solution

The interaction of cyclosporin A (CsA) with dimethyl-alpha- and -beta-cyclodextrins (DM-alpha-CyD and DM-beta-CyD) was investigated by the solubility method, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). The extremely low solubility (1.9 x 10(-5) M at 25 degreesC) of CsA in water was significantly improved by the complexation with DM-CyDs: for example, the solubility increased 87-fold in the presence of 5.0 x 10(-2) M DM-beta-CyD. The phase solubility diagram of CsA/DM-CyD systems showed an Ap type and the stability constants (1060 M-1 and 1050 M-1, respectively) of the 1:1 CsA/DM-alpha-CyD and CsA/DM-beta-CyD complexes were much higher than those of the 1:2 complexes (15 M-1 and 21 M-1, respectively). In ESI-MS spectra of the CsA/DM-beta-CyD system, a new signal emerged at 1268 which corresponds to the 1:1 adduct of the di-ionized guest molecule with the host molecule. This signal intensity was significantly decreased by the addition of chlorpromazine (CPZ) which has a large stability constant (8800 M-1) of the DM-beta-CyD complex, whereas the signal corresponding to the CPZ/DM-beta-CyD complex was little affected by the addition of CsA, indicating a competitive inclusion of CPZ and CsA within the host cavity. CsA gave many new peaks in the 1H NMR spectrum when the solvent was changed from chloroform to methanol/water, suggesting conformational diversity of CsA in polar solvents. Inspection of 1H-chemical shift changes and the two-dimensional rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect (ROESY) spectra of the CsA/DM-CyD system suggested that the side chains of amino acids in CsA molecule take part in the inclusion within DM-CyDs, although there is seemingly no preference of particular amino acid residues. All the data obtained here suggested that CsA forms inclusion complexes with DM-alpha- and -beta-CyDs in an aqueous medium and side chains of CsA are mainly involved in the inclusion.

Amyloid beta-peptide polymerization studied using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of fibrillar deposits of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in brain parenchyma and cerebromeningeal blood vessels is a key step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In this report, polymerization of Abeta was studied using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), a technique capable of detecting small molecules and large aggregates simultaneously in solution.

RESULTS

The polymerization of Abeta dissolved in Tris-buffered saline, pH 7.4, occurred above a critical concentration of 50 microM and proceeded from monomers/dimers into two discrete populations of large aggregates, without any detectable amount of oligomers. The aggregation showed very high cooperativity and reached a maximum after 40 min, followed by an increase in the amount of monomers/dimers and a decrease in the size of the large aggregates. Electron micrographs of samples prepared at the time for maximum aggregation showed a mixture of an amorphous network and short diffuse fibrils, whereas only mature amyloid fibrils were detected after one day of incubation. The aggregation was reduced when Abeta was incubated in the presence of Abeta ligands, oligopeptides previously shown to inhibit fibril formation, and aggregates were partly dissociated after the addition of the ligands.

CONCLUSIONS

The polymerization of Abeta is a highly cooperative process in which the formation of very large aggregates precedes the formation of fibrils. The entire process can be inhibited and, at least in early stages, partly reversed by Abeta ligands.

Familial Alzheimer's disease: oxidative stress, beta-amyloid, presenilins, and cell death

1. The basic etiology of Alzheimer's disease remains unknown, although four genes have so far been involved: beta-amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1, presenilin-2 and apolipoprotein E genes. 2. The largest familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) kindred so far reported belong to a point mutation in codon 280 that results in a glutamic acid-to-alanine substitution in presenilin-1 characterized in Antioquia, Colombia. 3. A hypothetical unified molecular mechanism model of cell death in FAD mediated by presenilin-1, beta-amyloid, and oxidative stress is proposed as an attempt to explain the mechanisms of neuronal loss in this neurodegenerative disorder.

Cyclodextrin aided separation of peptides and proteins by capillary zone electrophoresis

Carboxymethylated-beta-cyclodextrin (CMBCD) in the electrophoretic medium (aqueous 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 2.5) enhanced the separation using raw fused-silica capillaries in CZE of the four standard proteins: alpha-chymotrypsinogen A, cytochrome c, lysozyme and ribonuclease A. Furthermore, with 20 mM CMBCD in the electrophoretic medium, the cis-trans isomers of angiotensin could be separated at room temperature, whereas the separation of the conformers required subambient temperatures as low as -20 degrees C without CMBCD in the electrophoretic medium [50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 2.5), containing 10% (v/v) methanol]. Addition of heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DMBCD) had no effect on the separation of the above proteins and peptides. The results suggest that in microcolumn separation techniques, certain cyclodextrin additives can be useful selectivity enhancers.

Use of anti-(beta2 microglobulin) mAb to study formation of amyloid fibrils

Three mAbs, IgG1k 1F11, 7B6 and 14H3, were raised against in vitro-self-aggregated beta2-microglobulin. They recognize the native and unfolded forms of the protein and bind its fibrillar form that is present in amyloid tissue. When assayed in fibrillogenesis tests in vitro, mAb 14H3 inhibited fibril formation from beta2-microglobulin. This mAb recognizes a sequential epitope corresponding to the C-terminal octapeptide, residues 92-99, of beta2-microglobulin. By using synthetic peptides it has been found that the integrity of the sequence is essential for the formation of the immunocomplex: the binding affinity is lowered by one order of magnitude (Kd from 10(-7) M to 10(-6) M) by removal of Met99 and completely abolished when both Asp98 and Met99 are lost or Arg98 is substituted with Lys. The other two mAbs, 1F11 and 7B6, which bind sequences 20-41 and 63-75, respectively, are without effect on beta2-microglobulin fibrillogenesis. These two mAbs recognize beta2-microglobulin bound to the heavy chain in the major histocompatibility complex of type I located in the cell membrane, a property which is not shared by mAb 14H3.

Controlling amyloid beta-peptide fibril formation with protease-stable ligands

We have previously shown that short peptides incorporating the sequence KLVFF can bind to the approximately 40amino acid residue Alzheimer amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) and disrupt amyloid fibril formation (Tjernberg, L. O., Näslund, J., Lindqvist, F., Johansson, J., Karlström, A. R., Thyberg, J., Terenius, L., and Nordstedt, C. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 8545-8548). Here, it is shown that KLVFF binds stereospecifically to the homologous sequence in Abeta (i.e. Abeta16-20). Molecular modeling suggests that association of the two homologous sequences leads to the formation of an atypical anti-parallel beta-sheet structure stabilized primarily by interaction between the Lys, Leu, and COOH-terminal Phe. By screening combinatorial pentapeptide libraries exclusively composed of D-amino acids, several ligands with a general motif containing phenylalanine in the second position and leucine in the third position were identified. Ligands composed of D-amino acids were not only capable of binding Abeta but also prevented formation of amyloid-like fibrils. These ligands are protease-resistant and may thus be useful as experimental agents against amyloid fibril formation in vivo.

Pharmaceutical applications of cyclodextrins. III. Toxicological issues and safety evaluation

The objective of this review is to summarize recent findings on the safety profiles of three natural cyclodextrins (alpha-, beta- and gamma-CDs) and several chemically modified CDs. To demonstrate the potential of CDs in pharmaceutical formulations, their stability against non-enzymatic and enzymatic degradations in various body fluids and tissue homogenates and their pharmacokinetics via parenteral, oral, transmucosal, and dermal routes of administration are outlined. Furthermore, the bioadaptabilities of CDs, including in vitro cellular interactions and in vivo safety profiles, via a variety of administration routes are addressed. Finally, the therapeutic potentials of CDs are discussed on the basis of their ability to interact with various endogenous and exogenous lipophiles or, especially for sulfated CDs, their effects on cellular processes mediated by heparin binding growth factors.

Biology and therapy of immunoglobulin deposition diseases

All forms of MIDD represent pathologic deposition of immunoglobulin as amorphous casts, crystals, congophilic fibrils (in AL amyloid), or punctate noncongophilic deposits (in LCDD/HCDD/LHCDD). Diagnosis is based on identification and immunohistochemical characterization of deposits and Congo red staining. Current information including development of novel in vitro and in vivo models suggests a contributory role of both protein and host factors in the pathogenesis of these disorders. In particular, primary structural features of the VL portions of the light chain molecule may affect not only the extent but also the morphologic type of protein deposits. Thus, certain types of light chains may be particularly pathogenic, although the nature or extent of proteolysis/processing involved in the pathogenesis of these deposits is yet unclear. Recent data also point to the importance of accessory molecules, cytokines, and host factors in this process. Newer therapeutic approaches using high-dose therapy with cytotoxic agents or dexamethasone appear promising, although these data need to be confirmed in a larger number of patients. The serendipitous discovery of I-DOX as an agent capable of promoting amyloid resorption provides another novel approach in patients with AL amyloidosis. Continued research on the mechanisms of deposition and resorption of these immunoglobulin deposits should provide important information that can be used to design strategies for more effective therapy and, ultimately, prevention of MIDD.

Studying noncovalent protein complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has been used to study protein interactions driven by noncovalent forces. The gentleness of the electrospray ionization process allows intact protein complexes to be directly detected by mass spectrometry. Evidence from the growing body of literature suggests that the ESI-MS observations for these weakly bound systems reflect, to some extent, the nature of the interaction found in the condensed phase. Stoichiometry of the complex can be easily obtained from the resulting mass spectrum because the molecular weight of the complex is directly measured. For the study of protein interactions, ESI-MS is complementary to other biophysical methods, such as NMR and analytical ultracentrifugation. However, mass spectrometry offers advantages in speed and sensitivity. The experimental variables that play a role in the outcome of ESI-MS studies of noncovalently bound complexes are reviewed. Several applications of ESI-MS are discussed, including protein interactions with metal ions and nucleic acids and subunit protein structures (quaternary structure).

A strategy for designing inhibitors of beta-amyloid toxicity

beta-Amyloid peptide is the major protein component of Alzheimer's plaques. When aggregated into amyloid fibrils, the peptide is toxic to neuronal cells. Here, an approach to the design of inhibitors of beta-amyloid toxicity is described; in this strategy, a recognition element, which interacts specifically with beta-amyloid, is combined with a disrupting element, which alters beta-amyloid aggregation pathways. The synthesis, biophysical characterization, and biological activity of such an inhibitor is reported. This prototype inhibitor is composed of residues 15-25 of beta-amyloid peptide, designed to function as the recognition element, linked to an oligolysine disrupting element. The inhibitor does not alter the apparent secondary structure of beta-amyloid nor prevent its aggregation; rather, it causes changes in aggregation kinetics and higher order structural characteristics of the aggregate. Evidence for these effects includes changes in fibril morphology and a reduction in thioflavin T fluorescence. In addition to its influence on the physical properties of beta-amyloid aggregates, the inhibitor completely blocks beta-amyloid toxicity to PC-12 cells. Together, these data suggest that this general strategy for design of beta-amyloid toxicity inhibitors is effective. Significantly, these results demonstrate that complete disruption of amyloid fibril formation is not necessary for abrogation of toxicity.

Amyloid in Alzheimer's disease and prion-related encephalopathies: studies with synthetic peptides

Deposition of amyloid-beta protein (beta A) in brain parenchyma and vessel walls is a major pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In prion-related encephalopathies (PRE), too, an altered form of prion protein (PrPsc) forms amyloid fibrils and accumulates in the brain. In both conditions the amyloid deposition is accompanied by nerve cell loss, whose pathogenesis and molecular basis are not understood. Neuropathological, genetic and biochemical studies indicate a central role of beta A in the AD pathogenesis. Synthetic peptides homologous to beta A and its fragments contribute to investigate the mechanisms of beta A deposit formation and the role played by beta A in AD pathogenesis. The physicochemical studies on the beta-sheet conformation and self-aggregation properties of beta A peptides indicate the conditions and the factors influencing the formation of beta A deposits. The neurotoxic activity of beta A and its fragments support the causal relationship between beta A deposits and the neuropathological events in AD. Numerous studies were performed to clarify the mechanism of neuronal death induced by exposure to beta A peptides. A similar approach has been used to investigate the role of PrPsc in PRE; in these diseases, the association between accumulation of PrPsc and neuropathology is evident and numerous data indicate that PrPsc itself might be the infectious agent responsible for disease transmission. Thus, PrP peptides were used to investigate the pathogenic role of PrPsc in PRE and the conformational change responsible for the conversion PrPc to PrPsc that makes the molecule apparently infectious. In particular, we synthesized a peptide homologous to residues 106-126, an integral part of all abnormal PrP isoforms that accumulate in the brain of subjects' PRE. This peptide is fibrillogenic, has secondary structure largely composed of beta-sheet and proteinase-resistant properties, is neurotoxic and induces astrogliosis. In this review, we summarize and compare the data obtained with beta A and PrP peptides and analyze the significance in terms of amyloidogenic proteins and neurodegeneration.

Arrest of beta-amyloid fibril formation by a pentapeptide ligand

Polymerization of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) into amyloid fibrils is a critical step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we show that peptides incorporating a short Abeta fragment (KLVFF; Abeta16-20) can bind full-length Abeta and prevent its assembly into amyloid fibrils. Through alanine substitution, it was demonstrated that amino acids Lys16, Leu17, and Phe20 are critical for binding to Abeta and inhibition of Abeta fibril formation. A mutant Abeta molecule, in which these residues had been substituted, had a markedly reduced capability of forming amyloid fibrils. The present data suggest that residues Abeta16-20 serve as a binding sequence duringA beta polymerization and fibril formation. Moreover, the present KLVFF peptide may serve as a lead compound for the development of peptide and non-peptide agents aimed at inhibiting Abeta amyloidogenesis in vivo.

Investigation of the calcium-mediated association between the carbohydrate head groups of galactosylceramide and galactosylceramide I3 sulfate by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Calcium has been shown previously to cause aggregation of phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes containing galactosylceramide (GalCer) with similar liposomes containing cerebroside sulfate (galactosylceramide I3 sulfate) (CBS), suggesting that it mediates a carbohydrate-carbohydrate association between these two glycolipids. In order to determine if such an association occurs, the noncovalent complexes formed on addition of calcium chloride to GalCer and CBS in methanol were examined by positive and negative ion spray mass spectrometry. Monomeric Ca2+ complexes of both lipids were observed. In addition, Ca2+ also caused oligomerization of GalCer. Oligomerization of CBS anion was not seen, but dimers would not have been observed, as they would be neutral. However, Ca2+ caused heterotypic complexation of GalCer and CBS. Although these heterotypic complexes were of low abundance in methanol compared with the other monomeric and homotypic oligomeric positive ions formed at low declustering potentials, the heterotypic dimer [GalCer.CBS.Ca2+-H]+ had the greatest stability of all oligomers formed and was the only one to survive at high declustering potentials. Na+ did not cause oligomerization of GalCer in methanol indicating that the complexes of GalCer with Ca2+ are not caused by van der Waals interactions between the lipid moieties. GalCer and CBS are present in high concentrations in myelin. This Ca2+-mediated carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction, which can bridge apposing bilayers, may be involved in adhesion of the extracellular surfaces of the myelin sheath.