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Hutchison MT, Bellomo G, Cherepanov A, Stirnal E, Fürtig B, Richter C, Linhard V, Gurewitsch E, Lelli M, Morgner N, Schrader T, Schwalbe H. Modulation of Aβ42 Aggregation Kinetics and Pathway by Low-Molecular-Weight Inhibitors. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200760. [PMID: 36652672 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) is directly related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we have investigated the early stages of the aggregation process, during which most of the cytotoxic species are formed. Aβ42 aggregation kinetics, characterized by the quantification of Aβ42 monomer consumption, were tracked by real-time solution NMR spectroscopy (RT-NMR) allowing the impact that low-molecular-weight (LMW) inhibitors and modulators exert on the aggregation process to be analysed. Distinct differences in the Aβ42 kinetic profiles were apparent and were further investigated kinetically and structurally by using thioflavin T (ThT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. LMW inhibitors were shown to have a differential impact on early-state aggregation. Insight provided here could direct future therapeutic design based on kinetic profiling of the process of fibril formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Theres Hutchison
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Giovanni Bellomo
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurochemistry Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazzale Lucio Severi 1/8, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alexey Cherepanov
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Elke Stirnal
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Boris Fürtig
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Verena Linhard
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Elina Gurewitsch
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Moreno Lelli
- Chemistry Department, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.,Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM/CIRMMP), University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Nina Morgner
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Schrader
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 7, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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2
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
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3
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Pintér G, Hohmann K, Grün J, Wirmer-Bartoschek J, Glaubitz C, Fürtig B, Schwalbe H. Real-time nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the study of biomolecular kinetics and dynamics. MAGNETIC RESONANCE (GOTTINGEN, GERMANY) 2021; 2:291-320. [PMID: 37904763 PMCID: PMC10539803 DOI: 10.5194/mr-2-291-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
The review describes the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study kinetics of folding, refolding and aggregation of proteins, RNA and DNA. Time-resolved NMR experiments can be conducted in a reversible or an irreversible manner. In particular, irreversible folding experiments pose large requirements for (i) signal-to-noise due to the time limitations and (ii) synchronising of the refolding steps. Thus, this contribution discusses the application of methods for signal-to-noise increases, including dynamic nuclear polarisation, hyperpolarisation and photo-CIDNP for the study of time-resolved NMR studies. Further, methods are reviewed ranging from pressure and temperature jump, light induction to rapid mixing to induce rapidly non-equilibrium conditions required to initiate folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- György Pintér
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Katharina F. Hohmann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - J. Tassilo Grün
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Julia Wirmer-Bartoschek
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Clemens Glaubitz
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Boris Fürtig
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for
Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60438, Germany
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4
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Mondal B, Reddy G. A Transient Intermediate Populated in Prion Folding Leads to Domain Swapping. Biochemistry 2019; 59:114-124. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Balaka Mondal
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka India, 560012
| | - Govardhan Reddy
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka India, 560012
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5
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Understanding the Effect of Disease-Related Mutations on Human Prion Protein Structure: Insights From NMR Spectroscopy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 150:83-103. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Malik N, Kumar A. Resonance assignment of disordered protein with repetitive and overlapping sequence using combinatorial approach reveals initial structural propensities and local restrictions in the denatured state. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2016; 66:21-35. [PMID: 27586017 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-016-0054-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
NMR resonance assignment of intrinsically disordered proteins poses a challenge because of the limited dispersion of amide proton chemical shifts. This becomes even more complex with the increase in the size of the system. Residue specific selective labeling/unlabeling experiments have been used to resolve the overlap, but require multiple sample preparations. Here, we demonstrate an assignment strategy requiring only a single sample of uniformly labeled (13)C,(15)N-protein. We have used a combinatorial approach, involving 3D-HNN, CC(CO)NH and 2D-MUSIC, which allowed us to assign a denatured centromeric protein Cse4 of 229 residues. Further, we show that even the less sensitive experiments, when used in an efficient manner can lead to the complete assignment of a complex system without the use of specialized probes in a relatively short time frame. The assignment of the amino acids discloses the presence of local structural propensities even in the denatured state accompanied by restricted motion in certain regions that provides insights into the early folding events of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Malik
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India.
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7
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Müller H, Brener O, Andreoletti O, Piechatzek T, Willbold D, Legname G, Heise H. Progress towards structural understanding of infectious sheep PrP-amyloid. Prion 2015; 8:344-58. [PMID: 25482596 PMCID: PMC4601355 DOI: 10.4161/19336896.2014.983754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The still elusive structural difference of non-infectious and infectious amyloid of the mammalian prion protein (PrP) is a major pending milestone in understanding protein-mediated infectivity in neurodegenerative diseases. Preparations of PrP-amyloid proven to be infectious have never been investigated with a high-resolution technique. All available models to date have been based on low-resolution data. Here, we establish protocols for the preparation of infectious samples of full-length recombinant (rec) PrP-amyloid in NMR-sufficient amounts by spontaneous fibrillation and seeded fibril growth from brain extract. We link biological and structural data of infectious recPrP-amyloid, derived from bioassays, atomic force microscopy, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Our data indicate a semi-mobile N-terminus, some residues with secondary chemical shifts typical of α-helical secondary structure in the middle part between ∼115 to ∼155, and a distinct β-sheet core C-terminal of residue ∼155. These findings are not in agreement with all current models for PrP-amyloid. We also provide evidence that samples seeded from brain extract may not differ in the overall arrangement of secondary structure elements, but rather in the flexibility of protein segments outside the β-core region. Taken together, our protocols provide an essential basis for the high-resolution characterization of non-infectious and infectious PrP-amyloid in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Müller
- a Institute of Complex Systems; ICS-6: Structural Biochemistry; Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) ; Jülich , Germany
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8
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Singh J, Udgaonkar JB. Molecular Mechanism of the Misfolding and Oligomerization of the Prion Protein: Current Understanding and Its Implications. Biochemistry 2015; 54:4431-42. [PMID: 26171558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, make up a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders linked with the misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein (PrP). Although it is not yet understood how the misfolding of PrP induces neurodegeneration, it is widely accepted that the formation of misfolded prion protein (termed PrP(Sc)) is both the triggering event in the disease and the main component of the infectious agent responsible for disease transmission. Despite the clear involvement of PrP(Sc) in prion diseases, the exact composition of PrP(Sc) is not yet well-known. Recent studies show that misfolded oligomers of PrP could, however, be responsible for neurotoxicity and/or infectivity in the prion diseases. Hence, understanding the molecular mechanism of formation of the misfolded oligomers of PrP is critical for developing an understanding about the prion diseases and for developing anti-prion therapeutics. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of misfolded oligomer formation by PrP and its implications for the development of anti-prion therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jogender Singh
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Jayant B Udgaonkar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
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9
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Le NTT, Narkiewicz J, Aulić S, Salzano G, Tran HT, Scaini D, Moda F, Giachin G, Legname G. Synthetic prions and other human neurodegenerative proteinopathies. Virus Res 2014; 207:25-37. [PMID: 25449570 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. The common feature of these diseases is the pathological conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a β-structure-rich conformer-termed PrP(Sc). The latter can induce a self-perpetuating process leading to amplification and spreading of pathological protein assemblies. Much evidence suggests that PrP(Sc) itself is able to recruit and misfold PrP(C) into the pathological conformation. Recent data have shown that recombinant PrP(C) can be misfolded in vitro and the resulting synthetic conformers are able to induce the conversion of PrP(C) into PrP(Sc)in vivo. In this review we describe the state-of-the-art of the body of literature in this field. In addition, we describe a cell-based assay to test synthetic prions in cells, providing further evidence that synthetic amyloids are able to template conversion of PrP into prion inclusions. Studying prions might help to understand the pathological mechanisms governing other neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregation and deposition of misfolded proteins is a common feature of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other disorders. Although the proteins implicated in each of these diseases differ, they share a common prion mechanism. Recombinant proteins are able to aggregate in vitro into β-rich amyloid fibrils, sharing some features of the aggregates found in the brain. Several studies have reported that intracerebral inoculation of synthetic aggregates lead to unique pathology, which spread progressively to distal brain regions and reduced survival time in animals. Here, we review the prion-like features of different proteins involved in neurodegenerative disorders, such as α-synuclein, superoxide dismutase-1, amyloid-β and tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat Tran Thanh Le
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Joanna Narkiewicz
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Suzana Aulić
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Salzano
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Hoa Thanh Tran
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Denis Scaini
- Life Science Department, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Department of Neuropathology and Neurology 5, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giachin
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy.
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Rehbein P, Saxena K, Schlepckow K, Schwalbe H. Protocol for aerosol-free recombinant production and NMR analysis of prion proteins. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2014; 59:111-117. [PMID: 24771297 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-014-9831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The central hallmark of prion diseases is the misfolding of cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a disease-associated aggregated isoform known as scrapie prion protein (PrP(Sc)). NMR spectroscopy has made many essential contributions to the characterization of recombinant PrP in its folded, unfolded and aggregated states. Recent studies reporting on de novo generation of prions from recombinant PrP and infection of animals using prion aerosols suggest that adjustment of current biosafety measures may be necessary, particularly given the relatively high protein concentrations required for NMR applications that favor aggregation. We here present a protocol for the production of recombinant PrP under biosafety level 2 conditions that avoids entirely exposure of the experimenter to aerosols that might contain harmful PrP aggregates. In addition, we introduce an NMR sample tube setup that allows for safe handling of PrP samples at the spectrometer that usually is not part of a dedicated biosafety level 2 laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rehbein
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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11
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Singh J, Udgaonkar JB. Dissection of Conformational Conversion Events during Prion Amyloid Fibril Formation Using Hydrogen Exchange and Mass Spectrometry. J Mol Biol 2013; 425:3510-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Schlepckow K, Schwalbe H. Molecular mechanism of prion protein oligomerization at atomic resolution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013; 52:10002-5. [PMID: 23934741 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201305184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prion protein oligomerization: Despite the crucial role of oligomers during prion protein (PrP) pathogenesis the molecular mechanism of their formation has remained largely elusive. A 2D time-resolved NMR study which made it possible to characterize the oligomerization kinetics with unprecedented site-specificity is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Schlepckow
- Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Zentrum für Biomolekulare Magnetische Resonanz (BMRZ), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany) http://schwalbe.org.chemie.uni-frankfurt.de
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13
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Schlepckow K, Schwalbe H. Molecular Mechanism of Prion Protein Oligomerization at Atomic Resolution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201305184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Giachin G, Biljan I, Ilc G, Plavec J, Legname G. Probing early misfolding events in prion protein mutants by NMR spectroscopy. Molecules 2013; 18:9451-76. [PMID: 23966072 PMCID: PMC6270549 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18089451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The post-translational conversion of the ubiquitously expressed cellular form of the prion protein, PrPC, into its misfolded and pathogenic isoform, known as prion or PrPSc, plays a key role in prion diseases. These maladies are denoted transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and affect both humans and animals. A prerequisite for understanding TSEs is unraveling the molecular mechanism leading to the conversion process whereby most α-helical motifs are replaced by β-sheet secondary structures. Importantly, most point mutations linked to inherited prion diseases are clustered in the C-terminal domain region of PrPC and cause spontaneous conversion to PrPSc. Structural studies with PrP variants promise new clues regarding the proposed conversion mechanism and may help identify "hot spots" in PrPC involved in the pathogenic conversion. These investigations may also shed light on the early structural rearrangements occurring in some PrPC epitopes thought to be involved in modulating prion susceptibility. Here we present a detailed overview of our solution-state NMR studies on human prion protein carrying different pathological point mutations and the implications that such findings may have for the future of prion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giachin
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265,Trieste I-34136, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Ivana Biljan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102A, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia; E-Mail:
| | - Gregor Ilc
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; E-Mails: (G.I.); (J.P.)
- EN-FIST Center of Excellence, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; E-Mails: (G.I.); (J.P.)
- EN-FIST Center of Excellence, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265,Trieste I-34136, Italy; E-Mail:
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15
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Skora L, Zweckstetter M. Determination of amyloid core structure using chemical shifts. Protein Sci 2012; 21:1948-53. [PMID: 23033250 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are the pathological hallmark of a large variety of neurodegenerative disorders. The structural characterization of amyloid fibrils, however, is challenging due to their non-crystalline, heterogeneous, and often dynamic nature. Thus, the structure of amyloid fibrils of many proteins is still unknown. We here show that the structure calculation program CS-Rosetta can be used to obtain insight into the core structure of amyloid fibrils. Driven by experimental solid-state NMR chemical shifts and taking into account the polymeric nature of fibrils CS-Rosetta allows modeling of the core of amyloid fibrils. Application to the Y145X stop mutant of the human prion protein reveals a left-handed β-helix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Skora
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faßberg 11, Göttingen, Germany
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16
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Singh J, Sabareesan A, Mathew M, Udgaonkar JB. Development of the Structural Core and of Conformational Heterogeneity during the Conversion of Oligomers of the Mouse Prion Protein to Worm-like Amyloid Fibrils. J Mol Biol 2012; 423:217-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2012.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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17
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Biljan I, Ilc G, Giachin G, Raspadori A, Zhukov I, Plavec J, Legname G. Toward the Molecular Basis of Inherited Prion Diseases: NMR Structure of the Human Prion Protein with V210I Mutation. J Mol Biol 2011; 412:660-73. [PMID: 21839748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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18
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Prion protein and its conformational conversion: a structural perspective. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2011; 305:135-67. [PMID: 21630136 DOI: 10.1007/128_2011_165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The key molecular event in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the conformational conversion of a cellular prion protein, PrP(C), into a misfolded form, PrP(Sc). In contrast to PrP(C) that is monomeric and α-helical, PrP(Sc) is oligomeric in nature and rich in β-sheet structure. According to the "protein-only" model, PrP(Sc) itself represents the infectious prion agent responsible for transmissibility of prion disorders. While this model is supported by rapidly growing experimental data, detailed mechanistic and structural aspects of prion protein conversion remain enigmatic. In this chapter we describe recent advances in understanding biophysical and biochemical aspects of prion diseases, with a special focus on structural underpinnings of prion protein conversion, the structural basis of prion strains, and generation of prion infectivity in vitro from bacterially-expressed recombinant PrP.
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