1
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Moraca F, Vespoli I, Mastroianni D, Piscopo V, Gaglione R, Arciello A, De Nisco M, Pacifico S, Catalanotti B, Pedatella S. Synthesis, biological evaluation and metadynamics simulations of novel N-methyl β-sheet breaker peptides as inhibitors of Alzheimer's β-amyloid fibrillogenesis. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2286-2299. [PMID: 39026638 PMCID: PMC11253850 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00057a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Several scientific evidences report that a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is played by the deposition of insoluble aggregates of β-amyloid proteins in the brain. Because Aβ is self-assembling, one possible design strategy is to inhibit the aggregation of Aβ peptides using short peptide fragments homologous to the full-length wild-type Aβ protein. In the past years, several studies have reported on the synthesis of some short synthetic peptides called β-sheet breaker peptides (BSBPs). Herein, we present the synthesis of novel (cell-permeable) N-methyl BSBPs, designed based on literature information on the structural key features of BSBPs. Three-dimensional GRID-based pharmacophore peptide screening combined with PT-WTE metadynamics was performed to support the results of the design and microwave-assisted synthesis of peptides 2 and 3 prepared and analyzed for their fibrillogenesis inhibition activity and cytotoxicity. An HR-MS-based cell metabolomic approach highlighted their cell permeability properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Moraca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II Via Domenico Montesano 49 I-80131 Napoli Italy
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro Viale Europa 88100 Catanzaro Italy
| | - Ilaria Vespoli
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Flemingovo náměstí 542/2 CZ-16610 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Mastroianni
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II Via Cintia 4 I-80126 Napoli Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piscopo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Viale Abramo Lincoln 5 I-81100 Caserta Italy
| | - Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II Via Cintia 4 I-80126 Napoli Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB) Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305 I-80145 Roma Italy
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II Via Cintia 4 I-80126 Napoli Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB) Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305 I-80145 Roma Italy
| | - Mauro De Nisco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano I-85100 Potenza Italy
| | - Severina Pacifico
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Viale Abramo Lincoln 5 I-81100 Caserta Italy
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II Via Domenico Montesano 49 I-80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Silvana Pedatella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II Via Cintia 4 I-80126 Napoli Italy
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2
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Niu C, Dong M, Niu Y. Natural polyphenol: Their pathogenesis-targeting therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116359. [PMID: 38537514 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a detrimental neurodegenerative disease affecting the elderly. Clinically, it is characterized by progressive memory decline and subsequent loss of broader cognitive functions. Current drugs provide only symptomatic relief but do not have profound disease-modifying effects. There is an unmet need to identify novel pharmacological agents for AD therapy. Neuropathologically, the characteristic hallmarks of the disease are extracellular senile plaques containing amyloid β-peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau. Simultaneously, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in specific brain regions are early events during the process of AD pathologic changes and are associated with Aβ/tau toxicity. Here, we first summarized probable pathogenic mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration and hopefully identify pathways that serve as specific targets to improve therapy for AD. We then reviewed the mechanisms that underlie disease-modifying effects of natural polyphenols, with a focus on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activators for AD treatment. Lastly, we discussed challenges in the preclinical to clinical translation of natural polyphenols. In conclusion, there is evidence that natural polyphenols can be therapeutically useful in AD through their multifaceted mechanism of action. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengu Niu
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, 14621, USA
| | - Miaoxian Dong
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Yingcai Niu
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, China.
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3
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Vincenzi M, Mercurio FA, Leone M. Virtual Screening of Peptide Libraries: The Search for Peptide-Based Therapeutics Using Computational Tools. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1798. [PMID: 38339078 PMCID: PMC10855943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, we have witnessed growing interest from both academic and industrial laboratories in peptides as possible therapeutics. Bioactive peptides have a high potential to treat various diseases with specificity and biological safety. Compared to small molecules, peptides represent better candidates as inhibitors (or general modulators) of key protein-protein interactions. In fact, undruggable proteins containing large and smooth surfaces can be more easily targeted with the conformational plasticity of peptides. The discovery of bioactive peptides, working against disease-relevant protein targets, generally requires the high-throughput screening of large libraries, and in silico approaches are highly exploited for their low-cost incidence and efficiency. The present review reports on the potential challenges linked to the employment of peptides as therapeutics and describes computational approaches, mainly structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), to support the identification of novel peptides for therapeutic implementations. Cutting-edge SBVS strategies are reviewed along with examples of applications focused on diverse classes of bioactive peptides (i.e., anticancer, antimicrobial/antiviral peptides, peptides blocking amyloid fiber formation).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.V.); (F.A.M.)
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4
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Alan E, Kerry Z, Sevin G. Molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease: From therapeutic targets to promising drugs. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 37:397-427. [PMID: 36576325 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment so widespread that it interferes with a person's ability to complete daily activities. AD is becoming increasingly common, and it is estimated that the number of patients will reach 152 million by 2050. Current treatment options for AD are symptomatic and have modest benefits. Therefore, considering the human, social, and economic burden of the disease, the development of drugs with the potential to alter disease progression has become a global priority. In this review, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathology of AD were evaluated as therapeutic targets. The main aim of the review is to focus on new knowledge about mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal transmission in AD, as well as a range of cellular signaling mechanisms and associated treatments. Important molecular interactions leading to AD were described in amyloid cascade and in tau protein function, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, cAMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB), the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT-1), neuroinflammation (glial cells), and synaptic alterations. This review summarizes recent experimental and clinical research in AD pathology and analyzes the potential of therapeutic applications based on molecular disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Alan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Kerry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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5
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Zhang N, Yan C, Yin C, Hu X, Guan P, Cheng Y. Structural Remodeling Mechanism of the Toxic Amyloid Fibrillary Mediated by Epigallocatechin-3-gallate. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:48047-48058. [PMID: 36591187 PMCID: PMC9798747 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous therapeutic agents and strategies were designed targeting the therapies of Alzheimer's disease, but many have been suspended due to their severe clinical side effects (such as encephalopathy) on patients. The attractiveness for small molecules with good biocompatibility is therefore restarted. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), extracted from green tea, is expected to be a promising small-molecule drug candidate, which can remodel the structure of preformed β-sheet-rich oligomers/fibrils and then effectively interfere with neurodegenerative processes. However, as the structure of non-fibrillary aggregates cannot be directly characterized, the atomic details of the underlying inhibitory and destructive mechanisms still remain elusive to date. Here, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and experiments were carried out to elucidate the EGCG-induced remodeling mechanism of amyloid β (Aβ) fibrils. We showed that EGCG was indeed an effective Aβ fibril inhibitor. EGCG was capable of mediating conformational rearrangement of Aβ1-42 fibrils (from a β-sheet to a random coil structure) and triggering the disintegration of fibrils in a dose-dependent manner. EGCG redirected the structure of Aβ by breaking the β-sheet structure and hydrogen bonds between peptide chains within the Aβ protofibrils, especially the parallel β-strand (L17VFFAEDVGS26). Moreover, reduced solvent exposure and multisite binding patterns all tended to induce the conformation conversion of Aβ17-42 pentameric protofibrils, destroying pre-formed fibrils and inhibiting continued fibril growth. Detailed data analysis revealed that structural features of EGCG with abundant benzene ring and phenolic hydroxyl moieties preferentially interact with the parallel β-strands to effectually hinder the interaction of the interpeptide chain and the growth of the ordered β-sheet structure. Furthermore, experimental studies confirmed that EGCG was able to disaggregate the preformed fibrils and alter the protein structure. This study will enable a deeper understanding of fundamental principles for design of structural-based inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an
University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Chaoren Yan
- School
of Medicine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention
Research on High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, China
| | - Changji Yin
- Monash
Suzhou Research Institute, Monash University, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215000, China
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash
University, Melbourne 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern
Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Ping Guan
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern
Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Monash
Suzhou Research Institute, Monash University, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215000, China
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash
University, Melbourne 3800, Victoria, Australia
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6
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High throughput virtual screening (HTVS) of peptide library: Technological advancement in ligand discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114766. [PMID: 36122548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) is a leading biopharmaceutical technology that employs computational algorithms to uncover biologically active compounds from large-scale collections of chemical compound libraries. In addition, this method often leverages the precedence of screening focused libraries for assessing their binding affinities and improving physicochemical properties. Usually, developing a drug sometimes takes ages, and lessons are learnt from FDA-approved drugs. This screening strategy saves resources and time compared to laboratory testing in certain stages of drug discovery. Yet in-silico investigations remain challenging in some cases of drug discovery. For the last few decades, peptide-based drug discoveries have received remarkable momentum for several advantages over small molecules. Therefore, developing a high-fidelity HTVS platform for chemically versatile peptide libraries is highly desired. This review summarises the modern and frequently appreciated HTVS strategies for peptide libraries from 2011 to 2021. In addition, we focus on the software used for preparing peptide libraries, their screening techniques and shortcomings. An index of various HTVS methods reported here should assist researchers in identifying tools that could be beneficial for their peptide library screening projects.
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7
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Jarmuła A, Zubalska M, Stępkowski D. Consecutive Aromatic Residues Are Required for Improved Efficacy of β-Sheet Breakers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095247. [PMID: 35563639 PMCID: PMC9102079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal neurodegenerative malady which up to very recently did not have approved therapy modifying its course. After controversial approval of aducanumab (monoclonal antibody clearing β-amyloid plaques) by FDA for use in very early stages of disease, possibly new avenue opened for the treatment of patients. In line with this approach is search for compounds blocking aggregation into amyloid oligomers subsequently forming fibrils or compounds helping in getting rid of plaques formed by β-amyloid fibrils. Here we present in silico work on 627 sixtapeptide β-sheet breakers (BSBs) containing consecutive three aromatic residues. Three of these BSBs caused dissociation of one or two β-amyloid chains from U-shaped β-amyloid protofibril model 2BEG after docking and subsequent molecular dynamics simulations. Thorough analysis of our results let us postulate that the first steps of binding these successful BSBs involve π–π interactions with stacked chains of F19 and later also with F20 (F3 and F4 in 2BEG model of protofibril). The consecutive location of aromatic residues in BSBs makes them more attractive for chains of stacked F3 and F4 within the 2BEG model. Spotted by us, BSBs may be prospective lead compounds for an anti-Alzheimer’s therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jarmuła
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3 St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-66-955-7696
| | - Monika Zubalska
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteur 5 St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Stępkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Cell Motility, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3 St., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
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8
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Guo Y, Hu Z, Wang Z. Recent Advances in the Application Peptide and Peptoid in Diagnosis Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in Blood. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:778955. [PMID: 35002620 PMCID: PMC8733658 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.778955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases with irreversible damage of the brain and a continuous pathophysiological process. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential for the early intervention of AD. Precise detection of blood biomarkers related to AD could provide a shortcut to identifying early-stage patients before symptoms. In recent years, targeting peptides or peptoids have been chosen as recognition elements in nano-sensors or fluorescence detection to increase the targeting specificity, while peptide-based probes were also developed considering their specific advantages. Peptide-based sensors and probes have been developed according to different strategies, such as natural receptors, high-throughput screening, or artificial design for AD detection. This review will briefly summarize the recent developments and trends of AD diagnosis platforms based on peptide and peptoid as recognition elements and provide insights into the application of peptide and peptoid with different sources and characteristics in the diagnosis of AD biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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9
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King E, Aitchison E, Li H, Luo R. Recent Developments in Free Energy Calculations for Drug Discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:712085. [PMID: 34458321 PMCID: PMC8387144 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.712085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The grand challenge in structure-based drug design is achieving accurate prediction of binding free energies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations enable modeling of conformational changes critical to the binding process, leading to calculation of thermodynamic quantities involved in estimation of binding affinities. With recent advancements in computing capability and predictive accuracy, MD based virtual screening has progressed from the domain of theoretical attempts to real application in drug development. Approaches including the Molecular Mechanics Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA), Linear Interaction Energy (LIE), and alchemical methods have been broadly applied to model molecular recognition for drug discovery and lead optimization. Here we review the varied methodology of these approaches, developments enhancing simulation efficiency and reliability, remaining challenges hindering predictive performance, and applications to problems in the fields of medicine and biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward King
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Erick Aitchison
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Han Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ray Luo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
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10
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Jani V, Sonavane U, Joshi R. Destabilization potential of beta sheet breaker peptides on Abeta fibril structure: an insight from molecular dynamics simulation study. RSC Adv 2021; 11:23557-23573. [PMID: 35479797 PMCID: PMC9036544 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03609b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by amyloid-β aggregation. Currently, all the approved medications are to treat the symptoms but there is no clinically approved treatment for the cure or to prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Earlier reports suggest the use of small molecules and peptides to target and destabilize the amyloid fibril. The use of Beta Sheet Breaker (BSB) peptides seems to be a promising and attractive therapeutic approach as it can strongly bind and destabilize the preformed amyloid fibril. There are experimental studies describing the destabilization role of various BSB peptides, but the exact mechanism remains elusive. In the current work, an attempt is made to study the destabilization mechanism of different BSB peptides on preformed amyloid protofibril using molecular docking and simulations. Molecular docking of eight different BSB peptides of varying length (5-mer to 10-mer) on the Abeta protofibril was done. Docking was followed by multiple sets of molecular simulations for the Abeta protofibril–BSB peptide complex for each of the top ranked poses of the eight BSB peptides. As a control, multiple sets of simulations for the Abeta protofibril (APO) were also carried out. An increase in the RMSD, decrease in the number of interchain hydrogen bonds, destabilization of important salt bridge interactions (D23–K28), and destabilization of interchain hydrophobic interactions suggested the destabilization of Abeta protofibril by BSB peptides. The MM-GBSA free energy of binding for each of the BSB peptides was calculated to measure the binding affinity of BSB peptides to Abeta protofibril. Further residue wise contribution of free energy of binding was also calculated. The study showed that 7-mer peptides tend to bind strongly to Abeta protofibril as compared to other BSB peptides. The KKLVFFA peptide showed better destabilization potential as compared to the other BSB peptides. The details about the destabilization mechanism of BSB peptides will help in the design of other peptides for the therapeutic intervention for AD. Destabilzation of Abeta protofibril by Beta Sheet Breaker (BSB) peptides.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Jani
- Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Panchavati, Pashan Pune India
| | - Uddhavesh Sonavane
- Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Panchavati, Pashan Pune India
| | - Rajendra Joshi
- Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Panchavati, Pashan Pune India
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11
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Kanchi PK, Dasmahapatra AK. Destabilization of the Alzheimer's amyloid-β protofibrils by THC: A molecular dynamics simulation study. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 105:107889. [PMID: 33725642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of dementia in the elderly population for which there is no cure at present. Deposits of neurotoxic plaques are found in the brains of patients which are composed of fibrils of the amyloid-β peptide. Molecules which can disrupt these fibrils have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents. Δ-tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) is a cannabinoid, which can bind to the receptors in the brain, and has shown promise in reducing the fibril content in many experimental studies. In our present study, by employing all atom molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the mechanism of the interaction of the THC molecules with the amyloid-β protofibrils. Our results show that the THC molecules disrupt the protofibril structure by binding strongly to them. The driving force for the binding was the hydrophobic interactions with the hydrophobic residues in the fibrils. As a result of these interactions, the tight packing of the hydrophobic core of the protofibrils was made loose, and salt bridges, which were important for stability were disrupted. Hydrogen bonds between the chains of the protofibrils which are important for stability were disrupted, as a result of which the β-sheet content was reduced. The destabilization of the protofibrils by the THC molecules leads to the conclusion that THC molecules may be considered for the therapy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Krishna Kanchi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Dasmahapatra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India; Center for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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12
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Jarmuła A, Ludwiczak J, Stępkowski D. β-sheet breakers with consecutive phenylalanines: Insights into mechanism of dissolution of β-amyloid fibrils. Proteins 2021; 89:762-780. [PMID: 33550630 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
β-sheet breakers (BSB) constitute a class of peptide inhibitors of amyloidogenesis, a process which is a hallmark of many diseases called amyloidoses, including Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the molecular details of their action are still not fully understood. Here we describe the results of the computational investigation of the three BSBs, iaβ6 (LPFFFD), iaβ5 (LPFFD), and iaβ6_Gly (LPFGFD), in complex with the fibril model of Aβ42 and propose the kinetically probable mechanism of their action. The mechanism involves the binding of BSB to the central hydrophobic core (CHC) region (LVFFA) of Aβ fibril and the π-stacking of its Phe rings both internally and with the Aβ fibril. In the process, the Aβ fibril undergoes distortion accumulating on the side of chain A (located on the odd tip of the fibril). In a single replica of extended molecular dynamics run of one of the iaβ6 poses, the distortion concludes in a dissociation of chain A from the fibril model of Aβ42. Altogether, we postulate that including consecutive Phe residues into BSBs docked around Phe 20 in the CHC region of Aβ42 improve their potency for dissolution of fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jarmuła
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Jan Ludwiczak
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warszawa, Poland.,Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Dariusz Stępkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Cell Motility, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, Warszawa, Poland
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13
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Gong Y, Zhan C, Zou Y, Qian Z, Wei G, Zhang Q. Serotonin and Melatonin Show Different Modes of Action on Aβ 42 Protofibril Destabilization. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:799-809. [PMID: 33533252 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the aberrant self-assembly of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein into fibrillar deposits. The disaggregation of Aβ fibril is believed as one of the major therapeutic strategies for treating AD. Previous experimental studies reported that serotonin (Ser), one of the indoleamine neurotransmitters, and its derivative melatonin (Mel) are able to disassemble preformed Aβ fibrils. However, the fibril-disruption mechanisms are unclear. As the first step to understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated the interactions of Ser and Mel molecules with the LS-shaped Aβ42 protofibril by performing a total of nine individual 500 ns all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations demonstrate that both Ser and Mel molecules disrupt the local β-sheet structure, destroy the salt bridges between K28 side chain and A42 COO-, and consequently destabilize the global structure of Aβ42 protofibril. The Mel molecule exhibits a greater binding capacity than the Ser molecule. Intriguingly, we find that Ser and Mel molecules destabilize Aβ42 protofibril through different modes of action. Ser preferentially binds with the aromatic residues in the N-terminal region through π-π stacking interactions, while Mel binds not only with the N-terminal aromatic residues but also with the C-terminal hydrophobic residues via π-π and hydrophobic interactions. This work reveals the disruptive mechanisms of Aβ42 protofibril by Ser and Mel molecules and provides useful information for designing drug candidates against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehong Gong
- College of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Chang Hai Road, Shanghai 200438, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chendi Zhan
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 148 Tianmenshan Road, Hangzhou, 310007 Zhejiang People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Qian
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences (Ministry of Education) and School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Chang Hai Road, Shanghai 200438, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Chang Hai Road, Shanghai 200438, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Kaur A, Kaur A, Goyal D, Goyal B. How Does the Mono-Triazole Derivative Modulate Aβ 42 Aggregation and Disrupt a Protofibril Structure: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:15606-15619. [PMID: 32637837 PMCID: PMC7331201 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Clinical studies have identified that abnormal self-assembly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide into toxic fibrillar aggregates is associated with the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The most acceptable therapeutic approach to stop the progression of AD is to inhibit the formation of β-sheet-rich structures. Recently, we designed and evaluated a series of novel mono-triazole derivatives 4(a-x), where compound 4v was identified as the most potent inhibitor of Aβ42 aggregation and disaggregates preformed Aβ42 fibrils significantly. Moreover, 4v strongly averts the Cu2+-induced Aβ42 aggregation and disaggregates the preformed Cu2+-induced Aβ42 fibrils, halts the generation of reactive oxygen species, and shows neuroprotective effects in SH-SY5Y cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of inhibition of Aβ42 aggregation by 4v and disaggregation of preformed Aβ42 fibrils remains obscure. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed to explore the conformational ensemble of the Aβ42 monomer and a pentameric protofibril structure of Aβ42 in the presence of 4v. The MD simulations highlighted that 4v binds preferentially at the central hydrophobic core region of the Aβ42 monomer and chains D and E of the Aβ42 protofibril. The dictionary of secondary structure of proteins analysis indicated that 4v retards the conformational conversion of the helix-rich structure of the Aβ42 monomer into the aggregation-prone β-sheet conformation. The binding free energy calculated by the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area method revealed an energetically favorable process with ΔG binding = -44.9 ± 3.3 kcal/mol for the Aβ42 monomer-4v complex. The free energy landscape analysis highlighted that the Aβ42 monomer-4v complex sampled conformations with significantly higher helical contents (35 and 49%) as compared to the Aβ42 monomer alone (17%). Compound 4v displayed hydrogen bonding with Gly37 (chain E) and π-π interactions with Phe19 (chain D) of the Aβ42 protofibril. Further, the per-residue binding free energy analysis also highlighted that Phe19 (chain D) and Gly37 (chain E) of the Aβ42 protofibril showed the maximum contribution in the binding free energy. The decreased binding affinity and residue-residue contacts between chains D and E of the Aβ42 protofibril in the presence of 4v indicate destabilization of the Aβ42 protofibril structure. Overall, the structural information obtained through MD simulations indicated that 4v stabilizes the native helical conformation of the Aβ42 monomer and persuades a destabilization in the protofibril structure of Aβ42. The results of the study will be useful in the rational design of potent inhibitors against amyloid aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Kaur
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib 140406, Punjab, India
| | - Anupamjeet Kaur
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib 140406, Punjab, India
| | - Deepti Goyal
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib 140406, Punjab, India
| | - Bhupesh Goyal
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Thapar
Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
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15
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Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030952. [PMID: 32023927 PMCID: PMC7037706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by unique pathological hallmarks in the brain, including plaques composed of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein. Genetic studies, biochemical data, and animal models have suggested that Aβ is responsible for the pathogenesis of AD (i.e., the amyloid hypothesis). Indeed, Aβ molecules tend to aggregate, forming oligomers, protofibrils, and mature fibrils. However, while these Aβ species form amyloid plaques of the type implicated in AD neurodegeneration, recent clinical trials designed to reduce the production of Aβ and/or the plaque burden have not demonstrated clinical efficacy. In addition, recent studies using synthetic Aβ peptides, cell culture models, Arctic transgenic mice, and human samples of AD brain tissues have suggested that the pre-fibrillar forms of Aβ, particularly Aβ protofibrils, may be the most critical species, compared with extracellular fibrillar forms. We recently reported that protofibrils of Aβ1-42 disturbed membrane integrity by inducing reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, resulting in decreased membrane fluidity, intracellular calcium dysregulation, depolarization, and synaptic toxicity. Therefore, the therapeutic reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by ameliorating neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction through multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Ono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Neurology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3784-8710
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan;
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16
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Dutta MS, Basu S. Identifying the key residues instrumental in imparting stability to amyloid beta protofibrils - a comparative study using MD simulations of 17-42 residues. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:431-456. [PMID: 31900057 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1711192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease brains, consist of insoluble amyloid fibrils that result from the aggregation of amyloid beta peptides. None of the few therapeutic options currently adopted, address the cause of the disease. Instead, they reduce symptom of the disease. Inhibition of aggregation or destabilization of aggregates therefore, emerges as a preferable therapeutic approach. Designing inhibitors or destabilizers demands comprehensive knowledge of the residues of amyloid beta responsible for the phenomenal structural stability of the aggregate. For the purpose, we have compared the effect on structural destabilization of 13 in silico mutations (single and double) with the wild type counterpart of beta-strand-turn-beta-strand motif of the amyloid beta protofibrils by molecular dynamics simulation. Besides the already known salt bridge interaction between K28 and D23, our analyses expose more significant role of K28 as the only positive charge present in the vicinity. Amongst the two consecutive aromatic residues, F19 is involved in stacking interaction; although effect of F20 mutation is more pronounced. Face to face arrangement of A21 and V36 acts as a pillar maintaining the necessary optimum distance between consecutive chains to promote stabilizing interactions. In addition to providing stability to the first beta-strand, large sized negatively charged E22 facilitates salt bridge formation by ensuring fixed relative position of D23 and in turn K28. Likewise, the hydrophobic residues I32 and L34 pack the protofibril core, once again fostering salt bridge interaction. Prospectively, these findings may be compiled for efficient identification or design of scaffolds accountable for protofibril destabilization.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soumalee Basu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
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17
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Kaur A, Shuaib S, Goyal D, Goyal B. Interactions of a multifunctional di-triazole derivative with Alzheimer's Aβ42monomer and Aβ42protofibril: a systematic molecular dynamics study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:1543-1556. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp04775a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The molecular dynamics simulations results highlighted that the multi-target-directed ligand6nstabilizes the native α-helix conformation of the Aβ42monomer and induces a sizable destabilization in the Aβ42protofibril structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupamjeet Kaur
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University
- Fatehgarh Sahib-140406
- India
| | - Suniba Shuaib
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University
- Fatehgarh Sahib-140406
- India
| | - Deepti Goyal
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University
- Fatehgarh Sahib-140406
- India
| | - Bhupesh Goyal
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology
- Patiala-147004
- India
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