1
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Zhang D, Zhang J, Ma Z, Wu Q, Liu M, Fan T, Ding L, Ren D, Wen A, Wang J. Luteoloside inhibits Aβ1-42 fibrillogenesis, disintegrates preformed fibrils, and alleviates amyloid-induced cytotoxicity. Biophys Chem 2024; 306:107171. [PMID: 38194817 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107171] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal aggregation and fibrillogenesis of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) can cause Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, the discovery of effective drugs that inhibit Aβ fibrillogenesis in the brain is crucial for the treatment of AD. Luteoloside, as one of the polyphenolic compounds, is found to have a certain therapeutic effect on nervous system diseases. However, it remains unknown whether luteoloside is a potential drug for treating AD by modulating Aβ aggregation pathway. In this study, we performed diverse biophysical and biochemical methods to explore the inhibition of luteoloside on Aβ1-42 which is linked to AD. The results demonstrated that luteoloside efficiently prevented amyloid oligomerization and cross-β-sheet formation, reduced the rate of amyloid growth and the length of amyloid fibrils in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, luteoloside was able to influence aggregation and conformation of Aβ1-42 during different fiber-forming phases, and it could disintegrate already preformed fibrils of Aβ1-42 and convert them into nontoxic aggregates. Furthermore, luteoloside protected cells from amyloid-induced cytotoxicity and hemolysis, and attenuated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The molecular docking study showed that luteoloside interacted with Aβ1-42 mainly via Conventional Hydrogen Bond, Carbon Hydrogen Bond, Pi-Pi T-shaped, Pi-Alkyl and Pi-Anion, thereby possibly preventing it from forming the aggregates. These observations indicate that luteoloside, a natural anti-oxidant molecule, may be applicable as an effective inhibitor of Aβ, and promote further exploration of the therapeutic strategy against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Juanli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhongying Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Qianwen Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Meiyou Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Likun Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Danjun Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Aidong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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2
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Basagni F, Naldi M, Ginex T, Luque FJ, Fagiani F, Lanni C, Iurlo M, Marcaccio M, Minarini A, Bartolini M, Rosini M. Inhibition of β-Amyloid Aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Key Role of (Pro)electrophilic Warheads. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1812-1818. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ginex
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Avinguda Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - F. Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Avinguda Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Iurlo
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Marcaccio
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Minarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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3
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Giovannini J, Smeralda W, Jouanne M, Sopkova-de Oliveira Santos J, Catto M, Sophie Voisin-Chiret A. Tau protein aggregation: key features to improve drug discovery screening. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1284-1297. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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4
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Orjuela A, Lakey-Beitia J, Mojica-Flores R, Hegde ML, Lans I, Alí-Torres J, Rao KS. Computational Evaluation of Interaction Between Curcumin Derivatives and Amyloid-β Monomers and Fibrils: Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:S321-S333. [PMID: 33337368 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most important hallmark in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils due to the misfolding/aggregation of the Aβ peptide. Preventing or reverting the aggregation process has been an active area of research. Naturally occurring products are a potential source of molecules that may be able to inhibit Aβ42 peptide aggregation. Recently, we and others reported the anti-aggregating properties of curcumin and some of its derivatives in vitro, presenting an important therapeutic avenue by enhancing these properties. OBJECTIVE To computationally assess the interaction between Aβ peptide and a set of curcumin derivatives previously explored in experimental assays. METHODS The interactions of ten ligands with Aβ monomers were studied by combining molecular dynamics and molecular docking simulations. We present the in silico evaluation of the interaction between these derivatives and the Aβ42 peptide, both in the monomeric and fibril forms. RESULTS The results show that a single substitution in curcumin could significantly enhance the interaction between the derivatives and the Aβ42 monomers when compared to a double substitution. In addition, the molecular docking simulations showed that the interaction between the curcumin derivatives and the Aβ42 monomers occur in a region critical for peptide aggregation. CONCLUSION Results showed that a single substitution in curcumin improved the interaction of the ligands with the Aβ monomer more so than a double substitution. Our molecular docking studies thus provide important insights for further developing/validating novel curcumin-derived molecules with high therapeutic potential for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Orjuela
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - Johant Lakey-Beitia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama
| | - Randy Mojica-Flores
- Centre for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.,Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isaias Lans
- Biophysics of Tropical Diseases, Max Planck Tandem Group, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jorge Alí-Torres
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá DC, Colombia
| | - K S Rao
- Centre for Neuroscience, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, Panama
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5
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Wang W, Zhang J, Qi W, Su R, He Z, Peng X. Alizarin and Purpurin from Rubia tinctorum L. Suppress Insulin Fibrillation and Reduce the Amyloid-Induced Cytotoxicity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2182-2193. [PMID: 34033711 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone) and purpurin (1,2,4-trihydroxyanthraquinone), natural anthraquinone compounds from Rubia tinctorum L., are reported to have diverse biological effects including antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidation, and so on, but the inhibition activity against amyloid aggregation has been rarely reported. In this study, we used insulin as a model protein to explore the anti-amyloid effects of the two compounds. The results showed that alizarin and purpurin inhibited the formation of insulin fibrils in a dose-dependent manner and reduced insulin-induced cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, purpurin had a more significant inhibitory effect on insulin amyloid fibrils compared with alizarin. In addition, computer simulations indicated that the two compounds interacted mainly with the hydrophobic residues of insulin chain B and interfered with the binding of phenylalanine residues. The research indicated that natural anthraquinone compounds had potential effects in preventing protein misfolding diseases and could be further used to design effective antiamyloidosis compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Wei Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Membrane Science and Desalination Technology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Zhimin He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xin Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
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6
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Casas M, Fadó R, Domínguez JL, Roig A, Kaku M, Chohnan S, Solé M, Unzeta M, Miñano-Molina AJ, Rodríguez-Álvarez J, Dickson EJ, Casals N. Sensing of nutrients by CPT1C controls SAC1 activity to regulate AMPA receptor trafficking. J Cell Biol 2021; 219:152088. [PMID: 32931550 PMCID: PMC7659714 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201912045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (CPT1C) is a sensor of malonyl-CoA and is located in the ER of neurons. AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission in the brain and play a key role in synaptic plasticity. In the present study, we demonstrate across different metabolic stress conditions that modulate malonyl-CoA levels in cortical neurons that CPT1C regulates the trafficking of the major AMPAR subunit, GluA1, through the phosphatidyl-inositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P) phosphatase SAC1. In normal conditions, CPT1C down-regulates SAC1 catalytic activity, allowing efficient GluA1 trafficking to the plasma membrane. However, under low malonyl-CoA levels, such as during glucose depletion, CPT1C-dependent inhibition of SAC1 is released, facilitating SAC1’s translocation to ER-TGN contact sites to decrease TGN PI(4)P pools and trigger GluA1 retention at the TGN. Results reveal that GluA1 trafficking is regulated by CPT1C sensing of malonyl-CoA and provide the first report of a SAC1 inhibitor. Moreover, they shed light on how nutrients can affect synaptic function and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Casas
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Rut Fadó
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - José Luis Domínguez
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Aina Roig
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Moena Kaku
- Department of Food and Life Science, Ibaraki University College of Agriculture, Ami, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeru Chohnan
- Department of Food and Life Science, Ibaraki University College of Agriculture, Ami, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Montse Solé
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Unzeta
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Jesús Miñano-Molina
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Eamonn James Dickson
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Núria Casals
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Lakey-Beitia J, Vasquez V, Mojica-Flores R, Fuentes C AL, Murillo E, Hedge ML, Rao KS. Pouteria sapota (Red Mamey Fruit): Chemistry and Biological Activity of Carotenoids. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2021; 25:1134-1147. [PMID: 33645478 DOI: 10.2174/1386207324666210301093711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Red mamey fruit known as P. sapota, comes from trees found in Mesoamerica and Asia. This fruit is considered a nutraceutical food due to it's a food and has multiple beneficial health including anti-amyloidogenic activity and potential anti-tumorigenic property. Red mamey fruit contain a variety of carotenoids including novel ketocarotenoids such as sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin. A ketocarotenoid is a chemical compound with a carbonyl group present in the β-ring or in the double bond chain of a carotenoid. In red mamey, the 3'-deoxy-k-end group in sapotexanthin has proved to be an important pro-vitamin A source, which is essential for maintaining a healthy vision and cognitive processes. OBJECTIVE Summarize the chemistry and biological activity of the studied carotenoids present in this fruit until now. METHOD An exhaustive extraction is the most usual methodology to isolate and thoroughly characterize the carotenoids present in this fruit. High performance liquid chromatography is used to determine the profile of total carotenoid and its purity. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization is used to determine the molecular weight of carotenoid. Nuclear magnetic resonance is used to determine the structure of carotenoids. RESULT For each 100 g of fresh weight, 0.12 mg of total carotenoid from this fruit can be obtained. Out of the more than 47 reported carotenoids in red mamey, only 34 have a detailed characterization. CONCLUSION it is important to continue studying the chemical composition and biological activity of this unique tropical fruit with commercial and nutritional value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johant Lakey-Beitia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, 0843-01103. Panama
| | - Velmarini Vasquez
- Centre for Neuroscience, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, 0843-01103. Panama
| | - Randy Mojica-Flores
- Centre for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, 0843-01103. Panama
| | - Arelys L Fuentes C
- Centre for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, 0843-01103. Panama
| | - Enrique Murillo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Exact Natural Sciences and Technology, University of Panama, Panama City. Panama
| | - Muralidhar L Hedge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, 77030. United States
| | - K S Rao
- Centre for Neuroscience, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, City of Knowledge, 0843-01103. Panama
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Campora M, Canale C, Gatta E, Tasso B, Laurini E, Relini A, Pricl S, Catto M, Tonelli M. Multitarget Biological Profiling of New Naphthoquinone and Anthraquinone-Based Derivatives for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:447-461. [PMID: 33428389 PMCID: PMC7880572 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
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Two
series of naphthoquinone and anthraquinone derivatives decorated
with an aromatic/heteroaromatic chain have been synthesized and evaluated
as potential promiscuous agents capable of targeting different factors
playing a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis.
On the basis of the in vitro biological profiling,
most of them exhibited a significant ability to inhibit amyloid aggregation,
PHF6 tau sequence aggregation, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and monoamine
oxidase (MAO) B. In particular, naphthoquinone 2 resulted
as one of the best performing multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) experiencing
a high potency profile in inhibiting β-amyloid (Aβ40) aggregation (IC50 = 3.2 μM), PHF6 tau
fragment (91% at 10 μM), AChE enzyme (IC50 = 9.2
μM) jointly with a remarkable inhibitory activity against MAO
B (IC50 = 7.7 nM). Molecular modeling studies explained
the structure–activity relationship (SAR) around the binding
modes of representative compound 2 in complex with hMAO
B and hAChE enzymes, revealing inhibitor/protein key contacts and
the likely molecular rationale for enzyme selectivity. Compound 2 was also demonstrated to be a strong inhibitor of Aβ42 aggregation, with potency comparable to quercetin. Accordingly,
atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the most promising naphthoquinones 2 and 5 and anthraquinones 11 and 12 were able to impair Aβ42 fibrillation,
deconstructing the morphologies of its fibrillar aggregates. Moreover,
the same compounds exerted a moderate neuroprotective effect against
Aβ42 toxicity in primary cultures of cerebellar granule
cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that these molecules may
represent valuable chemotypes toward the development of promising
candidates for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Campora
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Canale
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Gatta
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Erik Laurini
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS), Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Relini
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pricl
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS), Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marco Catto
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Homobivalent Lamellarin-Like Schiff Bases: In Vitro Evaluation of Their Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity and Multitargeting Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Potential. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020359. [PMID: 33445600 PMCID: PMC7827648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine alkaloids belonging to the lamellarins family, which incorporate a 5,6-dihydro-1-phenylpyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline (DHPPIQ) moiety, possess various biological activities, spanning from antiviral and antibiotic activities to cytotoxicity against tumor cells and the reversal of multidrug resistance. Expanding a series of previously reported imino adducts of DHPPIQ 2-carbaldehyde, novel aliphatic and aromatic Schiff bases were synthesized and evaluated herein for their cytotoxicity in five diverse tumor cell lines. Most of the newly synthesized compounds were found noncytotoxic in the low micromolar range (<30 μM). Based on a Multi-fingerprint Similarity Search aLgorithm (MuSSeL), mainly conceived for making protein drug target prediction, some DHPPIQ derivatives, especially bis-DHPPIQ Schiff bases linked by a phenylene bridge, were prioritized as potential hits addressing Alzheimer's disease-related target proteins, such as cholinesterases (ChEs) and monoamine oxidases (MAOs). In agreement with MuSSeL predictions, homobivalent para-phenylene DHPPIQ Schiff base 14 exhibited a noncompetitive/mixed inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with Ki in the low micromolar range (4.69 μM). Interestingly, besides a certain inhibition of MAO A (50% inhibition of the cell population growth (IC50) = 12 μM), the bis-DHPPIQ 14 showed a good inhibitory activity on self-induced β-amyloid (Aβ)1-40 aggregation (IC50 = 13 μM), which resulted 3.5-fold stronger than the respective mono-DHPPIQ Schiff base 9.
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10
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Campora M, Francesconi V, Schenone S, Tasso B, Tonelli M. Journey on Naphthoquinone and Anthraquinone Derivatives: New Insights in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010033. [PMID: 33466332 PMCID: PMC7824805 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and functional decline leading to dementia and death. AD imposes neuronal death by the intricate interplay of different neurochemical factors, which continue to inspire the medicinal chemist as molecular targets for the development of new agents for the treatment of AD with diverse mechanisms of action, but also depict a more complex AD scenario. Within the wide variety of reported molecules, this review summarizes and offers a global overview of recent advancements on naphthoquinone (NQ) and anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives whose more relevant chemical features and structure-activity relationship studies will be discussed with a view to providing the perspective for the design of viable drugs for the treatment of AD. In particular, cholinesterases (ChEs), β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau proteins have been identified as key targets of these classes of compounds, where the NQ or AQ scaffold may contribute to the biological effect against AD as main unit or significant substructure. The multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) strategy will be described, as a chance for these molecules to exhibit significant potential on the road to therapeutics for AD.
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11
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Atali S, Dorandish S, Devos J, Williams A, Price D, Taylor J, Guthrie J, Heyl D, Evans HG. Interaction of amyloid beta with humanin and acetylcholinesterase is modulated by ATP. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:2805-2823. [PMID: 33145964 PMCID: PMC7714071 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanin (HN) is known to bind amyloid beta (Aβ)‐inducing cytoprotective effects, while binding of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to Aβ increases its aggregation and cytotoxicity. Previously, we showed that binding of HN to Aβ blocks aggregation induced by AChE and that HN decreases but does not abolish Aβ‐AChE interactions in A549 cell media. Here, we set out to shed light on factors that modulate the interactions of Aβ with HN and AChE. We found that binding of either HN or AChE to Aβ is not affected by heparan sulfate, while ATP, thought to reduce misfolding of Aβ, weakened interactions between AChE and Aβ but strengthened those between Aβ and HN. Using media from either A549 or H1299 lung cancer cells, we observed that more HN was bound to Aβ upon addition of ATP, while levels of AChE in a complex with Aβ were decreased by ATP addition to A549 cell media. Exogenous addition of ATP to either A549 or H1299 cell media increased interactions of endogenous HN with Aβ to a comparable extent despite differences in AChE expression in the two cell lines, and this was correlated with decreased binding of exogenously added HN to Aβ. Treatment with exogenous ATP had no effect on cell viability under all conditions examined. Exogenously added ATP did not affect viability of cells treated with AChE‐immunodepleted media, and there was no apparent protection against the cytotoxicity resulting from immunodepletion of HN. Moreover, exogenously added ATP had no effect on the relative abundance of oligomer versus total Aβ in either cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Atali
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Sadaf Dorandish
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Jonathan Devos
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Asana Williams
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Deanna Price
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Jaylen Taylor
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Jeffrey Guthrie
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Deborah Heyl
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Hedeel Guy Evans
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
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12
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Ghosh R, Kishore N. Physicochemical Insights into the Role of Drug Functionality in Fibrillation Inhibition of Bovine Serum Albumin. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:8989-9008. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c06167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ritutama Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India
| | - Nand Kishore
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India
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13
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Mannem R, Yousuf M, Sreerama L. Nanostructures Formed by Custom-Made Peptides Based on Amyloid Peptide Sequences and Their Inhibition by 2-Hydroxynaphthoquinone. Front Chem 2020; 8:684. [PMID: 32850681 PMCID: PMC7424059 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive research on amyloid fibril formations shows that certain core sequences within Aβ peptide play an important role in their formation. It is impossible to track these events in vivo. Many proteins and peptides with such core sequences form amyloid fibrils and such Aβ sheet mimics have become excellent tools to study amyloid fibril formation and develop therapeutic strategies. A group of peptides based on amyloid peptide sequences obtained from PDB searches, where glycine residues are substituted with alanine and isoleucine, are tested for aggregation by SEM and ThT binding assay. SEM of different peptide sequences showed morphologically different structures such as nanorods, crystalline needles and nanofibrils. The peptides were co-incubated with HNQ (a quinone) to study its effect on the process of aggregation and/or fibrillation. In conclusion, this group of peptides seem to be Aβ sheet mimics and can be very useful in understanding the different morphologies of amyloid fibrils arising from different peptide sequences and the effective strategies to inhibit or anneal them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Mannem
- Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Yousuf
- Central Laboratory Unit (CLU), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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14
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Sagnou M, Mavroidi B, Kaminari A, Boukos N, Pelecanou M. Novel Isatin Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of β-Amyloid Peptide Aggregation and Toxicity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2266-2276. [PMID: 32598129 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of β-amyloid peptide (Αβ) aggregation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among the therapeutic approaches against AD which still attracts scientific research interest. In the search for compounds that interact with Aβ and disrupt its typical aggregation course toward oligomeric or polymeric toxic assemblies, small organic molecules of natural origin, combining low molecular weight (necessary blood-brain barrier penetration) and low toxicity (necessary for pharmacological application), are greatly sought after. Isatin (1H-indoline-2,3-dione), a natural endogenous indole, and many of its derivatives exhibit a wide spectrum of neuropharmacological and chemotherapeutic properties. The synthesis and biological evaluation of four new isatins as inhibitors of Aβ aggregation is presented herein. In these derivatives, the N-phenyl thiosemicarbazide moiety is joined at the 3-oxo position of isatin through Schiff base formation, and substitutions are present at the indole nitrogen and position 5 of the isatin core. Biophysical studies employing circular dichroism, thioflavin T fluorescence assay, and transmission electron microscopy reveal the potential of the isatin thiosemicarbazones (ITSCs) to alter the course of Αβ aggregation, with two of the derivatives exhibiting outstanding inhibition of the aggregation process, preventing completely the formation of amyloid fibrils. Furthermore, in in vitro studies in primary neuronal cell cultures, the ITSCs were found to inhibit the Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen species production at concentrations as low as 1 μM. Taken all together, the novel ITSCs can be considered as privileged structures for further development as potential AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sagnou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Barbara Mavroidi
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Archontia Kaminari
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos Boukos
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Pelecanou
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece
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15
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Price D, Dorandish S, Williams A, Iwaniec B, Stephens A, Marshall K, Guthrie J, Heyl D, Evans HG. Humanin Blocks the Aggregation of Amyloid-β Induced by Acetylcholinesterase, an Effect Abolished in the Presence of IGFBP-3. Biochemistry 2020; 59:1981-2002. [PMID: 32383868 PMCID: PMC8193794 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It is known that the humanin (HN) peptide binding to amyloid-β (Aβ) protects against its cytotoxic effects, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) binding to Aβ increases its aggregation and cytotoxicity. HN is also known to bind the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Here, we examined the regulation of Aβ conformations by HN, AChE, and IGFBP-3 both in vitro and in the conditioned media from A549 and H1299 lung cancer cells. Our in vitro results showed the following: IGFBP-3 binds HN and blocks it from binding Aβ in the absence or presence of AChE; HN and AChE can simultaneously bind Aβ but not when in the presence of IGFBP-3; HN is unable to reduce the aggregation of Aβ in the presence of IGFBP-3; and HN abolishes the aggregation of Aβ induced by the addition of AChE in the absence of IGFBP-3. In the media, AChE and HN can simultaneously bind Aβ. While both AChE and HN are detected when using 6E10 Aβ antibodies, only AChE is detected when using the Aβ 17-24 antibody 4G8, the anti-oligomer A11, and the anti-amyloid fibril LOC antibodies. No signal was observed for IGFBP-3 with any of the anti-amyloid antibodies used. Exogenously added IGFBP-3 reduced the amount of HN found in a complex when using 6E10 antibodies and correlated with a concomitant increase in the amyloid oligomers. Immunodepletion of HN from the media of the A549 and H1299 cells increased the relative abundance of the oligomer vs the total amount of Aβ, the A11-positive prefibrillar oligomers, and to a lesser extent the LOC-positive fibrillar oligomers, and was also correlated with diminished cell viability and increased apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Price
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Sadaf Dorandish
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Asana Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Brandon Iwaniec
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Alexis Stephens
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Keyan Marshall
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Jeffrey Guthrie
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Deborah Heyl
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
| | - Hedeel Guy Evans
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197, United States
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16
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A Prospective Repurposing of Dantrolene as a Multitarget Agent for Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24234298. [PMID: 31775359 PMCID: PMC6930524 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24234298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The orphan drug dantrolene (DAN) is the only therapeutic treatment for malignant hyperthermia (MH), a pharmacogenetic pathology affecting 0.2 over 10,000 people in the EU. It acts by inhibiting ryanodine receptors, which are responsible for calcium recruitment in striatal muscles and brain. Because of its involvement in calcium homeostasis, DAN has been successfully investigated for its potential as neuroprotecting small molecule in several animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nevertheless, its effects at a molecular level, namely on putative targets involved in neurodegeneration, are still scarcely known. Herein, we present a prospective study on repurposing of DAN involving, besides the well-known calcium antagonism, inhibition of monoamine oxidase B and acetylcholinesterase, cytoprotection from oxidative insult, and activation of carnitine/acylcarnitine carrier, as concurring biological activities responsible for neuroprotection.
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17
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Carotenoids as Novel Therapeutic Molecules Against Neurodegenerative Disorders: Chemistry and Molecular Docking Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225553. [PMID: 31703296 PMCID: PMC6888440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects the aging population worldwide. Endogenous and exogenous factors are involved in triggering this complex and multifactorial disease, whose hallmark is Amyloid-β (Aβ), formed by cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by β- and γ-secretase. While there is no definitive cure for AD to date, many neuroprotective natural products, such as polyphenol and carotenoid compounds, have shown promising preventive activity, as well as helping in slowing down disease progression. In this article, we focus on the chemistry as well as structure of carotenoid compounds and their neuroprotective activity against Aβ aggregation using molecular docking analysis. In addition to examining the most prevalent anti-amyloidogenic carotenoid lutein, we studied cryptocapsin, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, and the apocarotenoid bixin. Our computational structure-based drug design analysis and molecular docking simulation revealed important interactions between carotenoids and Aβ via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, and shows that carotenoids are powerful anti-amyloidogenic molecules with a potential role in preventing AD, especially since most of them can cross the blood-brain barrier and are considered nutraceutical compounds. Our studies thus illuminate mechanistic insights on how carotenoids inhibit Aβ aggregation. The potential role of carotenoids as novel therapeutic molecules in treating AD and other neurodegenerative disorders are discussed.
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18
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Viswanathan GK, Paul A, Gazit E, Segal D. Naphthoquinone Tryptophan Hybrids: A Promising Small Molecule Scaffold for Mitigating Aggregation of Amyloidogenic Proteins and Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:242. [PMID: 31750300 PMCID: PMC6843079 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A current challenge faced by researchers is the lack of disease-modifying therapeutics for amyloid formation that is associated with several human diseases. Although the monomeric proteins or peptides involved in various amyloidogenic diseases do not have amino acid sequence homology, there appears to be a structural correlation among the amyloid assemblies, which are responsible for distinct pathological conditions. Here, we review our work on Naphthoquinone Tryptophan (NQTrp) hybrids, a small molecule scaffold that can generically modulate neuronal and non-neuronal amyloid aggregation both in vitro and in vivo. NQTrp reduces the net amyloid load by inhibiting the process of amyloid formation and disassembling the pre-formed fibrils, both in a dose-dependent manner. As a plausible mechanism of action, NQTrp effectively forms hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, such as π-π stacking, with the vital residues responsible for the initial nucleation of protein/peptide aggregation. This review highlights the effectiveness of the NQTrp hybrid scaffold for developing novel small molecule modulators of amyloid aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guru KrishnaKumar Viswanathan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Interdisciplinary Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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19
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Paul A, Viswanathan GK, Mahapatra S, Balboni G, Pacifico S, Gazit E, Segal D. Antagonistic Activity of Naphthoquinone-Based Hybrids toward Amyloids Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Type-2 Diabetes. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3510-3520. [PMID: 31282646 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and amyloid formation are associated with various human diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Type-2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). No disease-modifying therapeutics are available for them. Despite the lack of sequence homology between the corresponding proteins, aromatic residues are recognized as common key motifs in the formation and stabilization of amyloid structures via π-π stacking. Thus, targeting aromatic recognition interfaces could be a useful approach for inhibiting amyloid formation as well as disrupting the preformed amyloid fibrils. Combining experimental and computational approaches, we demonstrated the anti-amyloidogenic effect of naphthoquinone-tryptophan-based hybrid molecules toward PHF6 (τ-derived aggregative peptide), Amyloid β (Aβ42), and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) implicated in AD and T2DM, respectively. These hybrid molecules significantly inhibited the aggregation and disrupted their preformed fibrillar aggregates in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner as evident from Thioflavin T/S binding assay, CD spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Dye leakage assay from LUVs and cell-based experiments indicated that the hybrid molecules inhibit membrane disruption and cytotoxicity induced by these amyloids. Furthermore, in silico studies provided probable mechanistic insights into the interaction of these molecules with the amyloidogenic proteins in their monomeric or aggregated forms, including the role of hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bond formation, and packing during inhibition of aggregation and fibril disassembly. Our findings may help in designing novel therapeutics toward AD, T2DM, and other proteinopathies based on the naphthoquinone derived hybrid molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gianfranco Balboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences - Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, I-09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
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20
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Wheeler RJ, Hyman AA. Controlling compartmentalization by non-membrane-bound organelles. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0193. [PMID: 29632271 PMCID: PMC5904305 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization is a characterizing feature of complexity in cells, used to organize their biochemistry. Membrane-bound organelles are most widely known, but non-membrane-bound liquid organelles also exist. These have recently been shown to form by phase separation of specific types of proteins known as scaffolds. This forms two phases: a condensate that is enriched in scaffold protein separated by a phase boundary from the cytoplasm or nucleoplasm with a low concentration of the scaffold protein. Phase separation is well known for synthetic polymers, but also appears important in cells. Here, we review the properties of proteins important for forming these non-membrane-bound organelles, focusing on the energetically favourable interactions that drive condensation. On this basis we make qualitative predictions about how cells may control compartmentalization by condensates; the partition of specific molecules to a condensate; the control of condensation and dissolution of condensates; and the regulation of condensate nucleation. There are emerging data supporting many of these predictions, although future results may prove incorrect. It appears that many molecules may have the ability to modulate condensate formation, making condensates a potential target for future therapeutics. The emerging properties of condensates are fundamentally unlike the properties of membrane-bound organelles. They have the capacity to rapidly integrate cellular events and act as a new class of sensors for internal and external environments. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Self-organization in cell biology’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Wheeler
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anthony A Hyman
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, Dresden, Germany
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21
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Siddiqi MK, Alam P, Malik S, Majid N, Chaturvedi SK, Rajan S, Ajmal MR, Khan MV, Uversky VN, Khan RH. Stabilizing proteins to prevent conformational changes required for amyloid fibril formation. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:2642-2656. [PMID: 30242891 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrillation is associated with several human maladies, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, prions, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and type 2 diabetes diseases. Gaining insights into the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation and exploring novel approaches to fibrillation inhibition are crucial for preventing amyloid diseases. Here, we hypothesized that ligands capable of stabilizing the native state of query proteins might prevent protein unfolding, which, in turn, may reduce the propensity of proteins to form amyloid fibrils. We demonstrated the efficient inhibition of amyloid formation of the human serum albumin (HSA) (up to 85%) and human insulin (up to 80%) by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen (IBFN). IBFN significantly increases the conformational stability of both HSA and insulin, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, increasing concentration of IBFN boosts its amyloid inhibitory propensity in a linear fashion by influencing the nucleation phase as assayed by thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, circular dichroism analysis supported the DSC results, showing that IBFN binds to the native state of proteins and almost completely prevents their tendency to lose secondary and tertiary structures. Cell toxicity assay confirms that species formed in the presence of IBFN are less toxic to neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y). These results demonstrate the feasibility of using a small molecule to stabilize the native state of proteins, thereby preventing the amyloidogenic conformational changes, which appear to be the common link in several human amyloid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parvez Alam
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.,Kususma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sadia Malik
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Nabeela Majid
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | | | | | - Mohd Rehan Ajmal
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Mohsin Vahid Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Rizwan Hasan Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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22
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Insights into Structure-Activity Relationships of 3-Arylhydrazonoindolin-2-One Derivatives for Their Multitarget Activity on β-Amyloid Aggregation and Neurotoxicity. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071544. [PMID: 29949947 PMCID: PMC6100259 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the controversial outcomes of clinical trials executed so far, the prevention of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and neurotoxicity by small molecule inhibitors of Aβ aggregation remains a target intensively pursued in the search of effective drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurodegeneration syndromes. As a continuation of previous studies, a series of new 3-(2-arylhydrazono)indolin-2-one derivatives was synthesized and assayed, investigating the effects of substitutions on both the indole core and arylhydrazone moiety. Compared with the reference compound 1, we disclosed equipotent derivatives bearing alkyl substituents at the indole nitrogen, and fairly tolerated bioisosteric replacements at the arylhydrazone moiety. For most of the investigated compounds, the inhibition of Aβ40 aggregation (expressed as pIC50) was found to be correlated with lipophilicity, as assessed by a reversed-phase HPLC method, through a bilinear relationship. The N1-cyclopropyl derivative 28 was tested in cell-based assays of Aβ42 oligomer toxicity and oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, showing significant cytoprotective effects. This study confirmed the versatility of isatin in preparing multitarget small molecules affecting different biochemical pathways involved in AD.
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23
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Convertino M, Das J, Dokholyan NV. Pharmacological Chaperones: Design and Development of New Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Conformational Diseases. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:1471-89. [PMID: 27097127 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Errors in protein folding may result in premature clearance of structurally aberrant proteins, or in the accumulation of toxic misfolded species or protein aggregates. These pathological events lead to a large range of conditions known as conformational diseases. Several research groups have presented possible therapeutic solutions for their treatment by developing novel compounds, known as pharmacological chaperones. These cell-permeable molecules selectively provide a molecular scaffold around which misfolded proteins can recover their native folding and, thus, their biological activities. Here, we review therapeutic strategies, clinical potentials, and cost-benefit impacts of several classes of pharmacological chaperones for the treatment of a series of conformational diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino Convertino
- Department of Biochemistry
and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, 120 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jhuma Das
- Department of Biochemistry
and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, 120 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry
and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, 120 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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24
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Das P, Murray B, Belfort G. Alzheimer's protective A2T mutation changes the conformational landscape of the Aβ₁₋₄₂ monomer differently than does the A2V mutation. Biophys J 2015; 108:738-47. [PMID: 25650940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides plays a crucial role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, it has been reported that an A2T mutation in Aβ can protect against AD. Interestingly, a nonpolar A2V mutation also has been found to offer protection against AD in the heterozygous state, although it causes early-onset AD in homozygous carriers. Since the conformational landscape of the Aβ monomer is known to directly contribute to the early-stage aggregation mechanism, it is important to characterize the effects of the A2T and A2V mutations on Aβ₁₋₄₂ monomer structure. Here, we have performed extensive atomistic replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations of the solvated wild-type (WT), A2V, and A2T Aβ₁₋₄₂ monomers. Our simulations reveal that although all three variants remain as collapsed coils in solution, there exist significant structural differences among them at shorter timescales. A2V exhibits an enhanced double-hairpin population in comparison to the WT, similar to those reported in toxic WT Aβ₁₋₄₂ oligomers. Such double-hairpin formation is caused by hydrophobic clustering between the N-terminus and the central and C-terminal hydrophobic patches. In contrast, the A2T mutation causes the N-terminus to engage in unusual electrostatic interactions with distant residues, such as K16 and E22, resulting in a unique population comprising only the C-terminal hairpin. These findings imply that a single A2X (where X = V or T) mutation in the primarily disordered N-terminus of the Aβ₁₋₄₂ monomer can dramatically alter the β-hairpin population and switch the equilibrium toward alternative structures. The atomistically detailed, comparative view of the structural landscapes of A2V and A2T variant monomers obtained in this study can enhance our understanding of the mechanistic differences in their early-stage aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Das
- Soft Matter Theory and Simulations Group, Computational Biology Center, IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York.
| | - Brian Murray
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York
| | - Georges Belfort
- Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York
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25
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Guzior N, Wieckowska A, Panek D, Malawska B. Recent development of multifunctional agents as potential drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Curr Med Chem 2015; 22:373-404. [PMID: 25386820 PMCID: PMC4435057 DOI: 10.2174/0929867321666141106122628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The available therapy is limited to the symptomatic treatment and its efficacy remains unsatisfactory. In view of the prevalence and expected increase in the incidence of AD, the development of an effective therapy is crucial for public health. Due to the multifactorial aetiology of this disease, the multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) approach is a promising method in search for new drugs for AD. This review updates information on the development of multifunctional potential anti-AD agents published within the last three years. The majority of the recently reported structures are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, often endowed with some additional properties. These properties enrich the pharmacological profile of the compounds giving hope for not only symptomatic but also causal treatment of the disease. Among these advantageous properties, the most often reported are an amyloid-β antiaggregation activity, inhibition of β-secretase and monoamine oxidase, an antioxidant and metal chelating activity, NOreleasing ability and interaction with cannabinoid, NMDA or histamine H3 receptors. The majority of novel molecules possess heterodimeric structures, able to interact with multiple targets by combining different pharmacophores, original or derived from natural products or existing therapeutics (tacrine, donepezil, galantamine, memantine). Among the described compounds, several seem to be promising drug candidates, while others may serve as a valuable inspiration in the search for new effective therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Barbara Malawska
- Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Physicochemical Drug Analysis, 30-688 Krakow, Medyczna 9, Poland.
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26
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Interaction of amyloid inhibitor proteins with amyloid beta peptides: insight from molecular dynamics simulations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113041. [PMID: 25422897 PMCID: PMC4244084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the detailed mechanism by which proteins such as human αB- crystallin and human lysozyme inhibit amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide aggregation is crucial for designing treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Thus, unconstrained, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent have been performed to characterize the Aβ17–42 assembly in presence of the αB-crystallin core domain and of lysozyme. Simulations reveal that both inhibitor proteins compete with inter-peptide interaction by binding to the peptides during the early stage of aggregation, which is consistent with their inhibitory action reported in experiments. However, the Aβ binding dynamics appear different for each inhibitor. The binding between crystallin and the peptide monomer, dominated by electrostatics, is relatively weak and transient due to the heterogeneous amino acid distribution of the inhibitor surface. The crystallin-bound Aβ oligomers are relatively long-lived, as they form more extensive contact surface with the inhibitor protein. In contrast, a high local density of arginines from lysozyme allows strong binding with Aβ peptide monomers, resulting in stable complexes. Our findings not only illustrate, in atomic detail, how the amyloid inhibitory mechanism of human αB-crystallin, a natural chaperone, is different from that of human lysozyme, but also may aid de novo design of amyloid inhibitors.
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27
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Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation are associated with more than twenty diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases. The amyloid oligomers and fibrils may induce cell membrane disruption and lead to cell apoptosis. A great number of studies have focused on discovery of amyloid inhibitors which may prevent or treat amyloidosis diseases. Polyphenols have been extensively studied as a class of amyloid inhibitors, with several polyphenols under clinical trials as anti-neurodegenerative drugs. As oxidative intermediates of natural polyphenols, quinones widely exist in medicinal plants or food. In this study, we used insulin as an amyloid model to test the anti-amyloid effects of four simple quinones and four natural anthraquinone derivatives from rhubarb, a traditional herbal medicine used for treating Alzheimer's disease. Our results demonstrated that all eight quinones show inhibitory effects to different extent on insulin oligomerization, especially for 1,4-benzoquinone and 1,4-naphthoquinone. Significantly attenuated oligomerization, reduced amount of amyloid fibrils and reduced hemolysis levels were found after quinones treatments, indicating quinones may inhibit insulin from forming toxic oligomeric species. The results suggest a potential action of native anthraquinone derivatives in preventing protein misfolding diseases, the quinone skeleton may thus be further explored for designing effective anti-amyloidosis compounds.
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28
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Polyphenols as therapeutic molecules in Alzheimer's disease through modulating amyloid pathways. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 51:466-79. [PMID: 24826916 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative condition. The complex pathology of this disease includes oxidative stress, metal deposition, formation of aggregates of amyloid and tau, enhanced immune responses, and disturbances in cholinesterase. Drugs targeted toward reduction of amyloidal load have been discovered, but there is no effective pharmacological treatment for combating the disease so far. Natural products have become an important avenue for drug discovery research. Polyphenols are natural products that have been shown to be effective in the modulation of the type of neurodegenerative changes seen in AD, suggesting a possible therapeutic role. The present review focuses on the chemistry of polyphenols and their role in modulating amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing. We also provide new hypotheses on how these therapeutic molecules may modulate APP processing, prevent Aβ aggregation, and favor disruption of preformed fibrils. Finally, the role of polyphenols in modulating Alzheimer's pathology is discussed.
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29
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Potential synergy between tau aggregation inhibitors and tau chaperone modulators. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2013; 5:41. [PMID: 24041111 PMCID: PMC3979086 DOI: 10.1186/alzrt207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tau is a soluble, microtubule-associated protein known to aberrantly form
amyloid-positive aggregates. This pathology is characteristic for more than 15
neuropathies, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Finding
therapeutics to reverse or remove this non-native tau state is of great
interest; however, at this time only one drug is entering phase III clinical
trials for treating tauopathies. Generally, tau manipulation by therapeutics can
either directly or indirectly alter tau aggregation and stability. Drugs that
bind and change the conformation of tau itself are largely classified as
aggregation inhibitors, while drugs that alter the activity of a tau-effector
protein fall into several categories, such as kinase inhibitors, microtubule
stabilizers, or chaperone modulators. Chaperone inhibitors that have proven
effective in tau models include heat shock protein 90 inhibitors, heat shock
protein 70 inhibitors and activators, as well as inducers of heat shock
proteins. While many of these compounds can alter tau levels and/or aggregation
states, it is possible that combining these approaches may produce the most
optimal outcome. However, because many of these compounds have multiple
off-target effects or poor blood–brain barrier permeability, the
development of this synergistic therapeutic strategy presents significant
challenges. This review will summarize many of the drugs that have been
identified to alter tau biology, with special focus on therapeutics that prevent
tau aggregation and regulate chaperone-mediated clearance of tau.
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30
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Profit AA, Felsen V, Chinwong J, Mojica ERE, Desamero RZB. Evidence of π-stacking interactions in the self-assembly of hIAPP(22-29). Proteins 2013; 81:690-703. [PMID: 23229921 PMCID: PMC3594381 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The role aromatic amino acids play in the formation of amyloid is a subject of controversy. In an effort to clarify the contribution of aromaticity to the self-assembly of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP)22-29 , peptide analogs containing electron donating groups (EDGs) or electron withdrawing groups (EWGs) as substituents on the aromatic ring of Phe-23 at the para position have been synthesized and characterized using turbidity measurements in conjunction with Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicate the incorporation of EDGs on the aromatic ring of Phe-23 virtually abolish the ability of hIAPP22-29 to form amyloid. Peptides containing EWGs were still capable of forming aggregates. These aggregates were found to be rich in β-sheet secondary structure. Transmission electron microscopy images of the aggregates confirm the presence of amyloid fibrils. The observed difference in amyloidogenic propensity between peptides containing EDGs and those with EWGs appears not to be based on differences in peptide hydrophobicity. Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic investigations reveal that the environment surrounding the aromatic ring becomes more hydrophobic and ordered upon aggregation. Furthermore, Raman measurements of peptide analogs containing EWGs, conclusively demonstrate a distinct downshift in the CC ring mode (ca. 1600 cm(-1) ) upon aggregation that has previously been shown to be indicative of π-stacking. While previous work has demonstrated that π-stacking is not an absolute requirement for fibrillization, our findings indicate that Phe-23 also contributes to fibril formation through π-stacking interactions and that it is not only the hydrophobic nature of this residue that is relevant in the self-assembly of hIAPP22-29 . © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A. Profit
- York College, Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Jamaica, New York, 11451
| | - Valentina Felsen
- York College, Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Jamaica, New York, 11451
| | - Justina Chinwong
- York College, Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Jamaica, New York, 11451
| | - Elmer-Rico E. Mojica
- York College, Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Jamaica, New York, 11451
| | - Ruel Z. B. Desamero
- York College, Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Jamaica, New York, 11451
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31
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Jackson TC, Verrier JD, Kochanek PM. Anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid (AQ2S) is a novel neurotherapeutic agent. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e451. [PMID: 23303125 PMCID: PMC3563977 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Anthraquinone derivatives such as emodin have recently been shown to protect in models of beta amyloid β (Aβ) and tau aggregation-induced cell death. The mechanisms of action possibly involve preconditioning effects, anti-aggregation properties, and/or enhancing the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT survival mechanism. We studied several natural (emodin, rhein, and aloin) and synthetic (AQ2S) anthraquinones, to screen for post-treatment therapeutic benefit in two models of neuronal death, namely hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and staurosporine (STS)-induced injury. Treatment with emodin, rhein, or aloin failed to reduce H(2)O(2) injury. Moreover, consistent with emodin behaving like a mild toxin, it exacerbated oxidative injury at the highest concentration used (50 μM) in our post-treatment paradigm, and potently inhibited AKT. In contrast, AQ2S was neuroprotective. It reduced H(2)O(2) injury at 50 and 75 μM. In addition, AQ2S potently inhibited staurosporine (STS)-induced injury. The mechanisms of action involve caspase inhibition and AKT activation. However, blockade of AKT signaling with LY294002 failed to abolish AQ2S-mediated protection on the STS assay. This is the first study to report that AQ2S is a new neuroprotective compound and a novel caspase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Jackson
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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32
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Lemkul JA, Bevan DR. The role of molecular simulations in the development of inhibitors of amyloid β-peptide aggregation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:845-56. [PMID: 23173066 DOI: 10.1021/cn300091a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic aggregation of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is considered a hallmark of the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of senile dementia in the elderly and one of the principal causes of death in the United States. In the absence of effective therapeutics, the incidence and economic burden associated with the disease are expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Targeting Aβ aggregation is an attractive therapeutic approach, though structural insights into the nature of Aβ aggregates from traditional experiments are elusive, making drug design difficult. Theoretical methods have been used for several years to augment experimental work and drive progress forward in Alzheimer's drug design. In this Review, we will describe how two common techniques, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, are being applied in developing small molecules as effective therapeutics against monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillated forms of Aβ. Recent successes and important limitations will be discussed, and we conclude by providing a perspective on the future of this field by citing recent examples of sophisticated approaches used to better characterize interactions of small molecules with Aβ and other amyloidogenic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Lemkul
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - David R. Bevan
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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33
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Convertino M, Vitalis A, Caflisch A. Disordered binding of small molecules to Aβ(12-28). J Biol Chem 2011; 286:41578-41588. [PMID: 21969380 PMCID: PMC3308868 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.285957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of small molecules and short peptides have been identified that interfere with aggregation and/or oligomerization of the Alzheimer β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). Many of them possess aromatic moieties, suggesting a dominant role for those in interacting with Aβ along various stages of the aggregation process. In this study, we attempt to elucidate whether interactions of such aromatic inhibitors with monomeric Aβ(12-28) point to a common mechanism of action by performing atomistic molecular dynamics simulations at equilibrium. Our results suggest that, independently of the presence of inhibitors, monomeric Aβ(12-28) populates a partially collapsed ensemble that is largely devoid of canonical secondary structure at 300 K and neutral pH. The small molecules have different affinities for Aβ(12-28) that can be partially rationalized by the balance of aromatic and charged moieties constituting the molecules. There are no predominant binding modes, although aggregation inhibitors preferentially interact with the N-terminal portion of the fragment (residues 13-20). Analysis of the free energy landscape of Aβ(12-28) reveals differences highlighted by altered populations of a looplike conformer in the presence of inhibitors. We conclude that intrinsic disorder of Aβ persists at the level of binding small molecules and that inhibitors can significantly alter properties of monomeric Aβ via multiple routes of differing specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino Convertino
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Vitalis
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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34
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Tuffery P, Derreumaux P. Flexibility and binding affinity in protein-ligand, protein-protein and multi-component protein interactions: limitations of current computational approaches. J R Soc Interface 2011; 9:20-33. [PMID: 21993006 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2011.0584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recognition process between a protein and a partner represents a significant theoretical challenge. In silico structure-based drug design carried out with nothing more than the three-dimensional structure of the protein has led to the introduction of many compounds into clinical trials and numerous drug approvals. Central to guiding the discovery process is to recognize active among non-active compounds. While large-scale computer simulations of compounds taken from a library (virtual screening) or designed de novo are highly desirable in the post-genomic area, many technical problems remain to be adequately addressed. This article presents an overview and discusses the limits of current computational methods for predicting the correct binding pose and accurate binding affinity. It also presents the performances of the most popular algorithms for exploring binary and multi-body protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Tuffery
- INSERM UMR-S 973, Université Paris Diderot, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75251 Paris cedex, France
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35
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Kim S, Chang WE, Kumar R, Klimov DK. Naproxen interferes with the assembly of Aβ oligomers implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Biophys J 2011; 100:2024-32. [PMID: 21504739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown that the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug naproxen may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. To investigate the interactions of naproxen with Aβ dimers, which are the smallest cytotoxic aggregated Aβ peptide species, we use united atom implicit solvent model and exhaustive replica exchange molecular dynamics. We show that naproxen ligands bind to Aβ dimer and penetrate its volume interfering with the interpeptide interactions. As a result naproxen induces a destabilizing effect on Aβ dimer. By comparing the free-energy landscapes of naproxen interactions with Aβ dimers and fibrils, we conclude that this ligand has stronger antiaggregation potential against Aβ fibrils rather than against dimers. The analysis of naproxen binding energetics shows that the location of ligand binding sites in Aβ dimer is dictated by the Aβ amino acid sequence. Comparison of the in silico findings with experimental observations reveals potential limitations of naproxen as an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongwon Kim
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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36
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Jiang P, Li W, Shea JE, Mu Y. Resveratrol inhibits the formation of multiple-layered β-sheet oligomers of the human islet amyloid polypeptide segment 22-27. Biophys J 2011; 100:1550-8. [PMID: 21402038 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal self-assembly of a number of proteins or peptides is a hallmark of >20 amyloidogenic diseases. Recent studies suggest that the pathology of amyloidogenesis can be attributed primarily to cytotoxic, soluble, intermediate oligomeric species rather than to mature amyloid fibrils. Despite the lack of available structural information regarding these transient species, many therapeutic efforts have focused on inhibiting the formation of these aggregates. One of the most successful approaches has been to use small molecules, many of which have been found to inhibit toxic species with high efficacy. A significant issue that remains to be resolved is the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of these molecules. In this article, we present extensive replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations to study the early aggregation of the human islet amyloid polypeptide segment 22-27 in the presence and absence of the small-molecule inhibitor resveratrol. The simulations indicate that aggregation of these peptides was hindered by resveratrol via a mechanism of blocking the lateral growth of a single-layered β-sheet oligomer (rather than preventing growth by elongation along the fibril axis). Intersheet side-chain stacking, especially stacking of the aromatic rings, was blocked by the presence of resveratrol molecules, and the overall aggregation level was reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jiang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. [corrected]
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37
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of amyloids in the brain. One prominent form of amyloid is composed of repeating units of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. Over the past decade, it has become clear that these Aβ amyloids are not homogeneous; rather, they are composed of a series of structures varying in their overall size and shape and the number of Aβ peptides they contain. Recent theories suggest that these different amyloid conformations may play distinct roles in disease, although their relative contributions are still being discovered. Here, we review how chemical probes, such as Congo red, thioflavin T and their derivatives, have been powerful tools for the better understanding of amyloid structure and function. Moreover, we discuss how design and deployment of conformationally selective probes might be used to test emerging models of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Reinke
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Pathology and the Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2216, USA
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38
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Takeda T, Chang WE, Raman EP, Klimov DK. Binding of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to Abeta fibril. Proteins 2011; 78:2849-60. [PMID: 20635343 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered as potential therapeutic agents against Alzheimer's disease. Using replica exchange molecular dynamics and atomistic implicit solvent model, we studied the mechanisms of binding of naproxen and ibuprofen to the Abeta fibril derived from solid-state NMR measurements. The binding temperature of naproxen is found to be almost 40 K higher than of ibuprofen implicating higher binding affinity of naproxen. The key factor, which enhances naproxen binding, is strong interactions between ligands bound to the surface of the fibril. The naphthalene ring in naproxen appears to provide a dominant contribution to ligand-ligand interactions. In contrast, ligand-fibril interactions cannot explain differences in the binding affinities of naproxen and ibuprofen. The concave fibril edge with the groove is identified as the primary binding location for both ligands. We show that confinement of the ligands to the groove facilitates ligand-ligand interactions that lowers the energy of the ligands bound to the concave edge compared with those bound to the convex edge. Our simulations appear to provide microscopic rationale for the differing binding affinities of naproxen and ibuprofen observed experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Takeda
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, USA
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39
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Quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of β-amyloid aggregation inhibitors. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2010; 25:135-44. [PMID: 21165759 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-010-9405-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting the aggregation process of the β-amyloid peptide is a promising strategy in treating Alzheimer's disease. In this work, we have collected a dataset of 80 small molecules with known inhibition levels and utilized them to develop two comprehensive quantitative structure-activity relationship models: a Bayesian model and a decision tree model. These models have exhibited high predictive accuracy: 87% of the training and test sets using the Bayesian model and 89 and 93% of the training and test sets, respectively, by the decision tree model. Subsequently these models were used to predict the activities of several new potential β-amyloid aggregation inhibitors and these predictions were indeed validated by in vitro experiments. Key chemical features correlated with the inhibition ability were identified. These include the electro-topological state of carbonyl groups, AlogP and the number of hydrogen bond donor groups. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the developed models as tools for rapid screening, which could help in the design of novel potential drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease.
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40
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Chang WE, Takeda T, Raman EP, Klimov DK. Molecular dynamics simulations of anti-aggregation effect of ibuprofen. Biophys J 2010; 98:2662-70. [PMID: 20513411 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Revised: 02/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Using implicit solvent molecular dynamics and replica exchange simulations, we study the impact of ibuprofen on the growth of wild-type Abeta fibrils. We show that binding of ibuprofen to Abeta destabilizes the interactions between incoming peptides and the fibril. As a result, ibuprofen interference modifies the free energy landscape of fibril growth and reduces the free energy gain of Abeta peptide binding to the fibril by approximately 2.5 RT at 360 K. Furthermore, ibuprofen interactions shift the thermodynamic equilibrium from fibril-like locked states to disordered docked states. Ibuprofen's anti-aggregation effect is explained by its competition with incoming Abeta peptides for the same binding site located on the fibril edge. Although ibuprofen impedes fibril growth, it does not significantly change the mechanism of fibril elongation or the structure of Abeta peptides bound to the fibril.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenling E Chang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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41
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Scherzer-Attali R, Pellarin R, Convertino M, Frydman-Marom A, Egoz-Matia N, Peled S, Levy-Sakin M, Shalev DE, Caflisch A, Gazit E, Segal D. Complete phenotypic recovery of an Alzheimer's disease model by a quinone-tryptophan hybrid aggregation inhibitor. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11101. [PMID: 20559435 PMCID: PMC2885425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rational design of amyloid oligomer inhibitors is yet an unmet drug development need. Previous studies have identified the role of tryptophan in amyloid recognition, association and inhibition. Furthermore, tryptophan was ranked as the residue with highest amyloidogenic propensity. Other studies have demonstrated that quinones, specifically anthraquinones, can serve as aggregation inhibitors probably due to the dipole interaction of the quinonic ring with aromatic recognition sites within the amyloidogenic proteins. Here, using in vitro, in vivo and in silico tools we describe the synthesis and functional characterization of a rationally designed inhibitor of the Alzheimer's disease-associated β-amyloid. This compound, 1,4-naphthoquinon-2-yl-L-tryptophan (NQTrp), combines the recognition capacities of both quinone and tryptophan moieties and completely inhibited Aβ oligomerization and fibrillization, as well as the cytotoxic effect of Aβ oligomers towards cultured neuronal cell line. Furthermore, when fed to transgenic Alzheimer's disease Drosophila model it prolonged their life span and completely abolished their defective locomotion. Analysis of the brains of these flies showed a significant reduction in oligomeric species of Aβ while immuno-staining of the 3rd instar larval brains showed a significant reduction in Aβ accumulation. Computational studies, as well as NMR and CD spectroscopy provide mechanistic insight into the activity of the compound which is most likely mediated by clamping of the aromatic recognition interface in the central segment of Aβ. Our results demonstrate that interfering with the aromatic core of amyloidogenic peptides is a promising approach for inhibiting various pathogenic species associated with amyloidogenic diseases. The compound NQTrp can serve as a lead for developing a new class of disease modifying drugs for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Scherzer-Attali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Riccardo Pellarin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marino Convertino
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anat Frydman-Marom
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nirit Egoz-Matia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sivan Peled
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Levy-Sakin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Deborah E. Shalev
- Wolfson Centre for Applied Structural Biology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail: (EG); (DS)
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail: (EG); (DS)
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42
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Molecular dynamics simulations of Ibuprofen binding to Abeta peptides. Biophys J 2009; 97:2070-9. [PMID: 19804739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2009.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Using replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations and the implicit solvent model we probed binding of ibuprofen to Abeta(10-40) monomers and amyloid fibrils. We found that the concave (CV) fibril edge has significantly higher binding affinity for ibuprofen than the convex edge. Furthermore, binding of ibuprofen to Abeta monomers, as compared to fibrils, results in a smaller free energy gain. The difference in binding free energies is likely to be related to the presence of the groove on the CV fibril edge, in which ibuprofen tends to accumulate. The confinement effect of the groove promotes the formation of large low-energy ibuprofen clusters, which rarely occur on the surface of Abeta monomers. These observations led us to suggest that the ibuprofen binding mechanism for Abeta fibrils is different from that for monomers. In general, ibuprofen shows a preference to bind to those regions of Abeta monomers (amino terminal) and fibrils (the CV edge) that are also the primary aggregation interfaces. Based on our findings and on available experimental data, we propose a rationale for the ibuprofen antiaggregation effect.
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