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Zhou Y, Zhang W, Leblanc RM. Structure-Property-Activity Relationships in Carbon Dots. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:10777-10796. [PMID: 36395361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c06856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are one of the most versatile nanomaterials discovered in the 21st century. They possess many properties and thus hold potentials in diverse applications. While an increasing amount of attention has been given to these novel nanoparticles, the broad scientific community is actively engaged in exploring their limits. Recent studies on the fractionalization and assembly of CDs further push the limits beyond just CDs and demonstrate that CDs are both a mixture of heterogeneous fractions and promising building blocks for assembly of large carbon-based materials. With CDs moving forward toward both microscopic and macroscopic levels, a good understanding of the structure-property-activity relationships is essential to forecasting the future of CDs. Hence, in this Perspective, structure-property-activity relationships are highlighted based on the repeatedly verified findings in CDs. In addition, studies on CD fractionalization and assembly are briefly summarized in this Perspective. Eventually, these structure-property-activity relationships and controllability are essential for the development of CDs with desired properties for various applications especially in photochemistry, electrochemistry, nanomedicine, and surface chemistry. In summary, in our opinion, since 2004 until the present, history has witnessed a great development of CDs although there is still some room for more studies. Also, considering many attractive properties, structure-property-activity relationships, and the building block nature of CDs, a variety of carbon-based materials of interest can be constructed from CDs with control. They can help reduce blind trials in the development of carbon-based materials, which is of great significance in materials science, chemistry, and any fields related to the applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States.,C-Dots LLC, Miami, Florida 33136, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Roger M Leblanc
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
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2
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Guo F, Li Q, Zhang X, Liu Y, Jiang J, Cheng S, Yu S, Zhang X, Liu F, Li Y, Rose G, Zhang H. Applications of Carbon Dots for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:6621-6638. [PMID: 36582459 PMCID: PMC9793737 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s388030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently approximately 50 million victims of Alzheimer's disease (AD) worldwide. The exact cause of the disease is unknown at this time, but amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain are hallmarks of the disease. Current drug treatments for AD may slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients, but they are often only minimally effective and are not cures. A major obstacle to developing and delivering more effective drug therapies is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents many compounds with therapeutic potential from reaching the central nervous system. Nanotechnology may provide a solution to this problem. Among the medical nanomaterials currently being studied, carbon dots (CDs) have attracted widespread attention because of their ability to cross the BBB, non-toxicity, and potential for drug/gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingman Li
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Child Cognition & Behavior Development of Hainan Province, Qiongtai Normal University, Haikou, 571127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiheng Liu
- Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Scientific Experiment Center of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuanghuai Cheng
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Si Yu
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingfang Zhang
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China,The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Laboratory Department, Nanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fujian, 353006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiying Li
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gregory Rose
- Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA,Correspondence: Gregory Rose, Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA, Tel +1 618-303-6503, Email
| | - Haiying Zhang
- Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China,Haiying Zhang, Public Research Laboratory of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13907533247, Email
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3
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Maity S, Sepay N, Pal S, Sardar S, Parvej H, Pal S, Chakraborty J, Pradhan A, Halder UC. Modulation of amyloid fibrillation of bovine β-lactoglobulin by selective methionine oxidation. RSC Adv 2021; 11:11192-11203. [PMID: 35423661 PMCID: PMC8695858 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra09060c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deposition of oxidation-modified proteins during normal aging and oxidative stress are directly associated with systemic amyloidoses. Methionine (Met) is believed to be one of the most readily oxidisable amino acid residues of protein. Bovine beta-lactoglobulin (β-lg), a model globular whey protein, has been presented as a subsequent paradigm for studies on protein aggregation and amyloid formation. Herein, we investigated the effect of t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidation on structure, compactness and fibrillation propensity of β-lg at physiological pH. Notably, whey protein modification, specifically Met residues, plays an important role in the dairy industry during milk processing and lowering nutritional value and ultimately affecting their technological properties. Several bio-physical studies revealed enhanced structural flexibility and aggregation propensity of oxidised β-lg in a temperature dependent manner. A molecular docking study is used to predict possible interactions with tBHP and infers selective oxidation of methionine residues at 7, 24 and 107 positions. From our studies, it can be corroborated that specific orientations of Met residues directs the formation of a partially unfolded state susceptible to fibrillation with possible different cytotoxic effects. Our studies have greater implications in deciphering the underlying mechanism of different whey proteins encountering oxidative stress. Our findings are also important to elucidate the understanding of oxidation induced amyloid fibrillation of protein which may constitute a new route to pave the way for a modulatory role of oxidatively stressed proteins in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanhita Maity
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University Kolkata 700032 India
| | - Nayim Sepay
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University Kolkata 700032 India
| | - Sampa Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University Kolkata 700032 India
| | - Subrata Sardar
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University Kolkata 700032 India
| | - Hasan Parvej
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University Kolkata 700032 India
| | - Swarnali Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University Kolkata 700032 India
| | - Jishnu Chakraborty
- Department of Chemistry, Camellia Institute of Engineering and Technology Budbud Burdwan WB India
| | - Anirban Pradhan
- Department of Chemistry, Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Autonomous), Vivekananda Centre for Research Narendrapur Kolkata-700103 India
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4
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Todorova N, Bentvelzen A, Yarovsky I. Electromagnetic field modulates aggregation propensity of amyloid peptides. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:035104. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5126367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Todorova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| | - A. Bentvelzen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
| | - I. Yarovsky
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Australia
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5
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Todorova N, Yarovsky I. The Enigma of Amyloid Forming Proteins: Insights From Molecular Simulations. Aust J Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/ch19059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular level insight into the interplay between protein sequence, structure, and conformational dynamics is crucial for the comprehensive understanding of protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation phenomena that are pertinent to the formation of amyloid fibrils implicated in several degenerative diseases. Computational modelling provides insight into protein behaviour at spatial and temporal resolution still largely outside the reach of experiments. Herein we present an account of our theoretical modelling research conducted in collaboration with several experimental groups where we explored the effects of local environment on the structure and aggregation propensity of several types of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins, including apolipoprotein C-II, insulin, amylin, and amyloid-β using a variety of computational approaches.
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Han X, Jing Z, Wu W, Zou B, Peng Z, Ren P, Wikramanayake A, Lu Z, Leblanc RM. Biocompatible and blood-brain barrier permeable carbon dots for inhibition of Aβ fibrillation and toxicity, and BACE1 activity. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:12862-12866. [PMID: 28850143 PMCID: PMC5660677 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr04352j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) fibrillation is pathologically associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and this has resulted in the development of an Aβ inhibitor which is essential for the treatment of AD. However, the design of potent agents which can target upstream secretases, inhibit Aβ toxicity and aggregation, as well as cross the blood-brain barrier remains challenging. In, this research carbon dots for AD treatment were investigated in vitro using experimental and computational methods for the first time. The results presented here demonstrate a novel strategy for the discovery of novel antiamyloidogenic agents for AD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Han
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA.
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7
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Gade Malmos K, Blancas-Mejia LM, Weber B, Buchner J, Ramirez-Alvarado M, Naiki H, Otzen D. ThT 101: a primer on the use of thioflavin T to investigate amyloid formation. Amyloid 2017; 24:1-16. [PMID: 28393556 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2017.1304905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Thioflavin T (ThT) has been widely used to investigate amyloid formation since 1989. While concerns have recently been raised about its use as a probe specific for amyloid, ThT still continues to be a very valuable tool for studying kinetic aspects of fibrillation and associated inhibition mechanisms. This review aims to provide a conceptual instruction manual, covering appropriate considerations and pitfalls related to the use of ThT. We start by giving a brief introduction to amyloid formation with focus on the morphology of different aggregate species, followed by a discussion of the quality of protein needed to obtain reliable fibrillation data. After an overview of the photochemical basis for ThT's amyloid binding properties and artifacts that may arise from this, we describe how to plan and analyze ThT assays. We conclude with recommendations for complementary techniques to address shortcomings in the ThT assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Gade Malmos
- a Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Center for Insoluble Protein Structures (inSPIN) , Aarhus University , Aarhus C , Denmark.,b Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics , Aarhus University , Aarhus C , Denmark
| | - Luis M Blancas-Mejia
- c Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Benedikt Weber
- d Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at the Department Chemie , Technische Universität München , Garching , Germany
| | - Johannes Buchner
- d Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at the Department Chemie , Technische Universität München , Garching , Germany
| | | | - Hironobu Naiki
- e Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Fukui , Fukui , Japan
| | - Daniel Otzen
- a Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Center for Insoluble Protein Structures (inSPIN) , Aarhus University , Aarhus C , Denmark
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8
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Todorova N, Bentvelzen A, English NJ, Yarovsky I. Electromagnetic-field effects on structure and dynamics of amyloidogenic peptides. J Chem Phys 2016; 144:085101. [PMID: 26931725 DOI: 10.1063/1.4941108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ever-present, and so is the need to better understand their influence on human health and biological matter in general. The interaction between a molecular system and external EMF can alter the structure, and dynamical behaviour, and, hence, biological function of proteins with uncertain health consequences. This urges a detailed investigation of EMF-induced effects on basic protein biophysics. Here, we used all-atom non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to understand and quantify the response mechanisms of the amyloidogenic apoC-II(60-70) peptides to non-ionising radiation by modelling their behaviour under external electromagnetic and electric fields of different strengths. Our simulations show high strength fields (>0.04 V/nm) cause structural changes in apoC-II(60-70) due to the peptide dipole alignment along the applied field direction, which disrupts the inherent β-hairpin conformation known to be the intermediate state for fibril formation. The intermediate field-strength range (0.04-0.004 V/nm) causes a significant acceleration in peptide dynamics, which leads to the increased population of structures with fibril-inhibiting characteristics, such as the separated N- and C-termini and colocation of the aromatic residues at the same peptide face. In contrast, lower field strengths (<0.004 V/nm) promote the formation of the amyloid-prone hairpin structures relative to the ambient conditions. These findings suggest that intermediate-strength electromagnetic fields could be considered for designing alternative treatments of amyloid diseases, while the very high and low field strengths could be employed for engineering well-ordered fibrillar aggregates for non-medicinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Todorova
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alan Bentvelzen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niall J English
- School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, G.P.O. Box 2476, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Loughran SP, Al Hossain MS, Bentvelzen A, Elwood M, Finnie J, Horvat J, Iskra S, Ivanova EP, Manavis J, Mudiyanselage CK, Lajevardipour A, Martinac B, McIntosh R, McKenzie R, Mustapic M, Nakayama Y, Pirogova E, Rashid MH, Taylor NA, Todorova N, Wiedemann PM, Vink R, Wood A, Yarovsky I, Croft RJ. Bioelectromagnetics Research within an Australian Context: The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E967. [PMID: 27690076 PMCID: PMC5086706 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mobile phone subscriptions continue to increase across the world, with the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by these devices, as well as by related technologies such as Wi-Fi and smart meters, now ubiquitous. This increase in use and consequent exposure to mobile communication (MC)-related EMF has led to concern about possible health effects that could arise from this exposure. Although much research has been conducted since the introduction of these technologies, uncertainty about the impact on health remains. The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR) is a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence that is undertaking research addressing the most important aspects of the MC-EMF health debate, with a strong focus on mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and exposure dosimetry. This research takes as its starting point the current scientific status quo, but also addresses the adequacy of the evidence for the status quo. Risk communication research complements the above, and aims to ensure that whatever is found, it is communicated effectively and appropriately. This paper provides a summary of this ACEBR research (both completed and ongoing), and discusses the rationale for conducting it in light of the prevailing science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Loughran
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Md Shahriar Al Hossain
- Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Material (ISEM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Alan Bentvelzen
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Mark Elwood
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland 1072, New Zealand.
| | - John Finnie
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre for Neurological Diseases, and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Joseph Horvat
- Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Material (ISEM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Steve Iskra
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Chief Technology Office, Telstra Corporation, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Elena P Ivanova
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Jim Manavis
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre for Neurological Diseases, and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Chathuranga Keerawella Mudiyanselage
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Alireza Lajevardipour
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Boris Martinac
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia.
| | - Robert McIntosh
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Chief Technology Office, Telstra Corporation, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Raymond McKenzie
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Canberra 2603, Australia.
| | - Mislav Mustapic
- Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Material (ISEM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | | | - Elena Pirogova
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - M Harunur Rashid
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Nigel A Taylor
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Nevena Todorova
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Peter M Wiedemann
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Robert Vink
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- SA Pathology, Hanson Institute, Centre for Neurological Diseases, and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
| | - Andrew Wood
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia.
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3001, Australia.
| | - Rodney J Croft
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
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Vus K, Sood R, Gorbenko G, Kinnunen P. Fluorescence monitoring of the effect of oxidized lipids on the process of protein fibrillization. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2016; 4:034008. [PMID: 28355154 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/4/3/034008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The kinetics of lysozyme and insulin amyloid formation in the presence of the oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) was investigated using Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. The kinetic parameters of fibrillization process (lag time and apparent rate constant) have been determined upon varying the following experimental parameters: the type of lipid assemblies (premicellar aggregates and lipid bilayer vesicles), pH, temperature and lipid-to-protein molar ratio. It was found that oxPLs premicellar aggregates induced the more pronounced increase of the maximum Thioflavin T fluorescence, which is proportional to the extent of fibril formation, compared to the vesicles composed of the oxidized and unoxidized lipids. In contrast, the oxPLs, used as dispersions or included into vesicles, inhibited fibril nucleation and elongation under near-physiological conditions in vitro compared to liposomes containing unoxidized lipids. The results obtained provide deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of the oxidative stress-modulated conformational diseases, and could be employed for the anti-amyloid drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Vus
- Department of Nuclear and Medical Physics, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq., Kharkiv 61022, Ukraine. Department of Nuclear and Medical Physics, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 12-38 Aeroflotska Str., Kharkiv 61031, Ukraine
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The Role of Lipid in Misfolding and Amyloid Fibril Formation by Apolipoprotein C-II. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 855:157-74. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17344-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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12
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Todorova N, Makarucha AJ, Hine NDM, Mostofi AA, Yarovsky I. Dimensionality of carbon nanomaterials determines the binding and dynamics of amyloidogenic peptides: multiscale theoretical simulations. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1003360. [PMID: 24339760 PMCID: PMC3854483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have demonstrated that nanoparticles can affect the rate of protein self-assembly, possibly interfering with the development of protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion disease caused by aggregation and fibril formation of amyloid-prone proteins. We employ classical molecular dynamics simulations and large-scale density functional theory calculations to investigate the effects of nanomaterials on the structure, dynamics and binding of an amyloidogenic peptide apoC-II(60-70). We show that the binding affinity of this peptide to carbonaceous nanomaterials such as C60, nanotubes and graphene decreases with increasing nanoparticle curvature. Strong binding is facilitated by the large contact area available for π-stacking between the aromatic residues of the peptide and the extended surfaces of graphene and the nanotube. The highly curved fullerene surface exhibits reduced efficiency for π-stacking but promotes increased peptide dynamics. We postulate that the increase in conformational dynamics of the amyloid peptide can be unfavorable for the formation of fibril competent structures. In contrast, extended fibril forming peptide conformations are promoted by the nanotube and graphene surfaces which can provide a template for fibril-growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicholas D. M. Hine
- Department of Materials and the Thomas Young Centre for Theory and Simulation of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arash A. Mostofi
- Department of Materials and the Thomas Young Centre for Theory and Simulation of Materials, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- Health Innovations Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Burke KA, Yates EA, Legleiter J. Biophysical insights into how surfaces, including lipid membranes, modulate protein aggregation related to neurodegeneration. Front Neurol 2013; 4:17. [PMID: 23459674 PMCID: PMC3585431 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a vast number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD), associated with the rearrangement of specific proteins to non-native conformations that promotes aggregation and deposition within tissues and/or cellular compartments. These diseases are commonly classified as protein-misfolding or amyloid diseases. The interaction of these proteins with liquid/surface interfaces is a fundamental phenomenon with potential implications for protein-misfolding diseases. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies indicate that significant conformational changes can be induced in proteins encountering surfaces, which can play a critical role in nucleating aggregate formation or stabilizing specific aggregation states. Surfaces of particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases are cellular and subcellular membranes that are predominately comprised of lipid components. The two-dimensional liquid environments provided by lipid bilayers can profoundly alter protein structure and dynamics by both specific and non-specific interactions. Importantly for misfolding diseases, these bilayer properties can not only modulate protein conformation, but also exert influence on aggregation state. A detailed understanding of the influence of (sub)cellular surfaces in driving protein aggregation and/or stabilizing specific aggregate forms could provide new insights into toxic mechanisms associated with these diseases. Here, we review the influence of surfaces in driving and stabilizing protein aggregation with a specific emphasis on lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Burke
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University Morgantown, WV, USA
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14
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"Janus" cyclic peptides: a new approach to amyloid fibril inhibition? PLoS One 2013; 8:e57437. [PMID: 23437387 PMCID: PMC3577749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are increasingly being shown as powerful inhibitors of fibril formation, and have the potential to be therapeutic agents for combating many debilitating amyloid-related diseases. One such example is a cyclic peptide derivative from the human apolipoprotein C-II, which has the ability to inhibit fibril formation by the fibrillogenic peptide apoC-II(60–70). Using classical molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations, we were able to provide insight into the interaction between the amyloidogenic peptide apoC-II(60–70) and its cyclic derivative, cyc(60–70). Our results showed that cyc(60–70) induced increased flexibility in apoC-II(60–70), suggesting that one mechanism by which cyc(60–70) inhibits fibrillisation is by destabilising apoC-II(60–70) structure, rendering it incapable of adopting fibril favouring conformations. In contrast, cyc(60–70) shows less flexibility upon binding to apoC-II(60–70), which is predominantly mediated by hydrophobic interactions between the aromatic rings of the peptides. This effectively creates a cap around the fibril-forming region of apoC-II(60–70) and generates an outer hydrophilic shell that discourages further apoC-II(60–70) peptide self-association. We showed that apoC-II(60–70) exhibited stronger binding affinity for the hydrophobic face of cyc(60–70) and weakest binding affinity for the hydrophilic side. This suggests that cyc(60–70) can be an effective fibril inhibitor due to its amphipathic character, like that of the "Janus"-type particles. This property can be exploited in the design of specific inhibitors of amyloid fibril formation.
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Griffin MD, Yeung L, Hung A, Todorova N, Mok YF, Karas JA, Gooley PR, Yarovsky I, Howlett GJ. A Cyclic Peptide Inhibitor of ApoC-II Peptide Fibril Formation: Mechanistic Insight from NMR and Molecular Dynamics Analysis. J Mol Biol 2012; 416:642-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Teoh CL, Griffin MDW, Howlett GJ. Apolipoproteins and amyloid fibril formation in atherosclerosis. Protein Cell 2011; 2:116-27. [PMID: 21400045 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-011-1013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils arise from the aggregation of misfolded proteins into highly-ordered structures. The accumulation of these fibrils along with some non-fibrillar constituents within amyloid plaques is associated with the pathogenesis of several human degenerative diseases. A number of plasma apolipoproteins, including apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apoA-II, apoC-II and apoE are implicated in amyloid formation or influence amyloid formation by other proteins. We review present knowledge of amyloid formation by apolipoproteins in disease, with particular focus on atherosclerosis. Further insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their amyloidogenic propensity are obtained from in vitro studies which describe factors affecting apolipoprotein amyloid fibril formation and interactions. Additionally, we outline the evidence that amyloid fibril formation by apolipoproteins might play a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and highlight possible molecular mechanisms that could contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai Lean Teoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Inhibition of peptide aggregation by lipids: Insights from coarse-grained molecular simulations. J Mol Graph Model 2011; 29:597-607. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Gorbenko G, Trusova V. Protein aggregation in a membrane environment. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2011; 84:113-42. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386483-3.00002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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High-affinity amphipathic modulators of amyloid fibril nucleation and elongation. J Mol Biol 2010; 406:416-29. [PMID: 21185302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2010.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 12/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of proteins to form amyloid fibrils are associated with a number of debilitating, age-related diseases. Many of the proteins that form amyloid in vivo are lipid-binding proteins, accounting for the significant impact of lipids on the rate of formation and morphology of amyloid fibrils. To systematically investigate the effect of lipid-like compounds, we screened a range of amphipathic lipids and detergents for their effect on amyloid fibril formation by human apolipoprotein (apo) C-II. The initial screen, conducted using a set of amphiphiles at half critical micelle concentration, identified several activators and inhibitors that were selected for further analysis. Sedimentation analysis and circular dichroism studies of apoC-II at low, non-fibril-forming concentrations (0.05 mg/ml) revealed that all of the inhibitors induced the formation of apoC-II dimers enriched in α-helical content while the activators promoted the formation of stable apoC-II tetramers with increased β-structure. Kinetic analysis identified modulators of apoC-II fibril formation that were effective at concentrations as low as 10 μM, corresponding to a modulator-to-apoC-II ratio of approximately 1:10. Delayed addition of the test compounds after fibril formation had commenced allowed the effects of selected amphiphiles on fibril elongation to be determined separately from their effects on fibril nucleation. The results indicated that specific amphiphiles induce structural changes in apoC-II that cause separate and independent effects on fibril nucleation and elongation. Low-molecular-weight amphipathic lipids and detergents may serve as useful, stage-specific modulators of protein self-assembly and fibril formation in disease-prevention strategies.
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Teoh CL, Pham CLL, Todorova N, Hung A, Lincoln CN, Lees E, Lam YH, Binger KJ, Thomson NH, Radford SE, Smith TA, Müller SA, Engel A, Griffin MDW, Yarovsky I, Gooley PR, Howlett GJ. A structural model for apolipoprotein C-II amyloid fibrils: experimental characterization and molecular dynamics simulations. J Mol Biol 2010; 405:1246-66. [PMID: 21146539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The self-assembly of specific proteins to form insoluble amyloid fibrils is a characteristic feature of a number of age-related and debilitating diseases. Lipid-free human apolipoprotein C-II (apoC-II) forms characteristic amyloid fibrils and is one of several apolipoproteins that accumulate in amyloid deposits located within atherosclerotic plaques. X-ray diffraction analysis of aligned apoC-II fibrils indicated a simple cross-β-structure composed of two parallel β-sheets. Examination of apoC-II fibrils using transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy indicated that the fibrils are flat ribbons composed of one apoC-II molecule per 4.7-Å rise of the cross-β-structure. Cross-linking results using single-cysteine substitution mutants are consistent with a parallel in-register structural model for apoC-II fibrils. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis of apoC-II fibrils labeled with specific fluorophores provided distance constraints for selected donor-acceptor pairs located within the fibrils. These findings were used to develop a simple 'letter-G-like' β-strand-loop-β-strand model for apoC-II fibrils. Fully solvated all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the model contained a stable cross-β-core with a flexible connecting loop devoid of persistent secondary structure. The time course of the MD simulations revealed that charge clusters in the fibril rearrange to minimize the effects of same-charge interactions inherent in parallel in-register models. Our structural model for apoC-II fibrils suggests that apoC-II monomers fold and self-assemble to form a stable cross-β-scaffold containing relatively unstructured connecting loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai Lean Teoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Todorova N, Hung A, Yarovsky I. Lipid Concentration Effects on the Amyloidogenic apoC-II60−70 Peptide: A Computational Study. J Phys Chem B 2010; 114:7974-82. [DOI: 10.1021/jp102142x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Todorova
- Applied Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- Applied Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- Applied Physics, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
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Todorova N, Yarovsky I. Molecular modelling of peptide folding, misfolding and aggregation phenomena. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2010.04.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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Gorbenko GP. Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Protein Oligomerization in Membranes. J Fluoresc 2010; 21:945-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s10895-010-0649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Wang SSS, Liu KN, Han TC. Amyloid fibrillation and cytotoxicity of insulin are inhibited by the amphiphilic surfactants. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1802:519-30. [PMID: 20176106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 01/30/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils have been associated with at least 25 different degenerative diseases. The 51-residue polypeptide hormone insulin, which is associated with type II diabetes, has been shown to self-assemble to form amyloid fibrils in vitro. With bovine insulin as a model, the research presented here explores the effects of two amphiphilic surfactants (1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (di-C7-PC) and 1,2-diheptanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (di-C7-PC)) on the in vitro fibrillation process of bovine insulin at pH 2.0 and 55 degrees C. We demonstrated that insulin fibrillation may be inhibited by both surfactants in a dose-dependent fashion. The best inhibition of fibril formation is observed when insulin is incubated with 4mM di-C7-PC. Moreover, the addition of either surfactant at the concentrations studied attenuated insulin fibril-induced cytotoxicity in both PC12 and SH-SY5Y cell lines. The results from this work may contribute to the understanding of the molecular factors affecting amyloid fibrillation and the molecular mechanism(s) of the interactions between the membrane and amyloid proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven S-S Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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Zong W, Liu R, Wang M, Zhang P, Sun F, Tian Y. The oxidative products of methionine as site and content biomarkers for peptide oxidation. J Pept Sci 2010; 16:148-52. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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26
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Methionine oxidation induces amyloid fibril formation by full-length apolipoprotein A-I. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:1977-82. [PMID: 20133843 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0910136107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein component of HDL, where it plays an important role in cholesterol transport. The deposition of apoA-I derived amyloid is associated with various hereditary systemic amyloidoses and atherosclerosis; however, very little is known about the mechanism of apoA-I amyloid formation. Methionine residues in apoA-I are oxidized via several mechanisms in vivo to form methionine sulfoxide (MetO), and significant levels of methionine oxidized apoA-I (MetO-apoA-I) are present in normal human serum. We investigated the effect of methionine oxidation on the structure, stability, and aggregation of full-length, lipid-free apoA-I. Circular dichrosim spectroscopy showed that oxidation of all three methionine residues in apoA-I caused partial unfolding of the protein and decreased its thermal stability, reducing the melting temperature (T(m)) from 58.7 degrees C for native apoA-I to 48.2 degrees C for MetO-apoA-I. Analytical ultracentrifugation revealed that methionine oxidation inhibited the native self association of apoA-I to form dimers and tetramers. Incubation of MetO-apoA-I for extended periods resulted in aggregation of the protein, and these aggregates bound Thioflavin T and Congo Red. Inspection of the aggregates by electron microscopy revealed fibrillar structures with a ribbon-like morphology, widths of approximately 11 nm, and lengths of up to several microns. X-ray fibre diffraction studies of the fibrils revealed a diffraction pattern with orthogonal peaks at spacings of 4.64 A and 9.92 A, indicating a cross-beta amyloid structure. This systematic study of fibril formation by full-length apoA-I represents the first demonstration that methionine oxidation can induce amyloid fibril formation.
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Todorova N, Hung A, Maaser SM, Griffin MDW, Karas J, Howlett GJ, Yarovsky I. Effects of mutation on the amyloidogenic propensity of apolipoprotein C-II60–70 peptide. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2010; 12:14762-74. [DOI: 10.1039/c0cp00299b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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28
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Hung A, Griffin MDW, Howlett GJ, Yarovsky I. Lipids Enhance Apolipoprotein C-II-Derived Amyloidogenic Peptide Oligomerization but Inhibit Fibril Formation. J Phys Chem B 2009; 113:9447-53. [DOI: 10.1021/jp901051n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hung
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 V, Victoria 3001, Australia, and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Michael D. W. Griffin
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 V, Victoria 3001, Australia, and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J. Howlett
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 V, Victoria 3001, Australia, and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Irene Yarovsky
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476 V, Victoria 3001, Australia, and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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