The role of the disulfide bond in the interaction of islet amyloid polypeptide with membranes

Targeting hIAPP fibrillation: A new paradigm to prevent β-cell death?

Loss of pancreatic β-cell mass is deleterious for type 2 diabetes patients since it reduces insulin production, critical for glucose homeostasis. The main research axis developed over the last few years was to generate new pancreatic β-cells or to transplant pancreatic islets as occurring for some specific type 1 diabetes patients. We evaluate here a new paradigm consisting in preservation of β-cells by prevention of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) oligomers and fibrils formation leading to pancreatic β-cell death. We review the hIAPP physiology and the pathology that contributes to β-cell destruction, deciphering the various cellular steps that could be involved. Recent progress in understanding other amyloidosis such as Aβ, Tau, α-synuclein or prion, involved in neurodegenerative processes linked with inflammation, has opened new research lines of investigations to preserve neuronal cells. We evaluate and estimate their transposition to the pancreatic β-cells preservation. Among them is the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurring with inflammation and the possible implication of the mitochondrial translocator protein as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. The present review also focuses on other amyloid forming proteins from molecular to physiological and physiopathological points of view that could help to better decipher hIAPP-induced β-cell death mechanisms and to prevent hIAPP fibril formation.

Living with the enemy: from protein-misfolding pathologies we know, to those we want to know

Conformational diseases are caused by the aggregation of misfolded proteins. The risk for such pathologies develops years before clinical symptoms appear, and is higher in people with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) polymorphisms. Thousands of people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) are underdiagnosed. Enemy-aggregating proteins may reside in these underdiagnosed AATD patients for many years before a pathology for AATD fully develops. In this perspective review, we hypothesize that the AAT protein could exert a new and previously unconsidered biological effect as an endogenous metal ion chelator that plays a significant role in essential metal ion homeostasis. In this respect, AAT polymorphism may cause an imbalance of metal ions, which could be correlated with the aggregation of amylin, tau, amyloid beta, and alpha synuclein proteins in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, respectively.

Proteostasis of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide: A Molecular Perspective of Risk Factors and Protective Strategies for Type II Diabetes

The possible link between hIAPP accumulation and β-cell death in diabetic patients has inspired numerous studies focusing on amyloid structures and aggregation pathways of this hormone. Recent studies have reported on the importance of early oligomeric intermediates, the many roles of their interactions with lipid membrane, pH, insulin, and zinc on the mechanism of aggregation of hIAPP. The challenges posed by the transient nature of amyloid oligomers, their structural heterogeneity, and the complex nature of their interaction with lipid membranes have resulted in the development of a wide range of biophysical and chemical approaches to characterize the aggregation process. While the cellular processes and factors activating hIAPP-mediated cytotoxicity are still not clear, it has recently been suggested that its impaired turnover and cellular processing by proteasome and autophagy may contribute significantly toward toxic hIAPP accumulation and, eventually, β-cell death. Therefore, studies focusing on the restoration of hIAPP proteostasis may represent a promising arena for the design of effective therapies. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the structures and pathology associated with hIAPP self-assembly and point out the opportunities for therapy that a detailed biochemical, biophysical, and cellular understanding of its aggregation may unveil.

Lipid-Chaperone Hypothesis: A Common Molecular Mechanism of Membrane Disruption by Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

An increasing number of human diseases has been shown to be linked to aggregation and amyloid formation by intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Amylin, amyloid-β, and α-synuclein are, indeed, involved in type-II diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, respectively. Despite the correlation of the toxicity of these proteins at early aggregation stages with membrane damage, the molecular events underlying the process is quite complex to understand. In this study, we demonstrate the crucial role of free lipids in the formation of lipid-protein complex, which enables an easy membrane insertion for amylin, amyloid-β, and α-synuclein. Experimental results from a variety of biophysical methods and molecular dynamics results reveal that this common molecular pathway in membrane poration is shared by amyloidogenic (amylin, amyloid-β, and α-synuclein) and nonamyloidogenic (rat IAPP, β-synuclein) proteins. Based on these results, we propose a "lipid-chaperone" hypothesis as a unifying framework for protein-membrane poration.

New Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Fragments Susceptible to Aggregation

Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes. The aim of this research was to search for new amyloidogenic fragments of hIAPP. An initial attempt to predict the amyloidogenic cores of polypeptides/proteins using five different computer programs did not provide conclusive results. Therefore, we synthesized hIAPP fragments covering the entire hormone. The fragments were assessed for their aggregation ability, using recommended methods to search for the amyloidogenic fragments of the polypeptides/proteins. It was found that fragments (18-22) H-HSSNN-OH and (33-37) H-GSNTY-NH₂ aggregate and form stable amyloid-like structures. Both of these fragments have a much higher antiproliferative activity relative to the RIN-5F cell compared to the (23-27) H-FGAIL-OH fragment widely regarded as the amyloidogenic core of amylin. The analog of (33-37) H-GSNTY-NH₂ containing a free carboxy group on the C-terminal amino acid (H-GSNTY-OH) does not have amyloidogenic properties and can therefore be considered as a potential inhibitor of amylin aggregation. Research on the use of non-aggregating amylin fragments as potential hormone aggregation inhibitors is ongoing.

The small molecule inhibitor anle145c thermodynamically traps human islet amyloid peptide in the form of non-cytotoxic oligomers

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with aggregation of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) into cytotoxic amyloid species. Here we tested the effect of a diphenylpyrazole (DPP)-derived small molecule inhibitor, anle145c, on cytotoxicity and on aggregation properties of hIAPP. We demonstrate that incubation of hIAPP with the inhibitor yields ~10 nm-sized non-toxic oligomers, independent of the initial aggregation state of hIAPP. This suggests that anle145c has a special mode of action in which anle145c-stabilized oligomers act as a thermodynamic sink for the preferred aggregation state of hIAPP and anle145c. We also demonstrate that the inhibitor acts in a very efficient manner, with sub-stoichiometric concentrations of anle145c being sufficient to (i) inhibit hIAPP-induced death of INS-1E cells, (ii) prevent hIAPP fibril formation in solution, and (iii) convert preformed hIAPP fibrils into non-toxic oligomers. Together, these results indicate that anle145c is a promising candidate for inhibition of amyloid formation in T2DM.

Time dependence of NMR observables reveals salient differences in the accumulation of early aggregated species between human islet amyloid polypeptide and amyloid-β

Proton NMR shows that IAPP fibril formation does not involve the accumulation of early aggregated species, in contrast with Aβ.

Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Membrane Interactions: Effects of Membrane Composition

Amyloid formation by islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) contributes to β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. Perturbation of the β-cell membrane may contribute to IAPP-induced toxicity. We examine the effects of lipid composition, salt, and buffer on IAPP amyloid formation and on the ability of IAPP to induce leakage of model membranes. Even low levels of anionic lipids promote amyloid formation and membrane permeabilization. Increasing the percentage of the anionic lipids, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (POPS) or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho(1'-rac-glycerol), enhances the rate of amyloid formation and increases the level of membrane permeabilization. The choice of zwitterionic lipid has no noticeable effect on membrane-catalyzed amyloid formation but in most cases affects leakage, which tends to decrease in the following order: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine > 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine > sphingomyelin. Uncharged lipids that increase the level of membrane order weaken the ability of IAPP to induce leakage. Leakage is due predominately to pore formation rather than complete disruption of the vesicles under the conditions used in these studies. Cholesterol at or below physiological levels significantly reduces the rate of vesicle-catalyzed IAPP amyloid formation and decreases the susceptibility to IAPP-induced leakage. The effects of cholesterol on amyloid formation are masked by 25 mol % POPS. Overall, there is a strong inverse correlation between the time to form amyloid and the extent of vesicle leakage. NaCl reduces the rate of membrane-catalyzed amyloid formation by anionic vesicles, but accelerates amyloid formation in solution. The implications for IAPP membrane interactions are discussed, as is the possibility that the loss of phosphatidylserine asymmetry enhances IAPP amyloid formation and membrane damage in vivo via a positive feedback loop.

New Insight in Copper-Ion Binding to Human Islet Amyloid: The Contribution of Metal-Complex Speciation To Reveal the Polypeptide Toxicity

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is considered to be a potential threat on a global level. Recently, T2D has been listed as a misfolding disease, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is a molecule cosecreted in pancreatic β cells and represents the main constituent of an aggregated amyloid found in individuals affected by T2D. The trace-element serum level is significantly influenced during the development of diabetes. In particular, the dys-homeostasis of Cu(2+) ions may adversely affect the course of the disease. Conflicting results have been reported on the protective role played by complex species formed by Cu(2+) ions with hIAPP or its peptide fragments in vitro. The histidine (His) residue at position 18 represents the main binding site for the metal ion, but contrasting results have been reported on other residues involved in metal-ion coordination, in particular those toward the N or C terminus. Sequences that encompass regions 17-29 and 14-22 were used to discriminate between the two models of the hIAPP coordination mode. Due to poor solubility in water, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives were synthesized. A peptide fragment that encompasses the 17-29 region of rat amylin (rIAPP) in which the arginine residue at position 18 was substituted by a histidine residue was also obtained to assess that the PEG moiety does not alter the peptide secondary structure. The complex species formed by Cu(2+) ions with Ac-PEG-hIAPP(17-29)-NH2 , Ac-rIAPP(17-29)R18H-NH2 , and Ac-PEG-hIAPP(14-22)-NH2 were studied by using potentiometric titrations coupled with spectroscopic methods (UV/Vis, circular dichroism, and EPR). The combined thermodynamic and spectroscopic approach allowed us to demonstrate that hIAPP is able to bind Cu(2+) ions starting from the His18 imidazole nitrogen atom toward the N-terminus domain. The stability constants of copper(II) complexes with Ac-PEG-hIAPP(14-22)-NH2 were used to simulate the different experimental conditions under which aggregate formation and oxidative stress of hIAPP has been reported. Speciation unveils: 1) the protective role played by increased amounts of Cu(2+) ions on the hIAPP fibrillary aggregation, 2) the effect of adventitious trace amounts of Cu(2+) ions present in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and 3) a reducing fluorogenic probe on H2 O2 production attributed to the polypeptide alone.

Molecular Structure, Membrane Interactions, and Toxicity of the Islet Amyloid Polypeptide in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is the major component of the amyloid deposits found in the pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Mature hIAPP, a 37-aa peptide, is natively unfolded in its monomeric state but forms islet amyloid in T2DM. In common with other misfolded and aggregated proteins, amyloid formation involves aggregation of monomers of hIAPP into oligomers, fibrils, and ultimately mature amyloid deposits. hIAPP is coproduced and stored with insulin by the pancreatic islet β-cells and is released in response to the stimuli that lead to insulin secretion. Accumulating evidence suggests that hIAPP amyloid deposits that accompany T2DM are not just an insignificant phenomenon derived from the disease progression but that hIAPP aggregation induces processes that impair the functionality and the viability of β-cells. In this review, we particularly focus on hIAPP structure, hIAPP aggregation, and hIAPP-membrane interactions. We will also discuss recent findings on the mechanism of hIAPP-membrane damage and on hIAPP-induced cell death. Finally, the development of successful antiamyloidogenic agents that prevent hIAPP fibril formation will be examined.

Membrane permeation induced by aggregates of human islet amyloid polypeptides

Several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as nonneuropathic diseases such as type II diabetes and atrial amyloidosis are associated with aggregation of amyloid polypeptides into fibrillar structures, or plaques. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations to test the stability and orientation of membrane-embedded aggregates of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) implicated in type II diabetes. We find that in both monolayers and bilayers of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) hIAPP trimers and tetramers remain inside the membranes and preserve their β-sheet secondary structure. Lipid bilayer-inserted hIAPP trimers and tetramers orient inside DPPG at 60° relative to the membrane/water interface and lead to water permeation and Na(+) intrusion, consistent with ion-toxicity in islet β-cells. In particular, hIAPP trimers form a water-filled β-sandwich that induce water permeability comparable with channel-forming proteins, such as aquaporins and gramicidin-A. The predicted disruptive orientation is consistent with the amphiphilic properties of the hIAPP aggregates and could be probed by chiral sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, as predicted by the simulated SFG spectra.

Biophysical investigation of the membrane-disrupting mechanism of the antimicrobial and amyloid-like peptide dermaseptin S9

Dermaseptin S9 (Drs S9) is an atypical cationic antimicrobial peptide with a long hydrophobic core and with a propensity to form amyloid-like fibrils. Here we investigated its membrane interaction using a variety of biophysical techniques. Rather surprisingly, we found that Drs S9 induces efficient permeabilisation in zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles, but not in anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG) vesicles. We also found that the peptide inserts more efficiently in PC than in PG monolayers. Therefore, electrostatic interactions between the cationic Drs S9 and anionic membranes cannot explain the selectivity of the peptide towards bacterial membranes. CD spectroscopy, electron microscopy and ThT fluorescence experiments showed that the peptide adopts slightly more β-sheet and has a higher tendency to form amyloid-like fibrils in the presence of PC membranes as compared to PG membranes. Thus, induction of leakage may be related to peptide aggregation. The use of a pre-incorporation protocol to reduce peptide/peptide interactions characteristic of aggregates in solution resulted in more α-helix formation and a more pronounced effect on the cooperativity of the gel-fluid lipid phase transition in all lipid systems tested. Calorimetric data together with ²H- and ³¹P-NMR experiments indicated that the peptide has a significant impact on the dynamic organization of lipid bilayers, albeit slightly less for zwitterionic than for anionic membranes. Taken together, our data suggest that in particular in membranes of zwitterionic lipids the peptide binds in an aggregated state resulting in membrane leakage. We propose that also the antimicrobial activity of Drs S9 may be a result of binding of the peptide in an aggregated state, but that specific binding and aggregation to bacterial membranes is regulated not by anionic lipids but by as yet unknown factors.

Amphiphilic adsorption of human islet amyloid polypeptide aggregates to lipid/aqueous interfaces

Many amyloid proteins misfold into β-sheet aggregates upon interacting with biomembranes at the onset of diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and type II diabetes. The molecular mechanisms triggering aggregation depend on the orientation of β-sheets at the cell membranes. However, understanding how β-sheets adsorb onto lipid/aqueous interfaces is challenging. Here, we combine chiral sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy and ab initio quantum chemistry calculations based on a divide-and-conquer strategy to characterize the orientation of human islet amyloid polypeptides (hIAPPs) at lipid/aqueous interfaces. We show that the aggregates bind with β-strands oriented at 48° relative to the interface. This orientation reflects the amphiphilic properties of hIAPP β-sheet aggregates and suggests the potential disruptive effect on membrane integrity.

The N-terminal fragment of human islet amyloid polypeptide is non-fibrillogenic in the presence of membranes and does not cause leakage of bilayers of physiologically relevant lipid composition

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) forms amyloid fibrils in pancreatic islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The formation of hIAPP fibrils has been shown to cause membrane damage which most likely is responsible for the death of pancreatic islet beta-cells during the pathogenesis of DM2. Previous studies have shown that the N-terminal part of hIAPP, hIAPP(1-19), plays a major role in the initial interaction of hIAPP with lipid membranes. However, the exact role of this N-terminal part of hIAPP in causing membrane damage is unknown. Here we investigate the structure and aggregation properties of hIAPP(1-19) in relation to membrane damage in vitro by using membranes of the zwitterionic lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC), the anionic lipid phosphatidylserine (PS) and mixtures of these lipids to mimic membranes of islet cells. Our data reveal that hIAPP(1-19) is weakly fibrillogenic in solution and not fibrillogenic in the presence of membranes, where it adopts a secondary structure that is dependent on lipid composition and stable in time. Furthermore, hIAPP(1-19) is not able to induce leakage in membranes of PC/PS or PC bilayers, indicating that the membrane interaction of the N-terminal fragment by itself is not responsible for membrane leakage under physiologically relevant conditions. In bilayers of the anionic lipid PS, the peptide does induce membrane damage, but this leakage is not correlated to fibril formation, as it is for mature hIAPP. Hence, membrane permeabilization by the N-terminal fragment of hIAPP in anionic lipids is most likely an aspecific process, occurring via a mechanism that is not relevant for hIAPP-induced membrane damage in vivo.