1
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An D, Li L. Effects of molecular weight of hydrolysate on the formation of soy protein isolate hydrolysate nanofibrils: Kinetics, structures, and interactions. Food Chem 2024; 456:139687. [PMID: 38889496 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139687] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Enzymatic hydrolysis prior to protein fibrillation was an effective way to facilitate the formation of nanofibrils. This study aimed to investigate the effects of molecular weights of hydrolysate on the kinetics, structures, and interactions of soy protein isolate (SPI) hydrolysate nanofibrils. The results showed that hydrolysate with molecular weight > 10 kDa showed a distinct fibrillation kinetics curve and a higher apparent rate constant (27.72) during fibrillation, indicating their vital role in determining the fibrillation. Hydrolysate with molecular weight > 10 kDa could form nanofibrils with higher radius gyration (17.11 ± 0.77 Å) due to stronger hydrophobic interaction, showing a stronger fibrillation ability. Hydrolysate with molecular weight within 5-10 kDa exhibited enhanced π-π stacking interactions during fibrillation, thereby promoting the extension of nanofibrils, and contributing to the formation of more nanofibrils. Hydrolysate with molecular weight < 5 kDa tended to randomly aggregate during fibrillation, resulting in a significant loss of cross-β structures in nanofibrils. Therefore, hydrolysate with different molecular weights exhibited synergistic effects during fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di An
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Liang Li
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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2
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Wang X, Wei D, Pan Y, Liu J, Xiao X, Xia Q, Wang F. A cryptic homotypic interaction motif of insect STING is required for its antiviral signaling. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 159:105224. [PMID: 38969190 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) mediates innate immune response upon binding to cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP). It recruits tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) through its C-terminal tail and facilitates TBK1-dependent phosphorylation of IRF3 via forming STING polymers in mammalian cells. However, the mechanism behind STING-mediated activation of NF-κB transcription factor, Relish, in insect cells is unknown. Our study revealed that insect STING formed oligomers and the cryptic RIP homotypic interaction motif (cRHIM) was required for its oligomerization and its anti-viral functions. Cells expressing cRHIM-deficient mutants exhibited lower levels of anti-viral molecules, higher viral load after viral infection and weak activation of Relish. Moreover, we observed that under cGAMP stimulation, insect STING interacted with IMD, and deletion of the cRHIM motif on either protein prevented this interaction. Finally, we demonstrated that cGAMP enhanced the amyloid-like property of insect STING aggregates by ThT staining. In summary, our research showed that insect STING employed a homotypic motif to form intermolecular interactions that are essential for its antiviral signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Dongmei Wei
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yumeng Pan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xiaoyi Xiao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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3
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Viola G, Trivellato D, Meulli L, Tira R, Lauriola A, Munari F, Montagnana M, Buffelli M, Assfalg M, D'Onofrio M. Stable ubiquitin conjugation for biological interrogation of ubiquitinated tau repeat domain. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107549. [PMID: 38896934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Protein semisynthesis approaches are key for gaining insights into the effects of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on the structure and function of modified proteins. Among PTMs, ubiquitination involves the conjugation of a small protein modifier to a substrate amino acid residue and is unique in controlling a variety of cellular processes. Interest has grown in understanding the role of ubiquitination in neurodegenerative conditions, including tauopathies. The latter are characterized by the accumulation of the intrinsically disordered protein tau in the form of neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of patients. The presence of ubiquitinated tau in the pathological aggregates suggests that ubiquitination might play a role in the formation of abnormal protein deposits. In this study, we developed a new strategy, based on dehydroalanine chemistry, to install wild type ubiquitin on a tau repeat domain construct with site-specificity. We optimized a three-step reaction which yielded a good amount of highly pure tau repeat domain ubiquitinated in position 353. The structural features of the conjugate were examined by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. The ubiquitinated tau was challenged in a number of assays: fibrils formation under aggregating conditions in vitro, chemical stability upon exposure to a variety of biological media including cell extracts, and internalization into astrocytes. The results demonstrated the wide applicability of the new semisynthetic strategy for the investigation of ubiquitinated substrates in vitro or in cell, and in particular for studying if ubiquitination has a role in the molecular mechanisms that underlie the aberrant transition of tau into pathological aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Viola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Meulli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Tira
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Angela Lauriola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Munari
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Montagnana
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mario Buffelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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4
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Bhopatkar AA, Bhatt N, Haque MA, Xavier R, Fung L, Jerez C, Kayed R. MAPT mutations associated with familial tauopathies lead to formation of conformationally distinct oligomers that have cross-seeding ability. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5099. [PMID: 39145409 PMCID: PMC11325167 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The microtubule associated protein, tau, is implicated in a multitude of neurodegenerative disorders that are collectively termed as tauopathies. These disorders are characterized by the presence of tau aggregates within the brain of afflicted individuals. Mutations within the MAPT gene that encodes the tau protein form the genetic backdrop for familial forms of tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but the molecular consequences of such alterations and their pathological effects are unclear. We sought to investigate the conformational properties of the aggregates of three tau mutants: A152T, P301L, and R406W, all implicated within FTD, and compare them to those of the native form (WT-Tau 2N4R). Our immunochemical analysis reveals that mutants and WT tau oligomers exhibit similar affinity for conformation-specific antibodies but have distinct morphology and secondary structure. Additionally, these oligomers possess different dye-binding properties and varying sensitivity to proteolytic processing. These results point to conformational variety among them. We then tested the ability of the mutant oligomers to cross-seed the aggregation of WT tau monomer. Using similar array of experiments, we found that cross-seeding with mutant aggregates leads to the formation of conformationally unique WT oligomers. The results discussed in this paper provide a novel perspective on the structural properties of oligomeric forms of WT tau 2N4R and its mutant, along with shedding some light on their cross-seeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anukool A. Bhopatkar
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Present address:
Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMississippiUSA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Md Anzarul Haque
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Rhea Xavier
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Leiana Fung
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Present address:
Neuroscience Graduate Program, UT Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
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5
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Roy S, Srinivasan VR, Arunagiri S, Mishra N, Bhatia A, Shejale KP, Prajapati KP, Kar K, Anand BG. Molecular insights into the phase transition of lysozyme into amyloid nanostructures: Implications of therapeutic strategies in diverse pathological conditions. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103205. [PMID: 38875805 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103205] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Lysozyme, a well-known bacteriolytic enzyme, exhibits a fascinating yet complex behavior when it comes to protein aggregation. Under certain conditions, this enzyme undergoes flexible transformation, transitioning from partially unfolded intermediate units of native conformers into complex cross-β-rich nano fibrillar amyloid architectures. Formation of such lysozyme amyloids has been implicated in a multitude of pathological and medical severities, like hepatic dysfunction, hepatomegaly, splenic rupture as well as spleen dysfunction, nephropathy, sicca syndrome, renal dysfunction, renal amyloidosis, and systemic amyloidosis. In this comprehensive review, we have attempted to provide in-depth insights into the aggregating behavior of lysozyme across a spectrum of variables, including concentrations, temperatures, pH levels, and mutations. Our objective is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern lysozyme's aggregation process and to unravel the complex interplay between its structural attributes. Moreover, this work has critically examined the latest advancements in the field, focusing specifically on novel strategies and systems, that have been implemented to delay or inhibit the lysozyme amyloidogenesis. Apart from this, we have tried to explore and advance our fundamental understanding of the complex processes involved in lysozyme aggregation. This will help the research community to lay a robust foundation for screening, designing, and formulating targeted anti-amyloid therapeutics offering improved treatment modalities and interventions not only for lysozyme-linked amyloidopathy but for a wide range of amyloid-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhujit Roy
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Venkat Ramanan Srinivasan
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Subash Arunagiri
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Nishant Mishra
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Anubhuti Bhatia
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Kiran P Shejale
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, South Korea
| | - Kailash Prasad Prajapati
- Biophysical and Biomaterials Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Karunakar Kar
- Biophysical and Biomaterials Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India..
| | - Bibin Gnanadhason Anand
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India..
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6
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Chibh S, Singh A, Finkelstein-Zuta G, Koren G, Sorkin R, Beck R, Rencus-Lazar S, Gazit E. Amylum forms typical self-assembled amyloid fibrils. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp6471. [PMID: 39213351 PMCID: PMC11364109 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp6471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid fibril formation is a central biochemical process in pathology and physiology. Over decades, substantial advances were made in elucidating the mechanisms of amyloidogenesis, its links to disease, and the production of functional supramolecular structures. While the term "amyloid" denotes starch-like features of these assemblies, no evidence of amyloidogenic behavior of polysaccharides has been so far reported. Here, we investigate the potential of amylum (starch) not only to self-assemble into hierarchical fibrillar structures but also to exhibit canonical amyloidogenic properties. Ordered amylum structures were formed through a sigmoidal growth process with characteristic amyloid features including typical nanofibril morphology, binding to indicative dyes, inherent luminescence, apple-green birefringence upon Congo red staining, and notable mechanical rigidity. These findings shed light on polysaccharide self-assembly and expand the generic amyloid phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Chibh
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ashmeet Singh
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Gal Finkelstein-Zuta
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Gil Koren
- The Raymond & Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and the Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Raya Sorkin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Center of Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Roy Beck
- The Raymond & Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and the Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Sigal Rencus-Lazar
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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7
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Maddocks GM, Eisenstein M, Soh HT. Biosensors for Parkinson's Disease: Where Are We Now, and Where Do We Need to Go? ACS Sens 2024. [PMID: 39189973 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurological disease in the United States, yet there is no cure, no pinpointed cause, and no definitive diagnostic procedure. Parkinson's is typically diagnosed when patients present with motor symptoms such as slowness of movement and tremors. However, none of these are specific to Parkinson's, and a confident diagnosis of Parkinson's is typically only achieved when 60-80% of dopaminergic neurons are no longer functioning, at which point much of the damage to the brain is irreversible. This Perspective details ongoing efforts and accomplishments in biosensor research with the goal of overcoming these issues for Parkinson's diagnosis and care, with a focus on the potential impact of early diagnosis and associated opportunities to pinpoint a cause and a cure. We critically analyze the strengths and shortcomings of current technologies and discuss the ideal characteristics of a diagnostic technology toolbox to guide future research decisions in this space. Finally, we assess what role biosensors can play in facilitating precision medicine for Parkinson's patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Maddocks
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - M Eisenstein
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - H Tom Soh
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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8
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Schwehr BJ, Hartnell D, Ellison G, Hindes MT, Milford B, Dallerba E, Hickey SM, Pfeffer FM, Brooks DA, Massi M, Hackett MJ. Fluorescent probes for neuroscience: imaging ex vivo brain tissue sections. Analyst 2024. [PMID: 39171617 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00663a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Neurobiological research relies heavily on imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, to understand neurological function and disease processes. However, the number and variety of fluorescent probes available for ex vivo tissue section imaging limits the advance of research in the field. In this review, we outline the current range of fluorescent probes that are available to researchers for ex vivo brain section imaging, including their physical and chemical characteristics, staining targets, and examples of discoveries for which they have been used. This review is organised into sections based on the biological target of the probe, including subcellular organelles, chemical species (e.g., labile metal ions), and pathological phenomenon (e.g., degenerating cells, aggregated proteins). We hope to inspire further development in this field, given the considerable benefits to be gained by the greater availability of suitably sensitive probes that have specificity for important brain tissue targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Schwehr
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
| | - David Hartnell
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
- Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia 6102
| | - Gaewyn Ellison
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
- Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia 6102
| | - Madison T Hindes
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
| | - Breah Milford
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
| | - Elena Dallerba
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
| | - Shane M Hickey
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
| | - Frederick M Pfeffer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
| | - Massimiliano Massi
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
| | - Mark J Hackett
- Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia 6845.
- Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia 6102
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9
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Lee T, Cheong DY, Lee KH, You JH, Park J, Lee G. Capillary Flow-Based One-Minute Quantification of Amyloid Proteolysis. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:400. [PMID: 39194629 DOI: 10.3390/bios14080400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Quantifying the formation and decomposition of amyloid is a crucial issue in the development of new drugs and therapies for treating amyloidosis. The current technologies for grasping amyloid formation and decomposition include fluorescence analysis using thioflavin-T, secondary structure analysis using circular dichroism, and image analysis using atomic force microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. These technologies typically require spectroscopic devices or expensive nanoscale imaging equipment and involve lengthy analysis, which limits the rapid screening of amyloid-degrading drugs. In this study, we introduce a technology for rapidly assessing amyloid decomposition using capillary flow-based paper (CFP). Amyloid solutions exhibit gel-like physical properties due to insoluble denatured polymers, resulting in a shorter flow distance on CFP compared to pure water. Experimental conditions were established to consistently control the flow distance based on a hen-egg-white lysozyme amyloid solution. It was confirmed that as amyloid is decomposed by trypsin, the flow distance increases on the CFP. Our method is highly useful for detecting changes in the gel properties of amyloid solutions within a minute, and we anticipate its use in the rapid, large-scale screening of anti-amyloid agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeha Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Yeon Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Hyun Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyun You
- Department of Digital Management, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsung Park
- Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of MetaBioHealth, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyudo Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
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10
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Tehrani MJ, Matsuda I, Yamagata A, Kodama Y, Matsunaga T, Sato M, Toyooka K, McElheny D, Kobayashi N, Shirouzu M, Ishii Y. E22G Aβ40 fibril structure and kinetics illuminate how Aβ40 rather than Aβ42 triggers familial Alzheimer's. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7045. [PMID: 39147751 PMCID: PMC11327332 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51294-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Arctic (E22G) mutation in amyloid-β (Aβ enhances Aβ40 fibril accumulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Unlike sporadic AD, familial AD (FAD) patients with the mutation exhibit more Aβ40 in the plaque core. However, structural details of E22G Aβ40 fibrils remain elusive, hindering therapeutic progress. Here, we determine a distinctive W-shaped parallel β-sheet structure through co-analysis by cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) of in-vitro-prepared E22G Aβ40 fibrils. The E22G Aβ40 fibrils displays typical amyloid features in cotton-wool plaques in the FAD, such as low thioflavin-T fluorescence and a less compact unbundled morphology. Furthermore, kinetic and MD studies reveal previously unidentified in-vitro evidence that E22G Aβ40, rather than Aβ42, may trigger Aβ misfolding in the FAD, and prompt subsequent misfolding of wild-type (WT) Aβ40/Aβ42 via cross-seeding. The results provide insight into how the Arctic mutation promotes AD via Aβ40 accumulation and cross-propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jafar Tehrani
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Isamu Matsuda
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamagata
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yu Kodama
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Matsunaga
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mayuko Sato
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kiminori Toyooka
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Dan McElheny
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Naohiro Kobayashi
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Ishii
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8503, Japan.
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.
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11
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Garnaik UC, Chandra A, Goel VK, Gulyás B, Padmanabhan P, Agarwal S. Development of SERS Active Nanoprobe for Selective Adsorption and Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers Based on Molecular Docking. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:8271-8284. [PMID: 39161360 PMCID: PMC11330857 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s446212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Development of SERS-based Raman nanoprobes can detect the misfolding of Amyloid beta (Aβ) 42 peptides, making them a viable diagnostic technique for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The detection and imaging of amyloid peptides and fibrils are expected to help in the early identification of AD. Methods Here, we propose a fast, easy-to-use, and simple scheme based on the selective adsorption of Aβ42 molecules on SERS active gold nanoprobe (RB-AuNPs) of diameter 29 ± 3 nm for Detection of Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers. Binding with the peptides results in a spectrum shift, which correlates with the target peptide. We also demonstrated the possibility of using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as precursors for the preparation of a SERS active nanoprobe with carbocyanine (CC) dye and AgNPs known as silver nanoprobe (CC-AgNPs) of diameter 25 ± 4 nm. Results RB-AuNPs probe binding with the peptides results in a spectrum shift, which correlates with the target peptide. Arginine peak appears after the conjugation confirms the binding of Aβ 42 with the nanoprobe. Tyrosine peaks appear after conjugated Aβ42 with CC-AgNPs providing binding of the peptide with the probe. The nanoprobe produced a strong, stable SERS signal. Further molecular docking was utilized to analyse the interaction and propose a structural hypothesis for the process of binding the nanoprobe to Aβ42 and Tau protein. Conclusion This peptide-probe interaction provides a general enhancement factor and the molecular structure of the misfolded peptides. Secondary structural information may be obtained at the molecular level for specific residues owing to isotope shifts in the Raman spectra. Conjugation of the nanoprobe with Aβ42 selectively detected AD in bodily fluids. The proposed nanoprobes can be easily applied to the detection of Aβ plaques in blood, saliva, and sweat samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anshuman Chandra
- School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Goel
- School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Balázs Gulyás
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Centre, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Shilpi Agarwal
- School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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12
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Yang M, Yan C, Ospondpant D, Wang L, Lin S, Tang WL, Dong TT, Tong P, Xu Q, Tsim KWK. Unveiling the therapeutic potential of Lobaria extract and its depsides/depsidones in combatting A β42 peptides aggregation and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1426569. [PMID: 39193345 PMCID: PMC11347406 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The development of effective inhibitors that can inhibit amyloid β (Aβ) peptides aggregation and promote neurite outgrowth is crucial for the possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lobaria (Schreb.) Hoffm., a traditional Chinese medicine used in Himalaya region for inflammatory diseases, contains depsides/depsidones (DEPs) such as gyrophoric acid, norstictic acid, and stictic acid known for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammation properties. Methods: Lobaria extracts were analyzed using HPLC to identify DEPs and establish standards. The inhibitory effects of Lobaria on Aβ42 fibrillization and depolymerization were assessed using various approaches with biophysical and cellular methods. The neuroprotective activity of Lobaria extracts and its DEPs aganist Aβ-mediated cytotoxicity was also evaluated. Results: Norstictic and stictic acid were found in the water extract, while norstictic, stictic, and gyrophoric acid were detected in the ethanol extract of Lobaria. Both extracts, and their DEPs effectively inhibited Aβ42 fibrillation and disaggregate mature Aβ42 fibrils. Notably, the ethanol extract showed superior inhibitory effect compared to the water extract, with gyrophoric acid being the most effective DEPs. Additionally, herbal extract-treated Aβ42 aggregation species significantly protected neuronal cells from Aβ42-induced cell damage and promoted neurite outgrowth. Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the effect of Lobaria on Aβ42 and neuronal cell in AD. Given that Lobaria is commonly used in ethnic medicine and food with good safety records, our findings propose that Lobaria extracts and DEPs have potential as neuroprotective and therapeutic agents for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixia Yang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Caishan Yan
- Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dusadee Ospondpant
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisong Wang
- Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shengying Lin
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wai Lun Tang
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tina Tingxia Dong
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Penger Tong
- Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karl Wah Keung Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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13
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Zhang L, Zhao J, Jiang G, Chen Z. Quinoline yellow acts as a novel amyloid fibrillation probe by using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Talanta 2024; 280:126685. [PMID: 39137661 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126685] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Protein amyloid fibrillation is linked to a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. Protein oligomer is an intermediate substance in the process of fibrillation, which is neurotoxic and formed by the aggregation of protein molecules under physiological stress. Early detection of protein oligomers could make timely intervention of protein fibrillation related diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient inhibitors and probes for monitoring amyloid fibril formation. In this study, we developed a novel amyloid inhibitor quinoline yellow (QY), which was proved to be effective in inhibiting insulin protein fibrillation as demonstrated by fluorescence, morphology characterization and circular dichroism. When QY binds to insulin, it exerts inhibitory effects on the nucleation process and effectively impedes the formation of fibrillar fibrils. In addition, we present the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as an extremely sensitive technique for identifying amyloid oligomers. The investigation employed the probe QY, which demonstrated a linear reaction for identifying oligomers in the concentration range of 1.0-58.0 μM. Impressively, it showcased an exceptionally sensitive detection threshold of 0.2 μM. And also illustrating the binding sites and interaction mechanisms between small molecules of QY and insulin by SERS. The aforementioned methodology was also employed for the identification of insulin oligomers in human serum samples. Thereby, the proposed approach presenting a promising avenue with extensive implications in the realms of pharmaceutical exploration and disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
| | - Junqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyu Jiang
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20AW, UK
| | - Zhijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Center for Supramolecular Chemical Biology, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, China.
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14
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Ziaunys M, Sulskis D, Veiveris D, Kopustas A, Snieckute R, Mikalauskaite K, Sakalauskas A, Tutkus M, Smirnovas V. Liquid-liquid phase separation of alpha-synuclein increases the structural variability of fibrils formed during amyloid aggregation. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 39116032 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17244] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a rapidly emerging field of study on biomolecular condensate formation. In recent years, this phenomenon has been implicated in the process of amyloid fibril formation, serving as an intermediate step between the native protein transition into their aggregated state. The formation of fibrils via LLPS has been demonstrated for a number of proteins related to neurodegenerative disorders, as well as other amyloidoses. Despite the surge in amyloid-related LLPS studies, the influence of protein condensate formation on the end-point fibril characteristics is still far from fully understood. In this work, we compare alpha-synuclein aggregation under different conditions, which promote or negate its LLPS and examine the differences between the formed aggregates. We show that alpha-synuclein phase separation generates a wide variety of assemblies with distinct secondary structures and morphologies. The LLPS-induced structures also possess higher levels of toxicity to cells, indicating that biomolecular condensate formation may be a critical step in the appearance of disease-related fibril variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mantas Ziaunys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Darius Sulskis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Dominykas Veiveris
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Aurimas Kopustas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ruta Snieckute
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | | | - Andrius Sakalauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Marijonas Tutkus
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
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15
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Wang D, Wang G, Wang X, Ren Z, Jia C. Native Mass Spectrometry-Centric Approaches Revealed That Neuropeptides Frequently Interact with Amyloid-β. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2719-2728. [PMID: 39066700 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00075] [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] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates are recognized as initiators of Alzheimer's disease, and their interaction with the nervous system contributes to the progression of neurodegeneration. Herein, we investigated the frequency at which neuropeptides interact with Aβ and affect the aggregation kinetics and cytotoxicity of Aβ. To this end, we established a native mass spectrometry (MS)-centric workflow for screening Aβ-interacting neuropeptides, and six out of 12 neuropeptides formed noncovalent complexes with Aβ species in the MS gas phase. Thioflavin-T fluorescence assays and gel separation indicated that leptin and cerebellin decreased Aβ aggregation, whereas kisspeptin increased this process. In addition, leptin and cerebellin attenuated Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, which was independent of the influence of metal ions. Leptin can chelate copper from copper-bound Aβ species, reducing the cytotoxicity caused by the aggregation of Aβ and metal ion complexes. Overall, our study demonstrated that neuropeptides frequently interact with Aβ and revealed that leptin and cerebellin are potential inhibitors of Aβ aggregation, providing great insight into understanding the molecular mechanism of Aβ interacting with the nervous system and facilitating drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
- Beijing Proteome Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, National Center for Protein Sciences-Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Guibin Wang
- Beijing Proteome Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, National Center for Protein Sciences-Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiankun Wang
- Beijing Proteome Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, National Center for Protein Sciences-Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zhenhua Ren
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Chenxi Jia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
- Beijing Proteome Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, National Center for Protein Sciences-Beijing, Beijing 102206, China
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16
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Rodríguez-López MA, Coll-Marqués JM, Talens-Perales D, Marín-Navarro J, Polaina J, Vázquez-Contreras E. Analysis of Amyloid Fibrillation of Two Family 1 Glycoside Hydrolases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8536. [PMID: 39126103 PMCID: PMC11313343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation and analysis of amyloid fibers by two β-glucosidases, BglA and BglB, belonging to the GH1 enzyme family, are reported. Both proteins have the (β/α)8 TIM-barrel fold, which is characteristic of this family and is also the most common protein structure. BglA is an octamer, whereas BglB is a monomer. Amyloid fibrillation using pH and temperature as perturbing agents was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy as a preliminary approach and corroborated using wide-field optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. These analyses showed that both enzymes fibrillate at a wide range of acidic and alkaline conditions and at several temperature conditions, particularly at acidic pH (3-4) and at temperatures between 45 and 65 °C. Circular dichroism spectroscopy corroborated the transition from an α-helix to a β-sheet secondary structure of both proteins in conditions where fibrillation was observed. Overall, our results suggest that fibrillation is a rather common phenomenon caused by protein misfolding, driven by a transition from an α-helix to a β-sheet secondary structure, that many proteins can undergo if subjected to conditions that disturb their native conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Rodríguez-López
- Postgraduate in Natural Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous Metropolitan University, Cuajimalpa, Mexico City 05348, Mexico;
- Departament of Natural Sciences, Autonomous Metropolitan University, Cuajimalpa, Mexico City 05348, Mexico
| | - José María Coll-Marqués
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (J.M.C.-M.); (D.T.-P.)
| | - David Talens-Perales
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (J.M.C.-M.); (D.T.-P.)
| | - Julia Marín-Navarro
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (J.M.C.-M.); (D.T.-P.)
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Polaina
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (J.M.C.-M.); (D.T.-P.)
| | - Edgar Vázquez-Contreras
- Departament of Natural Sciences, Autonomous Metropolitan University, Cuajimalpa, Mexico City 05348, Mexico
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17
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Senapati S, Tripathi K, Awad K, Rahimipour S. Multifunctional Liposomes Targeting Amyloid-β Oligomers for Early Diagnosis and Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311670. [PMID: 38461531 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Early detection and treatment are crucial for Alzheimer's disease (AD) management. Current diagnostic and therapeutic methods focus on late-stage amyloid fibrils and plaques, overlooking toxic soluble amyloid β oligomers (AβOs) accumulating early in AD. A multifunctional liposome-based platform is designed for early diagnosis and therapy of AD, leveraging a novel self-assembled cyclic d,l-α-peptide (CP-2) that selectively targets AβOs. Biocompatible CP-2 conjugated liposomes (CP-2-LPs) effectively disrupt Aβ aggregation and mitigate Aβ-mediated toxicity in human neuroblastoma cells. In transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans AD models, CP-2-LPs significantly outperformed free CP-2 by improving cognitive and behavioral functions, extending lifespan, and reducing toxic AβO levels. Intravenous injection of fluorescently labeled CP-2-LPs reveals effective blood-brain barrier penetration, with significantly higher brain fluorescence in transgenic mice than WT, enabling precise diagnosis. These findings underscore CP-2-LPs as a valuable tool for early detection and targeted therapy in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Senapati
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Kuldeep Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Khadeja Awad
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shai Rahimipour
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
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18
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Yang Q, Hosseini E, Yao P, Pütz S, Gelléri M, Bonn M, Parekh SH, Liu X. Self-Blinking Thioflavin T for Super-resolution Imaging. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:7591-7596. [PMID: 39028951 PMCID: PMC11299178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Thioflavin T (ThT) is a typical dye used to visualize the aggregation and formation of fibrillar structures, e.g., amyloid fibrils and peptide nanofibrils. ThT has been considered to produce stable fluorescence when interacting with aggregated proteins. For single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM)-based optical super-resolution imaging, a photoswitching/blinking fluorescence property is required. Here we demonstrate that, in contrast to previous reports, ThT exhibits intrinsic stochastic blinking properties, without the need for blinking imaging buffer, in stable binding conditions. The blinking properties (photon number, blinking time, and on-off duty cycle) of ThT at the single-molecule level (for ultralow concentrations) were investigated under different conditions. As a proof of concept, we performed SMLM imaging of ThT-labeled α-synuclein fibrils measured in air and PBS buffer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Yang
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elnaz Hosseini
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Peigen Yao
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Pütz
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Márton Gelléri
- Institute
of Molecular Biology gGmbH, Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mischa Bonn
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sapun H. Parekh
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- Max
Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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19
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Ansari NK, Khan HS, Naeem A. Doxorubicin as a Drug Repurposing for Disruption of α-Chymotrypsinogen-A Aggregates. Protein J 2024; 43:842-857. [PMID: 39014260 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-024-10217-w] [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] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Protein conformation is affected by interaction of several small molecules resulting either stabilization or disruption depending on the nature of the molecules. In our earlier communication, Hg2+ was known to disrupt the native structure of α-Cgn A leading to aggregation (Ansari, N.K., Rais, A. & Naeem, A. Methotrexate for Drug Repurposing as an Anti-Aggregatory Agent to Mercuric Treated α-Chymotrypsinogen-A. Protein J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10930-024-10187-z ). Accumulation of β-rich aggregates in the living system is found to be linked with copious number of disorders. Here, we have investigated the effect of varying concentration of doxorubicin (DOX) i.e. 0-100 µM on the preformed aggregates of α-Cgn A upon incubation with 120 µM Hg2+. The decrease in the intrinsic fluorescence and enzyme activity with respect to increase in the Hg2+ concentration substantiate the formation of aggregates. The DOX showed the dose dependent decrease in the ThT fluorescence, turbidity and RLS measurements endorsing the dissolution of aggregates which were consistent with red shift in ANS, confirming the breakdown of aggregates. The α-Cgn A has 30% α-helical content which decreases to 3% in presence of Hg2+. DOX increased the α-helicity to 28% confirming its anti-aggregatory potential. The SEM validates the formation of aggregates with Hg2+ and their dissolution upon incubation with the DOX. Hemolysis assay checked the cytotoxicity of α-Cgn A aggregates. Docking revealed that the DOX interacted Lys203, Cys201, Cys136, Ser159, Leu10, Trp207, Val137 and Thr134 of α-Cgn A through hydrophobic interactions and Gly133, Thr135 and Lys202 forms hydrogen bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Kausar Ansari
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P, 202002, India
| | - Hamza Sahib Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P, 202002, India
| | - Aabgeena Naeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P, 202002, India.
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20
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Leimu L, Holm P, Gąciarz A, Haavisto O, Prince S, Pesonen U, Huovinen T, Lamminmäki U. Epitope-specific antibody fragments block aggregation of AGelD187N, an aberrant peptide in gelsolin amyloidosis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107507. [PMID: 38944121 PMCID: PMC11298591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of aberrant fragment of plasma gelsolin, AGelD187N, is a crucial event underlying the pathophysiology of Finnish gelsolin amyloidosis, an inherited form of systemic amyloidosis. The amyloidogenic gelsolin fragment AGelD187N does not play any physiological role in the body, unlike most aggregating proteins related to other protein misfolding diseases. However, no therapeutic agents that specifically and effectively target and neutralize AGelD187N exist. We used phage display technology to identify novel single-chain variable fragments that bind to different epitopes in the monomeric AGelD187N that were further maturated by variable domain shuffling and converted to antigen-binding fragment (Fab) antibodies. The generated antibody fragments had nanomolar binding affinity for full-length AGelD187N, as evaluated by biolayer interferometry. Importantly, all four Fabs selected for functional studies efficiently inhibited the amyloid formation of full-length AGelD187N as examined by thioflavin fluorescence assay and transmission electron microscopy. Two Fabs, neither of which bound to the previously proposed fibril-forming region of AGelD187N, completely blocked the amyloid formation of AGelD187N. Moreover, no small soluble aggregates, which are considered pathogenic species in protein misfolding diseases, were formed after successful inhibition of amyloid formation by the most promising aggregation inhibitor, as investigated by size-exclusion chromatography combined with multiangle light scattering. We conclude that all regions of the full-length AGelD187N are important in modulating its assembly into fibrils and that the discovered epitope-specific anti-AGelD187N antibody fragments provide a promising starting point for a disease-modifying therapy for gelsolin amyloidosis, which is currently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Leimu
- R&D, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation, Turku, Finland; Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Patrik Holm
- R&D, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation, Turku, Finland; Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Organon R&D Finland, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna Gąciarz
- R&D, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation, Turku, Finland; Mobidiag, A Hologic Company, Espoo, Finland
| | - Oskar Haavisto
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Stuart Prince
- R&D, Orion Pharma, Orion Corporation, Turku, Finland; MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ullamari Pesonen
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuomas Huovinen
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Urpo Lamminmäki
- Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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21
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Zhou C, Zeng F, Yang H, Liang Z, Xu G, Li X, Liu X, Yang J. Near-infrared II theranostic agents for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:2953-2969. [PMID: 38502215 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06690-1] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Near-infrared II theranostic agents have gained great momentum in the research field of AD owing to the appealing advantages. Recently, an array of activatable NIR-II fluorescence probes has been developed to specifically monitor pathological targets of AD. Furthermore, various NIR-II-mediated nanomaterials with desirable photothermal and photodynamic properties have demonstrated favorable outcomes in the management of AD. METHODS We summerized amounts of references and focused on small-molecule probes, nanomaterials, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy based on NIR-II fluorescent imaging for the diagnosis and treatment in AD. In addition, design strategies for NIR-II-triggered theranostics targeting AD are presented, and some prospects are also addressed. RESULTS NIR-II theranostic agents including small molecular probes and nanoparticles have received the increasing attention for biomedical applications. Meanwhile, most of the theranostic agents exhibited the promising results in animal studies. To our surprise, the multifunctional nanoplatforms also show a great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of AD. CONCLUSIONS Although NIR-II theranostic agents showed the great potential in diagnosis and treatment of AD, there are still many challenges: 1) Faborable NIR-II fluorohpores are still lacking; 2) Biocompatibility, bioseurity and dosage of NIR-II theranostic agents should be further revealed; 3) New equipment and software associated with NIR-II imaging system should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhou
- 411 Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Fantian Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Haijun Yang
- 411 Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Zeying Liang
- 411 Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Guanyu Xu
- 411 Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China.
| | - Xingdang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201399, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- 411 Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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22
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Shi L, Pico J, Zamani S, Castellarin SD, Dee DR. Fibrillization of lentil proteins is impacted by the protein extraction conditions and co-extracted phenolics. Food Chem 2024; 448:139104. [PMID: 38547711 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139104] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
Legume proteins can be induced to form amyloid-like fibrils upon heating at low pH, with the exact conditions greatly impacting the fibril characteristics. The protein extraction method may also impact the resulting fibrils, although this effect has not been carefully examined. Here, the fibrillization of lentil protein prepared using various extraction methods and the corresponding fibril morphology were characterized. It was found that an acidic, rather than alkaline, protein extraction method was better suited for producing homogeneous, long, and straight fibrils from lentil proteins. During alkaline extraction, co-extracted phenolic compounds bound proteins through covalent and non-covalent interactions, contributing to the formation of heterogeneous, curly, and tangled fibrils. Recombination of isolated phenolics and proteins (from acidic extracts) at alkaline pH resulted in a distinct morphology, implicating a role for polyphenol oxidase also in modifying proteins during alkaline extraction. These results help disentangle the complex factors affecting legume protein fibrillization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfang Shi
- Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Joana Pico
- Wine Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sara Zamani
- Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Simone D Castellarin
- Wine Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Derek R Dee
- Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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23
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Do K, Benavente R, Catumbela CSG, Khan U, Kramm C, Soto C, Morales R. Adaptation of the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technique for the screening of anti-prion compounds. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23843. [PMID: 39072789 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400614r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Prion diseases result from the misfolding of the physiological prion protein (PrPC) to a pathogenic conformation (PrPSc). Compelling evidence indicates that prevention and/or reduction of PrPSc replication are promising therapeutic strategies against prion diseases. However, the existence of different PrPSc conformations (or strains) associated with disease represents a major problem when identifying anti-prion compounds. Efforts to identify strain-specific anti-prion molecules are limited by the lack of biologically relevant high-throughput screening platforms to interrogate compound libraries. Here, we describe adaptations to the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technology (able to faithfully replicate PrPSc strains) that increase its throughput to facilitate the screening of anti-prion molecules. The optimized PMCA platform includes a reduction in sample and reagents, as well as incubation/sonication cycles required to efficiently replicate and detect rodent-adapted and cervid PrPSc strains. The visualization of PMCA products was performed via dot blots, a method that contributed to reduced processing times. These technical changes allowed us to evaluate small molecules with previously reported anti-prion activity. This proof-of-principle screening was evaluated for six rodent-adapted prion strains. Our data show that these compounds targeted either none, all or some PrPSc strains at variable concentrations, demonstrating that this PMCA system is suitable to test compound libraries for putative anti-prion molecules targeting specific PrPSc strains. Further analyses of a small compound library against deer prions demonstrate the potential of this new PMCA format to identify strain-specific anti-prion molecules. The data presented here demonstrate the use of the PMCA technique in the selection of prion strain-specific anti-prion compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Do
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rebeca Benavente
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Celso S G Catumbela
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Uffaf Khan
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carlos Kramm
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Claudio Soto
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
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24
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De Luca G, Sancataldo G, Militello B, Vetri V. Surface-catalyzed liquid-liquid phase separation and amyloid-like assembly in microscale compartments. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 676:569-581. [PMID: 39053405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.07.135] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a key phenomenon in the formation of membrane-less structures within the cell, appearing as liquid biomolecular condensates. Protein condensates are the most studied for their biological relevance, and their tendency to evolve, resulting in the formation of aggregates with a high level of order called amyloid. In this study, it is demonstrated that Human Insulin forms micrometric, round amyloid-like structures at room temperature within sub-microliter scale aqueous compartments. These distinctive particles feature a solid core enveloped by a fluid-like corona and form at the interface between the aqueous compartment and the glass coverslip upon which they are cast. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy is used to study in real-time the formation of amyloid-like superstructures. Their formation results driven by liquid-liquid phase separation process that arises from spatially heterogeneous distribution of nuclei at the glass-water interface. The proposed experimental setup allows modifying the surface-to-volume ratio of the aqueous compartments, which affects the aggregation rate and particle size, while also inducing fine alterations in the molecular structures of the final assemblies. These findings enhance the understanding of the factors governing amyloid structure formation, shedding light on the catalytic role of surfaces in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe De Luca
- Department Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy; Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 18, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Sancataldo
- Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 18, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Benedetto Militello
- Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 18, 90128, Palermo, Italy; INFN Sezione di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Valeria Vetri
- Department of Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 18, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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25
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Xu F, Takiguchi Y, Makabe K, Konno H. Synthesis and evaluation of catecholamine derivatives as amyloid-beta aggregation inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 107:129788. [PMID: 38740144 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129788] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Effectively inhibition of amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation is considered an important method for treatment of the Alzheimer's disease. Herein, inspired by the ability of trans-clovamide to effectively inhibit Aβ aggregation, we synthesized a series of structurally related catecholamine derivatives and tested them as Aβ aggregation inhibitors using the Thioflavin T assay. The results show that they demonstrated a higher inhibitory rate against Aβ aggregation. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited high water solubilities and low cytotoxicities. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy images and dynamic light scattering of their Aβ aggregations were observed. Docking simulations revealed that the catechol moiety of the synthesized compounds can form hydrogen bonds with the key regions of Aβ and thereby inhibit Aβ aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusheng Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Yuya Takiguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Koki Makabe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Konno
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan.
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26
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Kobayashi R, Nabika H. Liquid-liquid phase separation induced by crowding condition affects amyloid-β aggregation mechanism. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5331-5342. [PMID: 38847095 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00470a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is common in the aggregation of proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Many efforts have been made to reproduce crowded conditions with artificial polymeric materials to understand the effect of LLPS in physiological conditions with significantly highly concentrated proteins, such as intrinsically disordered proteins. Although the possibility that LLPS is involved in intracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, a protein related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, has been investigated, the relationship between LLPS and the aggregation of Aβ is poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we mimicked the intracellular crowding environment using polyethylene glycol and dextran, used commonly as model polymers, to examine the relationship of Aβ with LLPS and aggregation dynamics in vitro. We confirmed that Aβ undergoes LLPS under specific polymer coexistence conditions. Moreover, the addition of different electrolytes modulated LLPS and fibril formation. These results suggest that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are the driving forces for the LLPS of Aβ. Similar to the role of the liposome interface, the interface of droplets induced by LLPS functioned as the site for heterogeneous nucleation. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of Aβ aggregation in vivo and may be useful in establishing therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Kobayashi
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, 1-4-12, Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Hideki Nabika
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
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27
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Martínez-Camarena Á, Bellia F, Paz Clares M, Vecchio G, Nicolas J, García-España E. Polymeric Nanozyme with SOD Activity Capable of Inhibiting Self- and Metal-Induced α-Synuclein Aggregation. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401331. [PMID: 38687026 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, Parkinson's disease is still an idiopathic pathology for which no cure has yet been found. This is partly explained by the multifactorial character of most neurodegenerative syndromes, whose generation involves multiple pathogenic factors. In Parkinson's disease, two of the most important ones are the aggregation of α-synuclein and oxidative stress. In this work, we address both issues by synthesizing a multifunctional nanozyme based on grafting a pyridinophane ligand that can strongly coordinate CuII, onto biodegradable PEGylated polyester nanoparticles. The resulting nanozyme exhibits remarkable superoxide dismutase activity together with the ability to inhibit the self-induced aggregation of α-synuclein into amyloid-type fibrils. Furthermore, the combination of the chelator and the polymer produces a cooperative effect whereby the resulting nanozyme can also halve CuII-induced α-synuclein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Martínez-Camarena
- ICMol, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de València, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Spain
- Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91400, France
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, 95125, Italy
- MatMoPol Research Group, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Francesco Bellia
- Istituto di Cristallografia, CNR, P. Gaifami 18, Catania, 95126, Italy
| | - M Paz Clares
- ICMol, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de València, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Spain
| | - Graziella Vecchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, 95125, Italy
| | - Julien Nicolas
- Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91400, France
| | - Enrique García-España
- ICMol, Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de València, C/Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Spain
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28
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Li JY, Zhou CM, Jin RL, Song JH, Yang KC, Li SL, Tan BH, Li YC. The detection methods currently available for protein aggregation in neurological diseases. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 138:102420. [PMID: 38626816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a pathological feature in various neurodegenerative diseases and is thought to play a crucial role in the onset and progression of neurological disorders. This pathological phenomenon has attracted increasing attention from researchers, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated yet. Researchers are increasingly interested in identifying chemicals or methods that can effectively detect protein aggregation or maintain protein stability to prevent aggregation formation. To date, several methods are available for detecting protein aggregates, including fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and molecular detection methods. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of methods to observe protein aggregation in situ under a microscope. This article reviews the two main aspects of protein aggregation: the mechanisms and detection methods of protein aggregation. The aim is to provide clues for the development of new methods to study this pathological phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China
| | - Cheng-Mei Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China
| | - Rui-Lin Jin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China
| | - Jia-Hui Song
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Ke-Chao Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China
| | - Shu-Lei Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China
| | - Bai-Hong Tan
- Laboratory Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China
| | - Yan-Chao Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Norman Bethune Health Science Center of Jilin University, Changchun city, Jilin Province 130021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
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29
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Chang CY, Wang SSS, Lai YR, Koh WG, Wu JW, Chiang YH. Ophthalmic drug effects on the amyloidogenesis of a transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) peptide fragment. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109932. [PMID: 38762008 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109932] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Drugs that can treat one disease may either be detrimental or beneficial toward another due to possible cross-interactions. Therefore, care in choosing a suitable drug for patients with multiple diseases is crucial in successful patient management. This study explores several currently available ophthalmic drugs used to treat common ocular diseases to understand how they can affect the amyloidogenesis of a transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) peptide fragment found in abundance in the corneal protein aggregation deposits of lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) patients. Results from this study provided supporting evidence that some drugs intended to treat other diseases can enhance or inhibit fibrillar aggregation of TGFBIp peptide, which may have potential implication of affecting the disease progression of LCD by either worsening or ameliorating it. Comparisons of the different properties of ophthalmic compounds explored in this study may also provide some guidance for future design of drugs geared toward the treatment of LCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Steven S-S Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - You-Ren Lai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Won-Gun Koh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, South Korea
| | - Josephine W Wu
- Department of Optometry, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, 30015, Taiwan; Department of Optometry, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hui Chiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, 237, Taiwan.
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30
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Feng Y, Li R, Zhang H, Ren F, Liu J, Wang J. Formation, structural characteristics and specific peptide identification of gluten amyloid fibrils. Food Chem 2024; 445:138648. [PMID: 38354639 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138648] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
This research investigates the formation of amyloid fibrils using enzymatically hydrolyzed peptides from gluten, including its components glutenin and gliadin. After completing the fibrillation incubation, the gluten group demonstrated the most significant average particle size (908.67 nm) and conversion ratio (57.64 %), with a 19.21 % increase in thioflavin T fluorescence intensity due to self-assembly. The results indicated increased levels of β-sheet structures after fibrillation. The gliadin group exhibited the highest zeta potential (∼13 mV) and surface hydrophobicity (H0 = 809.70). Around 71.15 % of predicted amyloidogenic regions within gliadin peptides showed heightened hydrophobicity. These findings emphasize the collaborative influence of both glutenin and gliadin in the formation of gluten fibrils, influenced by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions. They also highlight the crucial role played by gliadin with amyloidogenic fragments such as ILQQIL and SLVLQTL, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the utilization of gluten proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Feng
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Grain Industry (Comprehensive Utilization of Edible by-products), Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Special Food Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, China
| | - Ren Li
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Grain Industry (Comprehensive Utilization of Edible by-products), Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Special Food Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Grain Industry (Comprehensive Utilization of Edible by-products), Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Special Food Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, China.
| | - Feiyue Ren
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Grain Industry (Comprehensive Utilization of Edible by-products), Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Special Food Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Grain Industry (Comprehensive Utilization of Edible by-products), Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Special Food Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology & Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100048, China; National Center of Technology Innovation for Grain Industry (Comprehensive Utilization of Edible by-products), Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Special Food Supervision Technology for State Market Regulation, China.
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31
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Morelli C, Faltova L, Capasso Palmiero U, Makasewicz K, Papp M, Jacquat RPB, Pinotsi D, Arosio P. RNA modulates hnRNPA1A amyloid formation mediated by biomolecular condensates. Nat Chem 2024; 16:1052-1061. [PMID: 38472406 PMCID: PMC11230912 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01467-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Several RNA binding proteins involved in membraneless organelles can form pathological amyloids associated with neurodegenerative diseases, but the mechanisms of how this aggregation is modulated remain elusive. Here we investigate how heterotypic protein-RNA interactions modulate the condensation and the liquid to amyloid transition of hnRNPA1A, a protein involved in amyothropic lateral sclerosis. In the absence of RNA, formation of condensates promotes hnRNPA1A aggregation and fibrils are localized at the interface of the condensates. Addition of RNA modulates the soluble to amyloid transition of hnRNPA1A according to different pathways depending on RNA/protein stoichiometry. At low RNA concentrations, RNA promotes both condensation and amyloid formation, and the catalytic effect of RNA adds to the role of the interface between the dense and dilute phases. At higher RNA concentrations, condensation is suppressed according to re-entrant phase behaviour but formation of hnRNPA1A amyloids is observed over longer incubation times. Our findings show how heterotypic nucleic acid-protein interactions affect the kinetics and molecular pathways of amyloid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Morelli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Faltova
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Umberto Capasso Palmiero
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Makasewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marcell Papp
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Raphaël P B Jacquat
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dorothea Pinotsi
- Scientific Center for Optical and Electron Microscopy, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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32
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Mitra A, Naik L, Dhiman R, Sarkar N. Protonation-State Dependent Modulation of Hen Egg-White Lysozyme Fibrillation under the Influence of a Short Synthetic Peptide. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5995-6013. [PMID: 38875472 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Under the influence of various conditions, misfolding of soluble proteins occurs, leading to the formation of toxic insoluble amyloids. The formation and deposition of such amyloids within the body are associated with detrimental biological consequences such as the onset of several amyloid-related diseases. Previously, we established a strategy for the rational design of peptide inhibitors against amyloid formation based on the amyloidogenic-prone region of the protein. In the current study, we have designed and identified an Asp-containing rationally designed hexapeptide (SqP4) as an excellent inhibitor of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) amyloid progression in vitro. First, SqP4 showed strong affinity toward the native monomeric HEWL leading to the stabilization of the native form and restriction in the unfolding process of monomeric HEWL. Second, SqP4 was found to arrest the amyloidogenic misfolded structure of HEWL in a nonfibrillar monomer-like stage. We also observed the differential effect of the protonation state of the charged amino acid (Asp) within the peptide inhibitor on the amyloid formation of HEWL and explored the reason behind the observations. The findings of this study can be implemented in future strategies for the development of potent therapeutics against other amyloid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Mitra
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Lincoln Naik
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
| | - Nandini Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, Odisha, India
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Prosswimmer T, Nick SE, Bryers JD, Daggett V. Designed De Novo α-Sheet Peptides Destabilize Bacterial Biofilms and Increase the Susceptibility of E. coli and S. aureus to Antibiotics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7024. [PMID: 39000131 PMCID: PMC11241457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-associated microbes are 10-1000 times less susceptible to antibiotics. An emerging treatment strategy is to target the structural components of biofilm to weaken the extracellular matrix without introducing selective pressure. Biofilm-associated bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, generate amyloid fibrils to reinforce their extracellular matrix. Previously, de novo synthetic α-sheet peptides designed in silico were shown to inhibit amyloid formation in multiple bacterial species, leading to the destabilization of their biofilms. Here, we investigated the impact of inhibiting amyloid formation on antibiotic susceptibility. We hypothesized that combined administration of antibiotics and α-sheet peptides would destabilize biofilm formation and increase antibiotic susceptibility. Two α-sheet peptides, AP90 and AP401, with the same sequence but inverse chirality at every amino acid were tested: AP90 is L-amino acid dominant while AP401 is D-amino acid dominant. For E. coli, both peptides increased antibiotic susceptibility and decreased the biofilm colony forming units when administered with five different antibiotics, and AP401 caused a greater increase in all cases. For S. aureus, increased biofilm antibiotic susceptibility was also observed for both peptides, but AP90 outperformed AP401. A comparison of the peptide effects demonstrates how chirality influences biofilm targeting of gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus. The observed increase in antibiotic susceptibility highlights the role amyloid fibrils play in the reduced susceptibility of bacterial biofilms to specific antibiotics. Thus, the co-administration of α-sheet peptides and existing antibiotics represents a promising strategy for the treatment of biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatum Prosswimmer
- Molecular Engineering Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sarah E. Nick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - James D. Bryers
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Valerie Daggett
- Molecular Engineering Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
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Xu F, Wang L. Deciphering ER stress-unfolded protein response relationship by visualizing unfolded proteins in the ER. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114358. [PMID: 38865243 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114358] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the consensus that accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen, i.e. ER stress, activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), studies under physiological and pathophysiological conditions suggest that ER stress may not always trigger the UPR, and the UPR can be activated in an ER stress-independent way. To better understand how the UPR is regulated and its relationship with ER stress requires direct detection of unfolded proteins in the ER, a method that is still lacking. Here, we report a strategy of visualizing unfolded protein accumulation in the ER lumen in living cells by employing an engineered ER stress sensor, PERK, which forms fluorescence puncta upon unfolded protein binding, in a fast and reversible way. Our reporter enables us to clarify the involvement of unfolded proteins in UPR activation under several physiological conditions and suggests that persistent unfolded protein accumulation in the ER despite UPR attenuation predicts cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P.R. China; National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Likun Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China.
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Monti A, Scognamiglio PL, Ruvo M, Vitagliano L, Doti N. The Characterization of Multifaceted PREP1 Peptides Provides Insights into Correlations between Spectroscopic and Structural Properties of Amyloid-like Assemblies. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400846. [PMID: 38682403 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The widespread ability of proteins and peptides to self-assemble by forming cross-β structure is one of the most significant discoveries in structural biology. Intriguingly, the cross-β association of proteins/peptides may generate intricate supramolecular architectures with uncommon spectroscopic properties. We have recently characterized self-assembled peptides extracted from the PREP1 protein that are endowed with interesting structural/spectroscopic properties. We here demonstrate that the green fluorescence emission of the peptide PREP1[117-132] (λem ~520 nm), can be induced by excitation with UV radiation. The associated unusually large Stokes shift (Δλ ~150 nm) represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence of an internal resonance energy transfer in amyloid-like structures, where the blue emission of some assemblies becomes the excitation radiation for others. Moreover, the characterization of PREP1[117-132] variants provides insights into the sequence/structure and structure/spectroscopic properties relationships. Our data suggests that the green fluorescence is plausibly associated with antiparallel β-sheet states of the peptide whereas parallel β-sheet assemblies are only endowed with blue fluorescence. Notably, the different PREP1[117-132] variants also form assemblies characterized by distinct morphologies. Indeed, the parent peptide and single mutants form compact but structured aggregates whereas most of the double mutants exhibit elongated and highly extended fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Macchia Romana Campus 10, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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Acar M, Tatini D, Fidi A, Pacini L, Quagliata M, Nuti F, Papini AM, Lo Nostro P. A Promising Compound for Green Multiresponsive Materials Based on Acyl Carrier Protein. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:12381-12393. [PMID: 38836557 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
A gel that exhibits intrinsically multiple-responsive behavior was prepared from an oligopeptide and studied. ACP(65-74) is an active decapeptide fragment of acyl carrier protein. We investigated 3% w/v ACP(65-74)-NH2 self-healing physical gels in water, glycerol carbonate (GC), and their mixtures. The morphology was investigated by optical, birefringence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared, and fluorescence spectroscopy experiments. We found that all samples possess pH responsiveness with fully reversible sol-to-gel transitions. The rheological properties depend on the temperature and solvent composition. The temperature dependence of the gels in water shows a peculiar behavior that is similar to that of thermoresponsive polymer solutions. The results reveal the presence of several β-sheet structures and amyloid aggregates, offering valuable insights into the fibrillation mechanism of amyloids in different solvent media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Acar
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Duccio Tatini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alberto Fidi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pacini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
- PeptLab, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Michael Quagliata
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
- PeptLab, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Francesca Nuti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
- PeptLab, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
- PeptLab, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Pierandrea Lo Nostro
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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37
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Doke AA, Jha SK. Electrostatics Choreographs the Aggregation Dynamics of Full-Length TDP-43 via a Monomeric Amyloid Precursor. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1553-1568. [PMID: 38820318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed, multidomain functional protein that is distinctively known to form aggregates in many fatal neurodegenerative disorders. However, the information for arresting TDP-43 aggregation is missing due to a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanism of the aggregation and structural properties of TDP-43. TDP-43 is inherently prone to aggregation and has minimal protein solubility. Multiple studies have been performed on the smaller parts of TDP-43 or the full-length protein attached to a large solubilization tag. However, the presence of co-solutes or solubilization tags is observed to interfere with the molecular properties and aggregation mechanism of full-length TDP-43. Notably, this study populated and characterized the native, dimeric state of TDP-43 without the interference of co-solutes or protein modifications. We observed that the electrostatics of the local environment is capable of the partial unfolding and monomerization of the native dimeric state of TDP-43 into an amyloidogenic molten globule. By employing the tools of thermodynamics and kinetics, we reveal the structural characteristics and temporal order of the early intermediates and transition states during the transition of the molten globule to β-rich, amyloid-like aggregates of TDP-43, which is governed by the electrostatics of the environment. The current advanced understanding of the nature of native and early aggregation-prone intermediates, early steps, and the influence of electrostatics in TDP-43 aggregation is essential for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha A Doke
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Jha
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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38
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Ahyayauch H, Masserini ME, Alonso A, Goñi FM. Understanding Aβ Peptide Binding to Lipid Membranes: A Biophysical Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6401. [PMID: 38928107 PMCID: PMC11203662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aβ peptides are known to bind neural plasma membranes in a process leading to the deposit of Aβ-enriched plaques. These extracellular structures are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, the major cause of late-age dementia. The mechanisms of Aβ plaque formation and deposition are far from being understood. A vast number of studies in the literature describe the efforts to analyze those mechanisms using a variety of tools. The present review focuses on biophysical studies mostly carried out with model membranes or with computational tools. This review starts by describing basic physical aspects of lipid phases and commonly used model membranes (monolayers and bilayers). This is followed by a discussion of the biophysical techniques applied to these systems, mainly but not exclusively Langmuir monolayers, isothermal calorimetry, density-gradient ultracentrifugation, and molecular dynamics. The Methodological Section is followed by the core of the review, which includes a summary of important results obtained with each technique. The last section is devoted to an overall reflection and an effort to understand Aβ-bilayer binding. Concepts such as Aβ peptide membrane binding, adsorption, and insertion are defined and differentiated. The roles of membrane lipid order, nanodomain formation, and electrostatic forces in Aβ-membrane interaction are separately identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasna Ahyayauch
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Biofisika (CSIC, UPV/EHU), Universidad del País Vasco, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (H.A.); (A.A.)
- Institut Supérieur des Professions Infirmières et Techniques de Santé, Rabat 60000, Morocco
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Santé, Unité Neurosciences, Neuroimmunologie et Comportement, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kénitra 14000, Morocco
| | - Massimo E. Masserini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Alicia Alonso
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Biofisika (CSIC, UPV/EHU), Universidad del País Vasco, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (H.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Félix M. Goñi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Biofisika (CSIC, UPV/EHU), Universidad del País Vasco, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (H.A.); (A.A.)
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Flint Z, Grannemann H, Baffour K, Koti N, Taylor E, Grier E, Sutton C, Johnson D, Dandawate P, Patel R, Santra S, Banerjee T. Mechanistic Insights Behind the Self-Assembly of Human Insulin under the Influence of Surface-Engineered Gold Nanoparticles. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2359-2371. [PMID: 38728258 PMCID: PMC11157486 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the underlying principles of amyloid protein self-assembly at nanobio interfaces is extremely challenging due to the diversity in physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and their physical interactions with biological systems. It is, therefore, important to develop nanoscale materials with dynamic features and heterogeneities. In this work, through engineering of hierarchical polyethylene glycol (PEG) structures on gold nanoparticle (GNP) surfaces, tailored nanomaterials with different surface properties and conformations (GNPs-PEG) are created for modulating the self-assembly of a widely studied protein, insulin, under amyloidogenic conditions. Important biophysical studies including thioflavin T (ThT) binding, circular dichroism (CD), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that higher-molecular weight GNPs-PEG triggered the formation of amyloid fibrils by promoting adsorption of proteins at nanoparticle surfaces and favoring primary nucleation rate. Moreover, the modulation of fibrillation kinetics reduces the overall toxicity of insulin oligomers and fibrils. In addition, the interaction between the PEG polymer and amyloidogenic insulin examined using MD simulations revealed major changes in the secondary structural elements of the B chain of insulin. The experimental findings provide molecular-level descriptions of how the PEGylated nanoparticle surface modulates protein adsorption and drives the self-assembly of insulin. This facile approach provides a new avenue for systematically altering the binding affinities on nanoscale surfaces by tailoring their topologies for examining adsorption-induced fibrillogenesis phenomena of amyloid proteins. Together, this study suggests the role of nanobio interfaces during surface-induced heterogeneous nucleation as a primary target for designing therapeutic interventions for amyloid-related neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Flint
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Haylee Grannemann
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Kristos Baffour
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Neelima Koti
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Emma Taylor
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Ethan Grier
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Carissa Sutton
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - David Johnson
- Molecular
Graphics and Modeling Laboratory, University
of Kansas, 2034 Becker
Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66018, United States
| | - Prasad Dandawate
- Department
of Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas
Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, United States
| | - Rishi Patel
- Jordan
Valley Innovation Center, Missouri State
University, 542 N. Boonville
Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65806, United States
| | - Santimukul Santra
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
| | - Tuhina Banerjee
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Missouri
State University, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897, United States
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40
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Yakimov B, Rovnyagina N, Hasan A, Zhang J, Wang H, Fadeev V, Urusova L, Khoroshilov E, Sharkov A, Mokrysheva N, Shirshin E. Fluorescence saturation imaging microscopy: molecular fingerprinting with a standard confocal microscope. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:3755-3769. [PMID: 38867799 PMCID: PMC11166444 DOI: 10.1364/boe.512188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Molecular specificity in fluorescence imaging of cells and tissues can be increased by measuring parameters other than intensity. For instance, fluorescence lifetime imaging became a widespread modality for biomedical optics. Previously, we suggested using the fluorescence saturation effect at pulsed laser excitation to map the absorption cross-section as an additional molecular contrast in two-photon microscopy [Opt. Lett.47(17), 4455 (2022).10.1364/OL.465605]. Here, it is shown that, somewhat counterintuitive, fluorescence saturation can be observed under cw excitation in a standard confocal microscopy setup. Mapping the fluorescence saturation parameter allows obtaining additional information about the fluorophores in the system, as demonstrated by the example of peptide hydrogel, stained cells and unstained thyroid gland. The suggested technique does not require additional equipment and can be implemented on confocal systems as is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Yakimov
- Laboratory of Clinical Biophotonics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8, Moscow 119048, Russia
- Vorohobov’s City Clinical Hospital №67 MHD Moscow, 2/44 Salam Adil St., Moscow 123423, Russia
| | - Natalia Rovnyagina
- Laboratory of Clinical Biophotonics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8, Moscow 119048, Russia
| | - Afraa Hasan
- HSE University, Faculty of Physics, Myasnitskaya St., 20, Moscow 101100, Russia
| | - Juntao Zhang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei 4300023, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei 4300023, China
| | - Victor Fadeev
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liliya Urusova
- Endocrinology Research Center, Dmitriya Ulianova Street, 11, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny Khoroshilov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 53 Leninsky Pr., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Sharkov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 53 Leninsky Pr., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Center, Dmitriya Ulianova Street, 11, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny Shirshin
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Center, Dmitriya Ulianova Street, 11, 117036 Moscow, Russia
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Wilson DL, Carreon A, Chinnam S, Sharifan H, Ahlawat J, Narayan M. Screening Carbon Nano Materials for Preventing Amyloid Protein Aggregation by Adopting a Facile Method. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:1389-1395. [PMID: 38802601 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The soluble-to-toxic transformation of intrinsically disordered amyloidogenic proteins such as amyloid beta (Aβ), α-synuclein, mutant Huntingtin Protein (mHTT) and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) among others are associated with disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), respectively. The dissolution of mature fibrils and toxic amyloidogenic intermediates, including oligomers, continues to be the pinnacle in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, methods to effectively and quantitatively report on the interconversion between amyloid monomers, oligomers and mature fibrils fall short. Here we describe a simplified method that implements the use of gel electrophoresis to address the transformation between soluble monomeric amyloid proteins and mature amyloid fibrils. The technique implements an optimized but well-known, simple, inexpensive, and quantitative assessment previously used to assess the oligomerization of amyloid monomers and subsequent amyloid fibrils. This method facilitates the screening of small molecules that disintegrate oligomers and fibrils into monomers, dimers, and trimers and/or retain amyloid proteins in their monomeric forms. Most importantly, our optimized method diminishes existing barriers associated with existing (alternative) techniques to evaluate fibril formation and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy L Wilson
- The Environmental Science & Engineering Program, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Ana Carreon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Sampath Chinnam
- Department of Chemistry, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (Autonoumous Institution, Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum), Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India
| | - Hamidreza Sharifan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jyoti Ahlawat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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42
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Kittilukkana A, Intakhad J, Pilapong C. The role of labile iron on brain proteostasis; could it be an early event of neurodegenerative disease? Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 756:110020. [PMID: 38692471 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.110020] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Iron deposits in the brain are a natural consequence of aging. Iron accumulation, especially in the form of labile iron, can trigger a cascade of adverse effects, eventually leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Aging also increases the dysfunction of cellular proteostasis. The question of whether iron alters proteostasis is now being pondered. Herein, we investigated the effect of ferric citrate, considered as labile iron, on various aspects of proteostasis of neuronal cell lines, and also established an animal model having a labile iron diet in order to evaluate proteostasis alteration in the brain along with behavioral effects. According to an in vitro study, labile iron was found to activate lysosome formation but inhibits lysosomal clearance function. Furthermore, the presence of labile iron can alter autophagic flux and can also induce the accumulation of protein aggregates. RNA-sequencing analysis further reveals the upregulation of various terms related to proteostasis along with neurodegenerative disease-related terms. According to an in vivo study, a labile iron-rich diet does not induce iron overload conditions and was not detrimental to the behavior of male Wistar rats. However, an iron-rich diet can promote iron accumulation in a region-dependent manner. By staining for autophagic markers and misfolding proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, an iron-rich diet was actually found to alter autophagy and induce an accumulation of misfolding proteins. These findings emphasize the importance of labile iron on brain cell proteostasis, which could be implicated in developing of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyarin Kittilukkana
- Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Department of Radiologic Technology, Laboratory of BioMolecular Imaging, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jannarong Intakhad
- Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Department of Radiologic Technology, Laboratory of BioMolecular Imaging, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chalermchai Pilapong
- Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Department of Radiologic Technology, Laboratory of BioMolecular Imaging, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 50200, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Rejc L, Knez D, Molina-Aguirre G, Espargaró A, Kladnik J, Meden A, Blinc L, Lozinšek M, Jansen-van Vuuren RD, Rogan M, Martek BA, Mlakar J, Dremelj A, Petrič A, Gobec S, Sabaté R, Bresjanac M, Pinter B, Košmrlj J. Probing Alzheimer's pathology: Exploring the next generation of FDDNP analogues for amyloid β detection. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116616. [PMID: 38723516 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116616] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent probes are a powerful tool for imaging amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, we report the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of 21 novel probes as well as their optical properties and binding affinities to Aβ fibrils. One of these dyes, 1Ae, exhibited several improvements over FDDNP, an established biomarker for Aβ- and Tau-aggregates. First, 1Ae had large Stokes shifts (138-213 nm) in various solvents, thereby reducing self-absorption. With a high quantum yield ratio (φ(dichloromethane/methanol) = 104), 1Ae also ensures minimal background emission in aqueous environments and high sensitivity. In addition, compound 1Ae exhibited low micromolar binding affinity to Aβ fibrils in vitro (Kd = 1.603 µM), while increasing fluorescence emission (106-fold) compared to emission in buffer alone. Importantly, the selective binding of 1Ae to Aβ1-42 fibrils was confirmed by an in cellulo assay, supported by ex vivo fluorescence microscopy of 1Ae on postmortem AD brain sections, allowing unequivocal identification of Aβ plaques. The intermolecular interactions of fluorophores with Aβ were elucidated by docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. Density functional theory calculations revealed the unique photophysics of these rod-shaped fluorophores, with a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) excited state. These results provide valuable insights into the future application of such probes as potential diagnostic tools for AD in vitro and ex vivo such as determination of Aβ1-42 in cerebrospinal fluid or blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Rejc
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | | | - Alba Espargaró
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, Section of Physical-Chemistry, and Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Jerneja Kladnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Anže Meden
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Lana Blinc
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity and Regeneration (LNPR), Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Matic Lozinšek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Ross D Jansen-van Vuuren
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Matic Rogan
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Bruno Aleksander Martek
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Mlakar
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Ana Dremelj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Petrič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Raimon Sabaté
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, Section of Physical-Chemistry, and Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Mara Bresjanac
- Laboratory of Neural Plasticity and Regeneration (LNPR), Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Balazs Pinter
- The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
| | - Janez Košmrlj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
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Kaku T, Ikebukuro K, Tsukakoshi K. Structure of cytotoxic amyloid oligomers generated during disaggregation. J Biochem 2024; 175:575-585. [PMID: 38430131 PMCID: PMC11155694 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvae023] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins. The causative proteins aggregate from monomers to oligomers and fibrils, among which some intermediate oligomers are considered as major toxins. Cytotoxic oligomers are generated not only by aggregation but also via fibril disaggregation. However, little is known about the structural characteristics and generation conditions of cytotoxic oligomers produced during disaggregation. Herein, we summarized the structural commonalities of cytotoxic oligomers formed under various disaggregation conditions, including the addition of heat shock proteins or small compounds. In vitro experimental data demonstrated the presence of high-molecular-weight oligomers (protofibrils or protofilaments) that exhibited a fibrous morphology and β-sheet structure. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the distorted β-sheet structure contributed to their metastability. The tendency of these cytotoxic oligomers to appear under mild disaggregation conditions, implied formation during the early stages of disaggregation. This review will aid researchers in exploring the characteristics of highly cytotoxic oligomers and developing drugs that target amyloid aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshisuke Kaku
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikebukuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kaori Tsukakoshi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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45
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Li T, Wang D, Zhang X, Chen Z, Wang L. Specific ions effect on aggregation behaviors and structural changes of amyloid fibrils from rice glutelin. Food Chem 2024; 441:138351. [PMID: 38218147 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.138351] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Metal ions have been considered as an important factor on fibrils assembly. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of specific ions effect on fibril formation and structural changes was investigated. The addition of ions (except Zn2+) accelerated the aggregation kinetics of rice glutelin fibrils (RGFs) from 0.93 to 1.28-2.19 h-1. In addition, the fibrillization rate followed the order of NH4+ > Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Cu2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Zn2+. The highest yield and length of fibrils were observed with Ca2+, probably due to the ionic bridging effect and hydrated capacity of Ca2+. However, Cu2+ reduced the fibrils yield, which was attributable to the fact that Cu2+ disrupted β-sheet structure and inhibited the transition of monomer to fibrils. The polymorphism of fibrils was observed with different salts, and the light metals presented a superior effect on fibrils formation than heavy metals. Overall, this work will provide a further information into how to tune the structure of RGFs using various ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xinxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhengxing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Cereal Fermentation and Food Biomanufacturing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Product Processing, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, Wuxi 214122, China.
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46
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Li M, Castro Lingl S, Yang J. Reduction of hemagglutination induced by a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein fragment using an amyloid-binding benzothiazole amphiphile. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12317. [PMID: 38811619 PMCID: PMC11137076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection is associated with a variety of vascular occlusive morbidities. However, a comprehensive understanding of how this virus can induce vascular complications remains lacking. Here, we show that a peptide fragment of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, S192 (sequence 192-211), is capable of forming amyloid-like aggregates that can induce agglutination of red blood cells, which was not observed with low- and non-aggregated S192 peptide. We subsequently screened eight amyloid-binding molecules and identified BAM1-EG6, a benzothiazole amphiphile, as a promising candidate capable of binding to aggregated S192 and partially inhibiting its agglutination activity. These results provide new insight into a potential molecular mechanism for the capability of spike protein metabolites to contribute to COVID-19-related blood complications and suggest a new therapeutic approach for combating microvascular morbidities in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Sascha Castro Lingl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093-0358, USA
| | - Jerry Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093-0358, USA.
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47
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Burgener K, Lichtenberg SS, Walsh DP, Inzalaco HN, Lomax A, Pedersen JA. Prion Seeding Activity in Plant Tissues Detected by RT-QuIC. Pathogens 2024; 13:452. [PMID: 38921750 PMCID: PMC11206635 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and chronic wasting disease (CWD) affect domesticated and wild herbivorous mammals. Animals afflicted with CWD, the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of cervids (deer, elk, and moose), shed prions into the environment, where they may persist and remain infectious for years. These environmental prions may remain in soil, be transported in surface waters, or assimilated into plants. Environmental sampling is an emerging area of TSE research and can provide more information about prion fate and transport once shed by infected animals. In this study, we have developed the first published method for the extraction and detection of prions in plant tissue using the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay. Incubation with a zwitterionic surfactant followed by precipitation with sodium phosphotungstate concentrates the prions within samples and allows for sensitive detection of prion seeding activity. Using this protocol, we demonstrate that prions can be detected within plant tissues and on plant surfaces using the RT-QuIC assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Burgener
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (K.B.)
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Stuart Siegfried Lichtenberg
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
- Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Daniel P. Walsh
- U.S. Geological Survey, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Heather N. Inzalaco
- Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Aaron Lomax
- Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
- Varizymes, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Joel A. Pedersen
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (K.B.)
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
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48
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Liang Y, Liu H, Jie Y, Liu M, He B, Wang J. Amyloid-like Aggregation of Wheat Gluten and Its Components during Cooking: Mechanisms and Structural Characterization. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:11080-11093. [PMID: 38690996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid-like aggregation widely occurs during the processing and production of natural proteins, with evidence indicating its presence following the thermal processing of wheat gluten. However, significant gaps remain in understanding the underlying fibrillation mechanisms and structural polymorphisms. In this study, the amyloid-like aggregation behavior of wheat gluten and its components (glutenin and gliadin) during cooking was systematically analyzed through physicochemical assessment and structural characterization. The presence of amyloid-like fibrils (AFs) was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and Congo red staining, while Thioflavin T fluorescence revealed different patterns and rates of AFs growth among wheat gluten, glutenin, and gliadin. AFs in gliadin exhibited linear growth curves, while those in gluten and glutenin showed S-shaped curves, with the shortest lag phase and fastest growth rate (t1/2 = 2.11 min) observed in glutenin. Molecular weight analyses revealed AFs primarily in the 10-15 kDa range, shifting to higher weights over time. Glutenin-derived AFs had the smallest ζ-potential value (-19.5 mV) and the most significant size increase post cooking (approximately 400 nm). AFs in gluten involve interchain reorganization, hydrophobic interactions, and conformational transitions, leading to additional cross β-sheets. Atomic force microscopy depicted varying fibril structures during cooking, notably longer, taller, and stiffer AFs from glutenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hao Liu
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yangyi Jie
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mei Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Baoshan He
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jinshui Wang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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49
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Zhou Q, Lv S, Wang W, Zhu S, Xu J, Zheng M, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Sui X, Xiao Y. Remodeling mechanism of gel network structure of soy protein isolate amyloid fibrils mediated by cellulose nanocrystals. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 332:121919. [PMID: 38431397 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.121919] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The differences in the gelling properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) and soy protein isolate amyloid fibrils (SAFs) as well as the role of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in regulating their gel behaviors were investigated in this study. The binding of CNC to β-conglycinin (7S), glycinin (11S), and SAFs was predominantly driven by non-covalent interactions. CNC addition reduced the particle size, turbidity, subunit segments, and crystallinity of SPI and SAFs, promoted the conversion of α-helix to β-sheet, improved the thermal stability, exposed more tyrosine and tryptophan residues, and enhanced the intermolecular interactions. A more regular and ordered lamellar network structure was formed in the SAFs-CNC composite gel, which could be conducive to the improvement of gel quality. This study would provide theoretical reference for the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of protein amyloid fibrils gelation as well as the high-value utilization of SAFs-CNC complex as a functional protein-based material or food ingredient in food field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianxin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Sixu Lv
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Shanlong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jianxia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Mingming Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yingnan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Yibin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiaonan Sui
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Yaqing Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Jianghuai Agricultural Product Fine Processing and Resource Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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50
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Song J, Shao L, Yu H, Meng C, Li G. Self-Assembly of Sulfate-Containing Peptides Sequesters VEGF for Inhibiting Cancer Cell Invasion. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3087-3097. [PMID: 38584438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play a crucial role in regulating cancer growth and migration by mediating interactions with growth factors. In this study, we developed a self-assembling peptide (S1) containing a sulfate group to simulate the contiguous sulfated regions (S-domains) in heparan sulfate for growth factor binding, aiming to sequester growth factors like VEGF. Spectral and structural studies as well as simulation studies suggested that S1 self-assembled into nanostructures similar to the heparan sulfate chains and effectively bound to VEGF. On cancer cell surfaces, S1 self-assemblies sequestered VEGF, leading to a reduction in VEGF levels in the medium, consequently inhibiting cancer cell growth, invasion, and angiogenesis. This study highlights the potential of self-assembling peptides to emulate extracellular matrix functions, offering insights for future cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Song
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P. R. China
| | - Liang Shao
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P. R. China
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Hongwen Yu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P. R. China
| | - Caiting Meng
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P. R. China
| | - Guanying Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P. R. China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P. R. China
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