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Simard M, Mélançon K, Berthiaume L, Tremblay C, Pshevorskiy L, Julien P, Rajput AH, Rajput A, Calon F. Postmortem Fatty Acid Abnormalities in the Cerebellum of Patients with Essential Tremor. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01736-4. [PMID: 39215908 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Fatty acids play many critical roles in brain function but have not been investigated in essential tremor (ET), a frequent movement disorder suspected to involve cerebellar dysfunction. Here, we report a postmortem comparative analysis of fatty acid profiles by gas chromatography in the cerebellar cortex from ET patients (n = 15), Parkinson's disease (PD) patients (n = 15) and Controls (n = 17). Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI)/ phosphatidylserine (PS) were separated by thin-layer chromatography and analyzed separately. First, the total amounts of fatty acids retrieved from the cerebellar cortex were lower in ET patients compared with PD patients, including monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The diagnosis of ET was associated with lower cerebellar levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and PUFA (DHA and ARA) in the PE fraction specifically, but with a higher relative content of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3 ω-6) in the PC fraction. In contrast, a diagnosis of PD was associated with higher absolute concentrations of SFA, MUFA and ω-6 PUFA in the PI + PS fractions. However, relative PI + PS contents of ω-6 PUFA were lower in both PD and ET patients. Finally, linear regression analyses showed that the ω-3:ω-6 PUFA ratio was positively associated with age of death, but inversely associated with insoluble α-synuclein. Although it remains unclear how these FA changes in the cerebellum are implicated in ET or PD pathophysiology, they may be related to an ongoing neurodegenerative process or to dietary intake differences. The present findings provide a window of opportunity for lipid-based therapeutic nutritional intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Simard
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Koralie Mélançon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Room T-2-67 (CHUL) 2705 boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Line Berthiaume
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Room T-2-67 (CHUL) 2705 boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Laura Pshevorskiy
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Room T-2-67 (CHUL) 2705 boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Pierre Julien
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ali H Rajput
- Division of Neurology, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Alex Rajput
- Division of Neurology, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Room T-2-67 (CHUL) 2705 boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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2
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Ali A, Holman AP, Rodriguez A, Osborne L, Kurouski D. Elucidating the mechanisms of α-Synuclein-lipid interactions using site-directed mutagenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 198:106553. [PMID: 38839022 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106553] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) is a small protein that is involved in cell vesicle trafficking in neuronal synapses. A progressive aggregation of this protein is the expected molecular cause of Parkinson's disease, a disease that affects millions of people around the world. A growing body of evidence indicates that phospholipids can strongly accelerate α-syn aggregation and alter the toxicity of α-syn oligomers and fibrils formed in the presence of lipid vesicles. This effect is attributed to the presence of high copies of lysines in the N-terminus of the protein. In this study, we performed site-directed mutagenesis and replaced one out of two lysines at each of the five sites located in the α-syn N-terminus. Using several biophysical and cellular approaches, we investigated the extent to which six negatively charged fatty acids (FAs) could alter the aggregation properties of K10A, K23A, K32A, K43A, and K58A α-syn. We found that FAs uniquely modified the aggregation properties of K43A, K58A, and WT α-syn, as well as changed morphology of amyloid fibrils formed by these mutants. At the same time, FAs failed to cause substantial changes in the aggregation rates of K10A, K23A, and K32A α-syn, as well as alter the morphology and toxicity of the corresponding amyloid fibrils. Based on these results, we can conclude that K10, K23, and K32 amino acid residues play a critical role in protein-lipid interactions since their replacement on non-polar alanines strongly suppressed α-syn-lipid interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P Holman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Axell Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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3
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Sanluca C, Spagnolo P, Mancinelli R, De Bartolo MI, Fava M, Maccarrone M, Carotti S, Gaudio E, Leuti A, Vivacqua G. Interaction between α-Synuclein and Bioactive Lipids: Neurodegeneration, Disease Biomarkers and Emerging Therapies. Metabolites 2024; 14:352. [PMID: 39057675 PMCID: PMC11278689 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14070352] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present review provides a comprehensive examination of the intricate dynamics between α-synuclein, a protein crucially involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, and endogenously-produced bioactive lipids, which play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The interaction of α-synuclein with bioactive lipids is emerging as a critical factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and novel perspectives in the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We delve into the molecular pathways through which α-synuclein interacts with biological membranes and bioactive lipids, influencing the aggregation of α-synuclein and triggering neuroinflammatory responses, highlighting the potential of bioactive lipids as biomarkers for early disease detection and progression monitoring. Moreover, we explore innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the interaction between α-synuclein and bioactive lipids, including the development of small molecules and nutritional interventions. Finally, the review addresses the significance of the gut-to-brain axis in mediating the effects of bioactive lipids on α-synuclein pathology and discusses the role of altered gut lipid metabolism and microbiota composition in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The present review aims to underscore the potential of targeting α-synuclein-lipid interactions as a multifaceted approach for the detection and treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sanluca
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy (E.G.)
| | | | - Marina Fava
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Simone Carotti
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy (E.G.)
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Vivacqua
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
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4
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Dear AJ, Teng X, Ball SR, Lewin J, Horne RI, Clow D, Stevenson A, Harper N, Yahya K, Yang X, Brewerton SC, Thomson J, Michaels TCT, Linse S, Knowles TPJ, Habchi J, Meisl G. Molecular mechanism of α-synuclein aggregation on lipid membranes revealed. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7229-7242. [PMID: 38756798 PMCID: PMC11095391 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05661a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The central hallmark of Parkinson's disease pathology is the aggregation of the α-synuclein protein, which, in its healthy form, is associated with lipid membranes. Purified monomeric α-synuclein is relatively stable in vitro, but its aggregation can be triggered by the presence of lipid vesicles. Despite this central importance of lipids in the context of α-synuclein aggregation, their detailed mechanistic role in this process has not been established to date. Here, we use chemical kinetics to develop a mechanistic model that is able to globally describe the aggregation behaviour of α-synuclein in the presence of DMPS lipid vesicles, across a range of lipid and protein concentrations. Through the application of our kinetic model to experimental data, we find that the reaction is a co-aggregation process involving both protein and lipids and that lipids promote aggregation as much by enabling fibril elongation as by enabling their initial formation. Moreover, we find that the primary nucleation of lipid-protein co-aggregates takes place not on the surface of lipid vesicles in bulk solution but at the air-water and/or plate interfaces, where lipids and proteins are likely adsorbed. Our model forms the basis for mechanistic insights, also in other lipid-protein co-aggregation systems, which will be crucial in the rational design of drugs that inhibit aggregate formation and act at the key points in the α-synuclein aggregation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dear
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Xiangyu Teng
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Sarah R Ball
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Joshua Lewin
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Robert I Horne
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Daniel Clow
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Alisdair Stevenson
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich Otto Stern Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Natasha Harper
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Kim Yahya
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Xiaoting Yang
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Suzanne C Brewerton
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - John Thomson
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Thomas C T Michaels
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich Otto Stern Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
- Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zurich Switzerland
| | - Sara Linse
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Johnny Habchi
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Georg Meisl
- WaveBreak Therapeutics Ltd, Chemistry of Health Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
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5
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Farid I, Ali A, Holman AP, Osborne L, Kurouski D. Length and saturation of choline plasmalogens alter the aggregation rate of α-synuclein but not the toxicity of amyloid fibrils. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130632. [PMID: 38447831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130632] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plasmalogens comprise a large fraction of the total phospholipids in plasma membranes. These molecules modulate membrane fluidity, produce inflammatory mediators mitigating effects of metabolic stresses. A growing body of evidence suggests that an onset of Parkinson's disease (PD), a severe neurodegenerative pathology, can be triggered by metabolic changes in plasma membranes. However, the role of plasmalogens in the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), an expected molecular cause of PD, remains unclear. In this study we examine the effect of choline plasmalogens (CPs), unique phospholipids that have a vinyl ether linkage at the sn-1 position of glycerol, on the aggregation rate of α-syn. We found that the length and saturation of fatty acids (FAs) in CPs change rates of protein aggregation. We also found drastic changes in the morphology of α-syn fibrils formed in the presence of different CPs compared to α-syn fibrils grown in the lipid-free environment. At the same time, we did not observe substantial changes in the secondary structure and toxicity of α-syn fibrils formed in the presence of different CPs. These results indicate that the length and saturation of FAs in CPs present in the plasma membrane can alter α-syn stability and modulate its aggregation properties, which, in turn can accelerate or delay the onset of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifrah Farid
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P Holman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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6
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Dabirmanesh B, Khajeh K, Uversky VN. Protein aggregation: An overview. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:1-10. [PMID: 38811077 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.007] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
In order for an ordered protein to perform its specific function, it must have a specific molecular structure. Information about this structure is encoded in the protein's amino acid sequence. The unique functional state is achieved as a result of a specific process, known as protein folding. However, as a result of partial or complete unfolding of the polypeptide chain, proteins may misfold and aggregate, leading to the formation of various aggregated structures, such as like amyloid aggregates with the cross-β structure. A variety of cellular biological processes can be affected by protein aggregates that consume essential factors necessary for maintaining proteostasis, which leads to the proteostasis imbalance and further accumulation of protein aggregates, often resulting in age-related neurodegenerative disease progression and aging. However, in addition to their well-established pathological effects, amyloids also play various physiological roles, and many important biological processes involve such 'functional amyloids'. This chapter represents a brief overview of the protein aggregation phenomenon outlines a timeline provides of some key discoveries in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Dabirmanesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosro Khajeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Pushchino, Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
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7
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Li W, Li JY. Overlaps and divergences between tauopathies and synucleinopathies: a duet of neurodegeneration. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:16. [PMID: 38528629 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00407-y] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathy, defined as the abnormal accumulation of proteins that eventually leads to cell death, is one of the most significant pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. Tauopathies, represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD), and synucleinopathies, represented by Parkinson's disease (PD), show similarities in multiple aspects. AD manifests extrapyramidal symptoms while dementia is also a major sign of advanced PD. We and other researchers have sequentially shown the cross-seeding phenomenon of α-synuclein (α-syn) and tau, reinforcing pathologies between synucleinopathies and tauopathies. The highly overlapping clinical and pathological features imply shared pathogenic mechanisms between the two groups of disease. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies seemingly appropriate for one distinct neurodegenerative disease may also apply to a broader spectrum. Therefore, a clear understanding of the overlaps and divergences between tauopathy and synucleinopathy is critical for unraveling the nature of the complicated associations among neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the shared and diverse characteristics of tauopathies and synucleinopathies from aspects of genetic causes, clinical manifestations, pathological progression and potential common therapeutic approaches targeting the pathology, in the aim to provide a timely update for setting the scheme of disease classification and provide novel insights into the therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, BMC A10, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
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8
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Ali A, Holman AP, Rodriguez A, Zhaliazka K, Osborne L, Kurouski D. Large Unilamellar Vesicles of Phosphatidic Acid Reduce the Toxicity of α-Synuclein Fibrils. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1334-1341. [PMID: 38373398 PMCID: PMC10915799 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01012] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe pathology that is caused by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta as well as other areas in the brain. These neurodegeneration processes are linked to the abrupt aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), a small protein that is abundant at presynaptic nerve termini, where it regulates cell vesicle trafficking. Due to the direct interactions of α-syn with cell membranes, a substantial amount of work was done over the past decade to understand the role of lipids in α-syn aggregation. However, the role of phosphatidic acid (PA), a negatively charged phospholipid with a small polar head, remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of PA large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) on α-syn aggregation. We found that PA LUVs with 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 FAs drastically reduced the toxicity of α-syn fibrils if were present in a 1:1 molar ratio with the protein. Our results also showed that the presence of these vehicles changed the rate of α-syn aggregation and altered the morphology and secondary structure of α-syn fibrils. These results indicate that PA LUVs can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce the toxicity of α-syn fibrils formed upon PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Aidan P. Holman
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Axell Rodriguez
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kiryl Zhaliazka
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Luke Osborne
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Dmitry Kurouski
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M
University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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9
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Andersson A, Linse S, Sparr E, Fornasier M, Jönsson P. The density of anionic lipids modulates the adsorption of α-Synuclein onto lipid membranes. Biophys Chem 2024; 305:107143. [PMID: 38100855 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107143] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an intrinsically disordered presynaptic protein associated with Parkinson's disease. The physiological role of α-Synuclein is not fully understood, but the protein is known to interact with lipid membranes. We here study how membrane charge affects the adsorption of α-Synuclein to (i) supported lipid bilayers and (ii) small unilamellar vesicles with varying amounts of anionic lipids. The results showed that α-Synuclein adsorbs onto membranes containing ≥5% anionic phosphatidylserine (DOPS) lipids, but not to membranes containing ≤1% DOPS. The density of adsorbed α-Synuclein increased steadily with the DOPS content up to 20% DOPS, after which it leveled off. The vesicles were saturated with α-Synuclein at a 3-5 times higher protein density compared to the supported bilayers, which suggests that a more deformable membrane binds more α-Synuclein. Altogether, the results show that both membrane charge density and flexibility influence the association of α-Synuclein to lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Linse
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Jönsson
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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10
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Broggini L, Barzago MM, Speranzini V, Schulte T, Sonzini F, Giono M, Romeo M, Milani P, Caminito S, Mazzini G, Rognoni P, Merlini G, Pappone C, Anastasia L, Nuvolone M, Palladini G, Diomede L, Ricagno S. Nanobodies counteract the toxicity of an amyloidogenic light chain by stabilizing a partially open dimeric conformation. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168320. [PMID: 37865287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168320] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a systemic disease where fibrillar deposition of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains (LCs) severely affects organ function and results in poor prognosis for patients, especially when heart involvement is severe. Particularly relevant in this context is the cardiotoxicity exerted by still uncharacterized soluble LC species. Here, with the final goal of identifying alternative therapeutic strategies to tackle AL amyloidosis, we produced five llama-derived nanobodies (Nbs) specific against H3, a well-characterized amyloidogenic and cardiotoxic LC from an AL patient with severe cardiac involvement. We found that Nbs are specific and potent agents capable of abolishing H3 soluble toxicity in C. elegans in vivo model. Structural characterization of H3-Nb complexes revealed that the protective effect of Nbs is related to their ability to bind to the H3 VL domain and stabilise an unexpected partially open LC dimer in which the two VL domains no longer interact with each other. Thus, while identifying potent inhibitors of LC soluble toxicity, we also describe the first non-native structure of an amyloidogenic LC that may represent a crucial step in toxicity and aggregation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Broggini
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Maria Monica Barzago
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
| | | | - Tim Schulte
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Federica Sonzini
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Matteo Giono
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
| | - Paolo Milani
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Serena Caminito
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzini
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Paola Rognoni
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Merlini
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Carlo Pappone
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato, Milan 20097, Italy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luigi Anastasia
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Mario Nuvolone
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palladini
- Amyloidosis Treatment and Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy; Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy.
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11
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Strunge K, Burgin T, Golbek TW, Roeters SJ, Pfaendtner J, Weidner T. Umbrella-like Helical Structure of α-Synuclein at the Air-Water Interface Observed with Experimental and Theoretical Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:11030-11035. [PMID: 38047768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02543] [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: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The misfolding of α-synuclein (αS) into amyloid aggregates is catalyzed by hydrophobic surfaces and associated with severe brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Despite the important role of interfaces, the three-dimensional structure of αS at the interfaces is still not clear. We report interface-specific sum frequency generation (SFG) experiments of monomeric αS binding to the air-water interface, a model system for the important hydrophobic surfaces. We combine the SFG spectra with calculations of theoretical spectra based on molecular dynamics simulations to show that αS, which is an intrinsically disordered protein in solution, folds into a defined, mostly helical secondary structure at the air-water interface. The binding pose resembles an umbrella shape, where the C-terminus protrudes into the water phase, while the N-terminus and the NAC region span the canopy at the interface. In this binding pose, αS is prone to aggregate, which could explain the catalytic effect of hydrophobic interfaces and air bubbles on αS fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Strunge
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Tucker Burgin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Benson Hall 1750, Seattle, Washington 98195-1750, United States
| | - Thaddeus W Golbek
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Steven J Roeters
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije University, Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Pfaendtner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Benson Hall 1750, Seattle, Washington 98195-1750, United States
| | - Tobias Weidner
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Benson Hall 1750, Seattle, Washington 98195-1750, United States
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12
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Bigi A, Cascella R, Cecchi C. α-Synuclein oligomers and fibrils: partners in crime in synucleinopathies. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2332-2342. [PMID: 37282450 PMCID: PMC10360081 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein is the general hallmark of a group of devastating neurodegenerative pathologies referred to as synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. In such conditions, a range of different misfolded aggregates, including oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils, are present both in neurons and glial cells. Growing experimental evidence supports the proposition that soluble oligomeric assemblies, formed during the early phases of the aggregation process, are the major culprits of neuronal toxicity; at the same time, fibrillar conformers appear to be the most efficient at propagating among interconnected neurons, thus contributing to the spreading of α-synuclein pathology. Moreover, α-synuclein fibrils have been recently reported to release soluble and highly toxic oligomeric species, responsible for an immediate dysfunction in the recipient neurons. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the plethora of mechanisms of cellular dysfunction caused by α-synuclein oligomers and fibrils, both contributing to neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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13
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Roeters SJ, Strunge K, Pedersen KB, Golbek TW, Bregnhøj M, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Dong M, Nielsen J, Otzen DE, Schiøtt B, Weidner T. Elevated concentrations cause upright alpha-synuclein conformation at lipid interfaces. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5731. [PMID: 37723164 PMCID: PMC10507035 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The amyloid aggregation of α-synuclein (αS), related to Parkinson's disease, can be catalyzed by lipid membranes. Despite the importance of lipid surfaces, the 3D-structure and orientation of lipid-bound αS is still not known in detail. Here, we report interface-specific vibrational sum-frequency generation (VSFG) experiments that reveal how monomeric αS binds to an anionic lipid interface over a large range of αS-lipid ratios. To interpret the experimental data, we present a frame-selection method ("ViscaSelect") in which out-of-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations are used to generate structural hypotheses that are compared to experimental amide-I spectra via excitonic spectral calculations. At low and physiological αS concentrations, we derive flat-lying helical structures as previously reported. However, at elevated and potentially disease-related concentrations, a transition to interface-protruding αS structures occurs. Such an upright conformation promotes lateral interactions between αS monomers and may explain how lipid membranes catalyze the formation of αS amyloids at elevated protein concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Roeters
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kris Strunge
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kasper B Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thaddeus W Golbek
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Bregnhøj
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yuge Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yin Wang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Janni Nielsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Daniel E Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Birgit Schiøtt
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Tobias Weidner
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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14
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Battis K, Xiang W, Winkler J. The Bidirectional Interplay of α-Synuclein with Lipids in the Central Nervous System and Its Implications for the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13270. [PMID: 37686080 PMCID: PMC10487772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713270] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The alteration and aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases collectively termed as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The bidirectional interaction of α-syn with lipids and biomembranes impacts not only α-syn aggregation but also lipid homeostasis. Indeed, lipid composition and metabolism are severely perturbed in PD. One explanation for lipid-associated alterations may involve structural changes in α-syn, caused, for example, by missense mutations in the lipid-binding region of α-syn as well as post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, nitration, ubiquitination, truncation, glycosylation, and glycation. Notably, different strategies targeting the α-syn-lipid interaction have been identified and are able to reduce α-syn pathology. These approaches include the modulation of post-translational modifications aiming to reduce the aggregation of α-syn and modify its binding properties to lipid membranes. Furthermore, targeting enzymes involved in various steps of lipid metabolism and exploring the neuroprotective potential of lipids themselves have emerged as novel therapeutic approaches. Taken together, this review focuses on the bidirectional crosstalk of α-syn and lipids and how alterations of this interaction affect PD and thereby open a window for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jürgen Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (K.B.); (W.X.)
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15
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Awasthi S, Ying C, Li J, Mayer M. Simultaneous Determination of the Size and Shape of Single α-Synuclein Oligomers in Solution. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37327131 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soluble oligomers of amyloid-forming proteins are implicated as toxic species in the context of several neurodegenerative diseases. Since the size and shape of these oligomers influence their toxicity, their biophysical characterization is essential for a better understanding of the structure-toxicity relationship. Amyloid oligomers are difficult to characterize by conventional approaches due to their heterogeneity in size and shape, their dynamic aggregation process, and their low abundance. This work demonstrates that resistive pulse measurements using polymer-coated solid-state nanopores enable single-particle-level characterization of the size and shape of individual αSyn oligomers in solution within minutes. A comparison of the resulting size distribution with single-particle analysis by transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry reveals good agreement with superior resolution by nanopore-based characterization. Moreover, nanopore-based analysis has the capability to combine rapid size analysis with an approximation of the oligomer shape. Applying this shape approximation to putatively toxic oligomeric species that range in size from 18 ± 7 aggregated monomers (10S) to 29 ± 10 aggregated monomers (15S) and in concentration from picomolar to nanomolar revealed oligomer shapes that agree well with previous estimates by cryo-EM with the added advantage that nanopore-based analysis occurs rapidly, in solution, and has the potential to become a widely accessible technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Awasthi
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Cuifeng Ying
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jiali Li
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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16
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Huang F, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang C, Lian J, Ding F, Sun Y. Dissecting the Self-assembly Dynamics of Imperfect Repeats in α-Synuclein. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:3591-3600. [PMID: 37253119 PMCID: PMC10363412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) into amyloid fibrils is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). The self-assembly and membrane interactions of αS are mainly governed by the seven imperfect 11-residue repeats of the XKTKEGVXXXX motif around residues 1-95. However, the particular role of each repeat in αS fibrillization remains unclear. To answer this question, we studied the aggregation dynamics of each repeat with up to 10 peptides in silico by conducting multiple independent micro-second atomistic discrete molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations revealed that only repeats R3 and R6 readily self-assembled into β-sheet-rich oligomers, while the other repeats remained as unstructured monomers with weak self-assembly and β-sheet propensities. The self-assembly process of R3 featured frequent conformational changes with β-sheet formation mainly in the non-conserved hydrophobic tail, whereas R6 spontaneously self-assembled into extended and stable cross-β structures. These results of seven repeats are consistent with their structures and organization in recently solved αS fibrils. As the primary amyloidogenic core, R6 was buried inside the central cross-β core of all αS fibrils, attracting the hydrophobic tails of adjacent R4, R5, and R7 repeats forming β-sheets around R6 in the core. Further away from R6 in the sequence but with a moderate amyloid aggregation propensity, the R3 tail could serve as a secondary amyloidogenic core and form independent β-sheets in the fibril. Overall, our results demonstrate the critical role of R3 and R6 repeats in αS amyloid aggregation and suggest their potential as targets for the peptide-based and small-molecule amyloid inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Huang
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jiangfang Lian
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
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17
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Rosado-Ramos R, Poças GM, Marques D, Foito A, M Sevillano D, Lopes-da-Silva M, Gonçalves LG, Menezes R, Ottens M, Stewart D, Ibáñez de Opakua A, Zweckstetter M, Seabra MC, Mendes CS, Outeiro TF, Domingos PM, Santos CN. Genipin prevents alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity by affecting endocytosis, metabolism and lipid storage. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1918. [PMID: 37024503 PMCID: PMC10079842 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37561-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions of people worldwide for which there are only symptomatic therapies. Small molecules able to target key pathological processes in PD have emerged as interesting options for modifying disease progression. We have previously shown that a (poly)phenol-enriched fraction (PEF) of Corema album L. leaf extract modulates central events in PD pathogenesis, namely α-synuclein (αSyn) toxicity, aggregation and clearance. PEF was now subjected to a bio-guided fractionation with the aim of identifying the critical bioactive compound. We identified genipin, an iridoid, which relieves αSyn toxicity and aggregation. Furthermore, genipin promotes metabolic alterations and modulates lipid storage and endocytosis. Importantly, genipin was able to prevent the motor deficits caused by the overexpression of αSyn in a Drosophila melanogaster model of PD. These findings widens the possibility for the exploitation of genipin for PD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rosado-Ramos
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo M Poças
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Daniela Marques
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Foito
- Environmental and Biochemical Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, DD2 5DA, Dundee, Scotland
| | - David M Sevillano
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Mafalda Lopes-da-Silva
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís G Gonçalves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Regina Menezes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- CBIOS - Universidade Lusófona's Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcel Ottens
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Derek Stewart
- Environmental and Biochemical Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, DD2 5DA, Dundee, Scotland
| | | | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - César S Mendes
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
- Scientific employee with an honorary contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pedro M Domingos
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cláudia N Santos
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal.
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Oeiras, Portugal.
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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18
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The impact of α-synuclein aggregates on blood-brain barrier integrity in the presence of neurovascular unit cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 229:305-320. [PMID: 36535359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is to control trafficking of biomolecules and protect the brain. This function can be compromised by pathological conditions. Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates (αSN-AGs) such as oligomers and fibrils, which contribute to disease progression and severity. Here we study how αSN-AGs affect the BBB in in vitro co-culturing models consisting of human brain endothelial hCMEC/D3 cells (to overcome inter-species differences) alone and co-cultured with astrocytes and neurons/glial cells. When cultivated on their own, hCMEC/D3 cells were compromised by αSN-AGs, which decreased cellular viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, wound healing activity, TEER value, and enhanced permeability, as well as increased the levels of ROS and NO. Co-culturing of these cells with activated microglia also increased BBB impairment according to TEER and systemic immune cell transmigration assays. In contrast, hCMEC/D3 cells co-cultured with astrocytes or dopaminergic neurons or simultaneously treated with their conditioned media showed increased resistance against αSN-AGs. Our work demonstrates the complex relationship between members of the neurovascular unit (NVU) (perivascular astrocytes, neurons, microglia, and endothelial cells), αSN-AGs and BBB.
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19
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Liquid-liquid Phase Separation of α-Synuclein: A New Mechanistic Insight for α-Synuclein Aggregation Associated with Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167713. [PMID: 35787838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant aggregation of the misfolded presynaptic protein, α-Synuclein (α-Syn) into Lewy body (LB) and Lewy neuritis (LN) is a major pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Numerous studies have suggested that prefibrillar and fibrillar species of the misfolded α-Syn aggregates are responsible for cell death in PD pathogenesis. However, the precise molecular events during α-Syn aggregation, especially in the early stages, remain elusive. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of α-Syn occurs in the nucleation step of α-Syn aggregation, which offers an alternate non-canonical aggregation pathway in the crowded microenvironment. The liquid-like α-Syn droplets gradually undergo an irreversible liquid-to-solid phase transition into amyloid-like hydrogel entrapping oligomers and fibrils. This new mechanism of α-Syn LLPS and gel formation might represent the molecular basis of cellular toxicity associated with PD. This review aims to demonstrate the recent development of α-Syn LLPS, the underlying mechanism along with the microscopic events of aberrant phase transition. This review further discusses how several intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate the thermodynamics and kinetics of α-Syn LLPS and co-LLPS with other proteins, which might explain the pathophysiology of α-Syn in various neurodegenerative diseases.
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20
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Gelain DP, Bittencourt RR, Bastos Mendes LF, Moreira JCF, Outeiro TF. RAGE Against the Glycation Machine in Synucleinopathies: Time to Explore New Questions. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 13:717-728. [PMID: 37270812 PMCID: PMC10473104 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230070] [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: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Oligomerization and aggregation of misfolded forms of α-synuclein are believed to be key molecular mechanisms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, so extensive research has attempted to understand these processes. Among diverse post-translational modifications that impact α-synuclein aggregation, glycation may take place at several lysine sites and modify α-synuclein oligomerization, toxicity, and clearance. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is considered a key regulator of chronic neuroinflammation through microglial activation in response to advanced glycation end products, such as carboxy-ethyl-lysine, or carboxy-methyl-lysine. The presence of RAGE in the midbrain of PD patients has been reported in the last decades and this receptor was proposed to have a role in sustaining PD neuroinflammation. However, different PD animal models demonstrated that RAGE is preferentially expressed in neurons and astrocytes, while recent evidence demonstrated that fibrillar, non-glycated α-synuclein binds to RAGE. Here, we summarize the available data on α-synuclein glycation and RAGE in the context of PD, and discuss about the questions yet to be answered that may increase our understanding of the molecular bases of PD and synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pens Gelain
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Reykla Ramon Bittencourt
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luiz Filipe Bastos Mendes
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - José Claudio Fonseca Moreira
- Center for Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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21
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Mahakud AK, Shaikh J, Rifa Iqbal VV, Gupta A, Tiwari A, Saleem M. Amyloids on Membrane Interfaces: Implications for Neurodegeneration. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:705-722. [PMID: 35670831 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane interfaces are vital for various cellular processes, and their involvement in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease has taken precedence in recent years. The amyloidogenic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases interact with the neuronal membrane through various means, which has implications for both the onset and progression of the disease. The parameters that regulate the interaction between the membrane and the amyloids remain poorly understood. The review focuses on the various aspects of membrane interactions of amyloids, particularly amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and Tau involved in Alzheimer's and α-synuclein involved in Parkinson's disease. The genetic, cell biological, biochemical, and biophysical studies that form the basis for our current understanding of the membrane interactions of Aβ peptides, Tau, and α-synuclein are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaresh Kumar Mahakud
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Jafarulla Shaikh
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - V V Rifa Iqbal
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Abhinav Gupta
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Mohammed Saleem
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, India. .,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.
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22
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Iyer A, Sidhu A, Subramaniam V. How important is the N-terminal acetylation of alpha-synuclein for its function and aggregation into amyloids? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1003997. [PMID: 36466161 PMCID: PMC9709446 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1003997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
N-α-acetylation is a frequently occurring post-translational modification in eukaryotic proteins. It has manifold physiological consequences on the regulation and function of several proteins, with emerging studies suggesting that it is a global regulator of stress responses. For decades, in vitro biochemical investigations into the precise role of the intrinsically disordered protein alpha-synuclein (αS) in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) were performed using non-acetylated αS. The N-terminus of α-synuclein is now unequivocally known to be acetylated in vivo, however, there are many aspects of this post-translational modifications that are not understood well. Is N-α-acetylation of αS a constitutive modification akin to most cellular proteins, or is it spatio-temporally regulated? Is N-α-acetylation of αS relevant to the as yet elusive function of αS? How does the N-α-acetylation of αS influence the aggregation of αS into amyloids? Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and discuss prevailing hypotheses on the impact of N-α-acetylation of αS on its conformational, oligomeric, and fibrillar states. The extent to which N-α-acetylation of αS is vital for its function, membrane binding, and aggregation into amyloids is also explored here. We further discuss the overall significance of N-α-acetylation of αS for its functional and pathogenic implications in Lewy body formation and synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Iyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arshdeep Sidhu
- Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte University (DU), Mangalore, India
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23
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Knecht L, Folke J, Dodel R, Ross JA, Albus A. Alpha-synuclein Immunization Strategies for Synucleinopathies in Clinical Studies: A Biological Perspective. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1489-1502. [PMID: 36083395 PMCID: PMC9606184 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic strategies currently available for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease target only the symptoms of the disease. Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy can be summarized as synucleinopathies, as they are all characterized by the aggregation and accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain. Targeting α-syn by its formation and progression opens a new and promising disease-modifying therapeutic strategy. Thus, several distinct immunotherapeutic approaches are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. The objective of this article is to review, from a biological perspective, the most important properties of these passive and active immunotherapies to point out their relevance and suitability for the treatment of synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Knecht
- Chair of Geriatric Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jonas Folke
- Chair of Geriatric Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Centre for Neuroscience & Stereology, Department of Neurology, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, University Hospital of Copenhagen, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard Dodel
- Chair of Geriatric Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - J Alexander Ross
- Chair of Geriatric Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Albus
- Chair of Geriatric Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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24
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Lin Y, Ito D, Yoo JM, Lim MH, Yu W, Kawata Y, Lee YH. Dual Effects of Presynaptic Membrane Mimetics on α-Synuclein Amyloid Aggregation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:707417. [PMID: 35747692 PMCID: PMC9209734 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.707417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of intrinsically disordered α-synuclein (αSN) under various conditions is closely related to synucleinopathies. Although various biological membranes have shown to alter the structure and aggregation propensity of αSN, a thorough understanding of the molecular and mechanical mechanism of amyloidogenesis in membranes remains unanswered. Herein, we examined the structural changes, binding properties, and amyloidogenicity of three variations of αSN mutants under two types of liposomes, 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-Phosphocholine (DOPC) and presynaptic vesicle mimetic (Mimic) membranes. While neutrally charged DOPC membranes elicited marginal changes in the structure and amyloid fibrillation of αSNs, negatively charged Mimic membranes induced dramatic helical folding and biphasic amyloid generation. At low concentration of Mimic membranes, the amyloid fibrillation of αSNs was promoted in a dose-dependent manner. However, further increases in the concentration constrained the fibrillation process. These results suggest the dual effect of Mimic membranes on regulating the amyloidogenesis of αSN, which is rationalized by the amyloidogenic structure of αSN and condensation-dilution of local αSN concentration. Finally, we propose physicochemical properties of αSN and membrane surfaces, and their propensity to drive electrostatic interactions as decisive factors of amyloidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Lin
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yuxi Lin, ; Young-Ho Lee,
| | - Dai Ito
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Je Min Yoo
- Biographene, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mi Hee Lim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Wookyung Yu
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
- Core Protein Resources Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yasushi Kawata
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Research Headquarters, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Yuxi Lin, ; Young-Ho Lee,
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25
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Uceda AB, Frau J, Vilanova B, Adrover M. Glycation of α-synuclein hampers its binding to synaptic-like vesicles and its driving effect on their fusion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:342. [PMID: 35662377 PMCID: PMC9167179 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04373-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders affecting the worldwide population. One of its hallmarks is the intraneuronal accumulation of insoluble Lewy bodies (LBs), which cause the death of dopaminergic neurons. α-Synuclein (αS) is the main component of these LBs and in them, it commonly contains non-enzymatic post-translational modifications, such as those resulting from its reaction with reactive carbonyl species arising as side products of the intraneuronal glycolysis (mainly methylglyoxal). Consequently, lysines of the αS found in LBs of diabetic individuals are usually carboxyethylated. A precise comprehension of the effect of Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) on the aggregation of αS and on its physiological function becomes crucial to fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of diabetes-induced PD. Consequently, we have here used a synthetic αS where all its Lys have been replaced by CEL moieties (αS-CEL), and we have studied how these modifications could impact on the neurotransmission mechanism. This study allows us to describe how the non-enzymatic glycosylation (glycation) affects the function of a protein like αS, involved in the pathogenesis of PD. CEL decreases the ability of αS to bind micelles, although the micelle-bound fraction of αS-CEL still displays an α-helical fold resembling that of the lipid-bound αS. However, CEL completely abolishes the affinity of αS towards synaptic-like vesicles and, consequently, it hampers its physiological function as a catalyst of the clustering and the fusion of the synaptic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Uceda
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ed. Mateu Orfila i Rotger, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - Juan Frau
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ed. Mateu Orfila i Rotger, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - Bartolomé Vilanova
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ed. Mateu Orfila i Rotger, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Adrover
- Departament de Química, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ed. Mateu Orfila i Rotger, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain.
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26
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Sanders HM, Kostelic MM, Zak CK, Marty MT. Lipids and EGCG Affect α-Synuclein Association and Disruption of Nanodiscs. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1014-1021. [PMID: 35616927 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipid membranes have recently been implicated in protein misfolding and disease etiology, including for α-synuclein and Parkinson's disease. However, studying the intersection of protein complex formation, membrane interactions, and bilayer disruption simultaneously is challenging. In particular, the efficacies of small molecule inhibitors for toxic protein aggregation are not well understood. Here, we used native mass spectrometry in combination with lipid nanodiscs to study α-synuclein-membrane interactions. α-Synuclein did not interact with zwitterionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine lipids but interacted strongly with anionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho(1'-rac-glycerol) lipids, eventually leading to membrane disruption. Unsaturated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho(1'-rac-glycerol) (POPG) lipid nanodiscs were also prone to bilayer disruption, releasing α-synuclein:POPG complexes. Interestingly, the fibril inhibitor, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevented membrane disruption but did not prevent the incorporation of α-synuclein into nanodisc complexes. Thus, although EGCG inhibits fibrillization, it does not inhibit α-synuclein from associating with the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Sanders
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1306 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Marius M Kostelic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1306 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Ciara K Zak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1306 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Michael T Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, 1306 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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27
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Kuznetsov IA, Kuznetsov AV. Bidirectional, unlike unidirectional transport, allows transporting axonal cargos against their concentration gradient. J Theor Biol 2022; 546:111161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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28
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Abstract
Amyloids are protein aggregates bearing a highly ordered cross β structural motif, which may be functional but are mostly pathogenic. Their formation, deposition in tissues and consequent organ dysfunction is the central event in amyloidogenic diseases. Such protein aggregation may be brought about by conformational changes, and much attention has been directed toward factors like metal binding, post-translational modifications, mutations of protein etc., which eventually affect the reactivity and cytotoxicity of the associated proteins. Over the past decade, a global effort from different groups working on these misfolded/unfolded proteins/peptides has revealed that the amino acid residues in the second coordination sphere of the active sites of amyloidogenic proteins/peptides cause changes in H-bonding pattern or protein-protein interactions, which dramatically alter the structure and reactivity of these proteins/peptides. These second sphere effects not only determine the binding of transition metals and cofactors, which define the pathology of some of these diseases, but also change the mechanism of redox reactions catalyzed by these proteins/peptides and form the basis of oxidative damage associated with these amyloidogenic diseases. The present review seeks to discuss such second sphere modifications and their ramifications in the etiopathology of some representative amyloidogenic diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2Dm), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuparna Roy
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Arnab Kumar Nath
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Ishita Pal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Somdatta Ghosh Dey
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
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29
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Chen R, Gu X, Wang X. α-Synuclein in Parkinson's disease and advances in detection. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 529:76-86. [PMID: 35176268 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a threatening neurodegenerative disorder that seriously affects patients' life quality. Substantial evidence links the overexpression and abnormal aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) to PD. α-Syn has been identified as a characteristic biomarker of PD, which indicates its great value of diagnosis and designing effective therapeutic strategy. This article systematically summarizes the pathogenic process of α-Syn based on recent researches, outlines and compares commonly used analysis and detection technologies of α-Syn. Specifically, the detection of α-Syn by new electrochemical, photochemical, and crystal biosensors is mainly examined. Furthermore, the speculation of future study orientation is discussed, which provides reference for the further research and application of α-Syn as biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuan Gu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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30
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Sanders HM, Jovcevski B, Marty MT, Pukala TL. Structural and mechanistic insights into amyloid-β and α-synuclein fibril formation and polyphenol inhibitor efficacy in phospholipid bilayers. FEBS J 2022; 289:215-230. [PMID: 34268903 PMCID: PMC8727495 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Under certain cellular conditions, functional proteins undergo misfolding, leading to a transition into oligomers which precede the formation of amyloid fibrils. Misfolding proteins are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. While the importance of lipid membranes in misfolding and disease aetiology is broadly accepted, the influence of lipid membranes during therapeutic design has been largely overlooked. This study utilized a biophysical approach to provide mechanistic insights into the effects of two lipid membrane systems (anionic and zwitterionic) on the inhibition of amyloid-β 40 and α-synuclein amyloid formation at the monomer, oligomer and fibril level. Large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) were shown to increase fibrillization and largely decrease the effectiveness of two well-known polyphenol fibril inhibitors, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol; however, use of immunoblotting and ion mobility mass spectrometry revealed this occurs through varying mechanisms. Oligomeric populations in particular were differentially affected by LUVs in the presence of resveratrol, an elongation phase inhibitor, compared to EGCG, a nucleation targeted inhibitor. Ion mobility mass spectrometry showed EGCG interacts with or induces more compact forms of monomeric protein typical of off-pathway structures; however, binding is reduced in the presence of LUVs, likely due to partitioning in the membrane environment. Competing effects of the lipids and inhibitor, along with reduced inhibitor binding in the presence of LUVs, provide a mechanistic understanding of decreased inhibitor efficacy in a lipid environment. Together, this study highlights that amyloid inhibitor design may be misguided if effects of lipid membrane composition and architecture are not considered during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M. Sanders
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Blagojce Jovcevski
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Michael T. Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Tara L. Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia,Correspondence: Tara L. Pukala: School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; ; Tel. +61 8 8313 5497
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31
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Dubackic M, Idini I, Lattanzi V, Liu Y, Martel A, Terry A, Haertlein M, Devos JM, Jackson A, Sparr E, Linse S, Olsson U. On the Cluster Formation of α-Synuclein Fibrils. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:768004. [PMID: 34738016 PMCID: PMC8560691 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.768004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The dense accumulation of α-Synuclein fibrils in neurons is considered to be strongly associated with Parkinson’s disease. These intracellular inclusions, called Lewy bodies, also contain significant amounts of lipids. To better understand such accumulations, it should be important to study α-Synuclein fibril formation under conditions where the fibrils lump together, mimicking what is observed in Lewy bodies. In the present study, we have therefore investigated the overall structural arrangements of α-synuclein fibrils, formed under mildly acidic conditions, pH = 5.5, in pure buffer or in the presence of various model membrane systems, by means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). At this pH, α-synuclein fibrils are colloidally unstable and aggregate further into dense clusters. SANS intensities show a power law dependence on the scattering vector, q, indicating that the clusters can be described as mass fractal aggregates. The experimentally observed fractal dimension was d = 2.6 ± 0.3. We further show that this fractal dimension can be reproduced using a simple model of rigid-rod clusters. The effect of dominatingly attractive fibril-fibril interactions is discussed within the context of fibril clustering in Lewy body formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Dubackic
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ilaria Idini
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Veronica Lattanzi
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Yun Liu
- Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, United States.,Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | | | - Ann Terry
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom.,Max IV Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Andrew Jackson
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,European Spallation Source, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Linse
- Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf Olsson
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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32
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Demasi M, Augusto O, Bechara EJH, Bicev RN, Cerqueira FM, da Cunha FM, Denicola A, Gomes F, Miyamoto S, Netto LES, Randall LM, Stevani CV, Thomson L. Oxidative Modification of Proteins: From Damage to Catalysis, Signaling, and Beyond. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:1016-1080. [PMID: 33726509 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: The systematic investigation of oxidative modification of proteins by reactive oxygen species started in 1980. Later, it was shown that reactive nitrogen species could also modify proteins. Some protein oxidative modifications promote loss of protein function, cleavage or aggregation, and some result in proteo-toxicity and cellular homeostasis disruption. Recent Advances: Previously, protein oxidation was associated exclusively to damage. However, not all oxidative modifications are necessarily associated with damage, as with Met and Cys protein residue oxidation. In these cases, redox state changes can alter protein structure, catalytic function, and signaling processes in response to metabolic and/or environmental alterations. This review aims to integrate the present knowledge on redox modifications of proteins with their fate and role in redox signaling and human pathological conditions. Critical Issues: It is hypothesized that protein oxidation participates in the development and progression of many pathological conditions. However, no quantitative data have been correlated with specific oxidized proteins or the progression or severity of pathological conditions. Hence, the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying these modifications, their importance in human pathologies, and the fate of the modified proteins is of clinical relevance. Future Directions: We discuss new tools to cope with protein oxidation and suggest new approaches for integrating knowledge about protein oxidation and redox processes with human pathophysiological conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 1016-1080.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilene Demasi
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ohara Augusto
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Etelvino J H Bechara
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata N Bicev
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Cerqueira
- CENTD, Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M da Cunha
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Denicola
- Laboratorios Fisicoquímica Biológica-Enzimología, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Química Biológica, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fernando Gomes
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sayuri Miyamoto
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis E S Netto
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lía M Randall
- Laboratorios Fisicoquímica Biológica-Enzimología, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Química Biológica, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cassius V Stevani
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonor Thomson
- Laboratorios Fisicoquímica Biológica-Enzimología, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Química Biológica, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Burtscher J, Syed MMK, Keller MA, Lashuel HA, Millet GP. Fatal attraction - The role of hypoxia when alpha-synuclein gets intimate with mitochondria. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 107:128-141. [PMID: 34428721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction are main pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and several other neurodegenerative diseases, collectively known as synucleinopathies. However, increasing evidence suggests that they may not be sufficient to cause PD. Here we propose the role of hypoxia as a missing link that connects the complex interplay between alpha-synuclein biochemistry and pathology, mitochondrial dysfunctions and neurodegeneration in PD. We review the partly conflicting literature on alpha-synuclein binding to membranes and mitochondria and its impact on mitochondrial functions. From there, we focus on adverse changes in cellular environments, revolving around hypoxic stress, that may trigger or facilitate PD progression. Inter-dependent structural re-arrangements of mitochondrial membranes, including increased cytoplasmic exposure of mitochondrial cardiolipins and changes in alpha-synuclein localization and conformation are discussed consequences of such conditions. Enhancing cellular resilience could be an integral part of future combination-based therapies of PD. This may be achieved by boosting the capacity of cellular and specifically mitochondrial processes to regulate and adapt to altered proteostasis, redox, and inflammatory conditions and by inducing protective molecular and tissue re-modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Burtscher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Muhammed Muazzam Kamil Syed
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Markus A Keller
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Bell R, Vendruscolo M. Modulation of the Interactions Between α-Synuclein and Lipid Membranes by Post-translational Modifications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661117. [PMID: 34335440 PMCID: PMC8319954 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterised by the presence in brain tissue of aberrant inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are deposits composed by α-synuclein and a variety of other cellular components, including in particular lipid membranes. The dysregulation of the balance between lipid homeostasis and α-synuclein homeostasis is therefore likely to be closely involved in the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. As our understanding of this balance is increasing, we describe recent advances in the characterisation of the role of post-translational modifications in modulating the interactions of α-synuclein with lipid membranes. We then discuss the impact of these advances on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Disease, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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35
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Nakasone Y, Terazima M. A Time-Resolved Diffusion Technique for Detection of the Conformational Changes and Molecular Assembly/Disassembly Processes of Biomolecules. Front Genet 2021; 12:691010. [PMID: 34276791 PMCID: PMC8278059 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is driven by dynamic and multivalent interactions, which involves conformational changes and intermolecular assembly/disassembly processes of various biomolecules. To understand the molecular mechanisms of LLPS, kinetic measurements of the intra- and intermolecular reactions are essential. In this review, a time-resolved diffusion technique which has a potential to detect molecular events associated with LLPS is presented. This technique can detect changes in protein conformation and intermolecular interaction (oligomer formation, protein-DNA interaction, and protein-lipid interaction) in time domain, which are difficult to obtain by other methods. After the principle and methods for signal analyses are described in detail, studies on photoreactive molecules (intermolecular interaction between light sensor proteins and its target DNA) and a non-photoreactive molecule (binding and folding reaction of α-synuclein upon mixing with SDS micelle) are presented as typical examples of applications of this unique technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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36
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Manzanza NDO, Sedlackova L, Kalaria RN. Alpha-Synuclein Post-translational Modifications: Implications for Pathogenesis of Lewy Body Disorders. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:690293. [PMID: 34248606 PMCID: PMC8267936 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.690293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lewy Body Disorders (LBDs) lie within the spectrum of age-related neurodegenerative diseases now frequently categorized as the synucleinopathies. LBDs are considered to be among the second most common form of neurodegenerative dementias after Alzheimer's disease. They are progressive conditions with variable clinical symptoms embodied within specific cognitive and behavioral disorders. There are currently no effective treatments for LBDs. LBDs are histopathologically characterized by the presence of abnormal neuronal inclusions commonly known as Lewy Bodies (LBs) and extracellular Lewy Neurites (LNs). The inclusions predominantly comprise aggregates of alpha-synuclein (aSyn). It has been proposed that post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as aSyn phosphorylation, ubiquitination SUMOylation, Nitration, o-GlcNacylation, and Truncation play important roles in the formation of toxic forms of the protein, which consequently facilitates the formation of these inclusions. This review focuses on the role of different PTMs in aSyn in the pathogenesis of LBDs. We highlight how these PTMs interact with aSyn to promote misfolding and aggregation and interplay with cell membranes leading to the potential functional and pathogenic consequences detected so far, and their involvement in the development of LBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson de Oliveira Manzanza
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Sedlackova
- Biosciences Institute, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Raj N. Kalaria
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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37
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Guschina IA, Ninkina N, Roman A, Pokrovskiy MV, Buchman VL. Triple-Knockout, Synuclein-Free Mice Display Compromised Lipid Pattern. Molecules 2021; 26:3078. [PMID: 34064018 PMCID: PMC8196748 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have implicated synucleins in several reactions during the biosynthesis of lipids and fatty acids in addition to their recognised role in membrane lipid binding and synaptic functions. These are among aspects of decreased synuclein functions that are still poorly acknowledged especially in regard to pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease. Here, we aimed to add to existing knowledge of synuclein deficiency (i.e., the lack of all three family members), with respect to changes in fatty acids and lipids in plasma, liver, and two brain regions in triple synuclein-knockout (TKO) mice. We describe changes of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and palmitic acid in liver and plasma, reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in liver and non-esterified fatty acids in plasma of synuclein free mice. In midbrain, we observed counterbalanced changes in the relative concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cerebrosides (CER). We also recorded a notable reduction in ethanolamine plasmalogens in the midbrain of synuclein free mice, which is an important finding since the abnormal ether lipid metabolism usually associated with neurological disorders. In summary, our data demonstrates that synuclein deficiency results in alterations of the PUFA synthesis, storage lipid accumulation in the liver, and the reduction of plasmalogens and CER, those polar lipids which are principal compounds of lipid rafts in many tissues. An ablation of all three synuclein family members causes more profound changes in lipid metabolism than changes previously shown to be associated with γ-synuclein deficiency alone. Possible mechanisms by which synuclein deficiency may govern the reported modifications of lipid metabolism in TKO mice are proposed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A. Guschina
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; (N.N.); (A.R.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Natalia Ninkina
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; (N.N.); (A.R.); (V.L.B.)
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovka 142432, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Andrei Roman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; (N.N.); (A.R.); (V.L.B.)
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovka 142432, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Mikhail V. Pokrovskiy
- Research Institute of Living Systems Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, Belgorod 308015, Belgorod Oblast, Russia;
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; (N.N.); (A.R.); (V.L.B.)
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovka 142432, Moscow Region, Russia
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Oganesyan I, Lento C, Tandon A, Wilson DJ. Conformational Dynamics of α-Synuclein during the Interaction with Phospholipid Nanodiscs by Millisecond Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:1169-1179. [PMID: 33784451 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Both normal and pathological functions of α-synuclein (αSN), an abundant protein in the central and peripheral nervous system, have been linked to its interaction with membrane lipid bilayers. The ability to characterize structural transitions of αSN upon membrane complexation will clarify molecular mechanisms associated with αSN-linked pathologies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple systems atrophy, and other synucleinopathies. In this work, time-resolved electrospray ionization hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (TRESI-HDX-MS) was employed to acquire a detailed picture of αSN's conformational transitions as it undergoes complexation with nanodisc membrane mimics with different headgroup charges (zwitterionic DMPC and negative POPG). Using this approach, αSN interactions with DMPC nanodiscs were shown to be rapid exchanging and to have little impact on the αSN conformational ensemble. Interactions with nanodiscs containing lipids known to promote amyloidogenesis (e.g., POPG), on the other hand, were observed to induce substantial and specific changes in the αSN conformational ensemble. Ultimately, we identify a region corresponding residues 19-28 and 45-57 of the αSN sequence that is uniquely impacted by interactions with "amyloidogenic" lipid membranes, supporting the existing "broken-helix" model for α-synuclein/membrane interactions, but do not detect a "helical extension" that is also thought to play a role in αSN aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Oganesyan
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Cristina Lento
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Anurag Tandon
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Derek J Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
- Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada
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Antonschmidt L, Dervişoğlu R, Sant V, Tekwani Movellan K, Mey I, Riedel D, Steinem C, Becker S, Andreas LB, Griesinger C. Insights into the molecular mechanism of amyloid filament formation: Segmental folding of α-synuclein on lipid membranes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/20/eabg2174. [PMID: 33990334 PMCID: PMC8121418 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg2174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the structural biology of disease-relevant α-synuclein fibrils have revealed a variety of structures, yet little is known about the process of fibril aggregate formation. Characterization of intermediate species that form during aggregation is crucial; however, this has proven very challenging because of their transient nature, heterogeneity, and low population. Here, we investigate the aggregation of α-synuclein bound to negatively charged phospholipid small unilamellar vesicles. Through a combination of kinetic and structural studies, we identify key time points in the aggregation process that enable targeted isolation of prefibrillar and early fibrillar intermediates. By using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, we show the gradual buildup of structural features in an α-synuclein fibril filament, revealing a segmental folding process. We identify distinct membrane-binding domains in α-synuclein aggregates, and the combined data are used to present a comprehensive mechanism of the folding of α-synuclein on lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Antonschmidt
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rıza Dervişoğlu
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vrinda Sant
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kumar Tekwani Movellan
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Mey
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dietmar Riedel
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Biomolecular Chemistry Group, Max-Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Fassberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Loren B Andreas
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Christian Griesinger
- Department of NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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40
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Melo F, Caballero L, Zamorano E, Ventura N, Navarro C, Doll I, Zamorano P, Cornejo A. The Cytotoxic Effect of α-Synuclein Aggregates. Chemphyschem 2021; 22:526-532. [PMID: 33482036 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202000831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving a functional protein, α-synuclein, whose primary function is related to vesicle trafficking. However, α-synuclein is prone to form aggregates, and these inclusions, known as Lewy bodies, are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. α-synuclein can alter its conformation and acquire aggregating capacity, forming aggregates containing β-sheets. This protein's pathogenic importance is based on its ability to form oligomers that impair synaptic transmission and neuronal function by increasing membrane permeability and altering homeostasis, generating a deleterious effect over cells. First, we establish that oligomers interfere with the mechanical properties of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) membrane, as demonstrated by nanoindentation curves. In contrast, nanoindentation revealed that the α-synuclein monomer's presence leads to a much more resistant lipid bilayer. Moreover, the oligomers' interaction with cell membranes can promote lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, suggesting the activation of cytotoxic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Melo
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Avenida Ecuador 3493, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Soft Matter Research, SMAT-C, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3363, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonardo Caballero
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Avenida Ecuador 3493, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Soft Matter Research, SMAT-C, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins 3363, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban Zamorano
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Andrés Bello, Echaurren 183, Laboratorio Catem V, Santiago, Chile
| | - Natalia Ventura
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Andrés Bello, Echaurren 183, Laboratorio Catem V, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Navarro
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Andrés Bello, Echaurren 183, Laboratorio Catem V, Santiago, Chile
| | - Irving Doll
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Andrés Bello, Echaurren 183, Laboratorio Catem V, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro Zamorano
- Departamento Biomédico, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alberto Cornejo
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Universidad Andrés Bello, Echaurren 183, Laboratorio Catem V, Santiago, Chile
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41
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Gaspar R, Idini I, Carlström G, Linse S, Sparr E. Transient Lipid-Protein Structures and Selective Ganglioside Uptake During α-Synuclein-Lipid Co-aggregation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:622764. [PMID: 33681202 PMCID: PMC7930334 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.622764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a membrane-interacting protein involved in Parkinson's disease. Here we have investigated the co-association of α-synuclein and lipids from ganglioside-containing model membranes. Our study relies on the reported importance of ganglioside lipids, which are found in high amounts in neurons and exosomes, on cell-to-cell prion-like transmission of misfolded α-synuclein. Samples taken along various stages of the aggregation process were imaged using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and the composition of samples corresponding to the final state analyzed using NMR spectroscopy. The combined data shows that α-synuclein co-assembles with lipids from the ganglioside (GM1)-containing model membranes. The lipid-protein samples observed during the aggregation process contain non-vesicular objects not present at the final stage, thus capturing the co-existence of species under non-equilibrium conditions. A range of different lipid-protein co-assemblies are observed during the time course of the reaction and some of these appear to be transient assemblies that evolve into other co-aggregates over time. At the end of the aggregation reaction, the samples become more homogeneous, showing thin fibrillar structures heavily decorated with small vesicles. From the NMR analysis, we conclude that the ratio of GM1 to phosphatidyl choline (PC) in the supernatant of the co-aggregated samples is significantly reduced compared to the GM1/PC ratio of the lipid dispersion from which these samples were derived. Taken together, this indicates a selective uptake of GM1 into the fibrillar aggregates and removal of GM1-rich objects from the solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Gaspar
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ilaria Idini
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Göran Carlström
- Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Linse
- Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Lyu J, Long X, Xie T, Jiang G, Jiang J, Ye L, Li Q. Copper oxide nanoparticles promote α-synuclein oligomerization and underlying neurotoxicity as a model of Parkinson's disease. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.115051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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43
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Zurlo E, Kumar P, Meisl G, Dear AJ, Mondal D, Claessens MMAE, Knowles TPJ, Huber M. In situ kinetic measurements of α-synuclein aggregation reveal large population of short-lived oligomers. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245548. [PMID: 33481908 PMCID: PMC7822277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the mechanisms of assembly of amyloid proteins into aggregates is of central importance in building an understanding of neurodegenerative disease. Given that oligomeric intermediates formed during the aggregation reaction are believed to be the major toxic species, methods to track such intermediates are clearly needed. Here we present a method, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), by which the amount of intermediates can be measured over the course of the aggregation, directly in the reacting solution, without the need for separation. We use this approach to investigate the aggregation of α-synuclein (αS), a synaptic protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease and find a large population of oligomeric species. Our results show that these are primary oligomers, formed directly from monomeric species, rather than oligomers formed by secondary nucleation processes, and that they are short-lived, the majority of them dissociates rather than converts to fibrils. As demonstrated here, EPR offers the means to detect such short-lived intermediate species directly in situ. As it relies only on the change in size of the detected species, it will be applicable to a wide range of self-assembling systems, making accessible the kinetics of intermediates and thus allowing the determination of their rates of formation and conversion, key processes in the self-assembly reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Zurlo
- Department of Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pravin Kumar
- Department of Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Meisl
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Dear
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dipro Mondal
- Department of Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martina Huber
- Department of Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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α-Synuclein Oligomers Induce Glutamate Release from Astrocytes and Excessive Extrasynaptic NMDAR Activity in Neurons, Thus Contributing to Synapse Loss. J Neurosci 2021; 41:2264-2273. [PMID: 33483428 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1871-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic and neuronal loss are major neuropathological characteristics of Parkinson's disease. Misfolded protein aggregates in the form of Lewy bodies, comprised mainly of α-synuclein (αSyn), are associated with disease progression, and have also been linked to other neurodegenerative diseases, including Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. However, the effects of αSyn and its mechanism of synaptic damage remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that αSyn oligomers induce Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate from astrocytes obtained from male and female mice, and that mice overexpressing αSyn manifest increased tonic release of glutamate in vivo In turn, this extracellular glutamate activates glutamate receptors, including extrasynaptic NMDARs (eNMDARs), on neurons both in culture and in hippocampal slices of αSyn-overexpressing mice. Additionally, in patch-clamp recording from outside-out patches, we found that oligomerized αSyn can directly activate eNMDARs. In organotypic slices, oligomeric αSyn induces eNMDAR-mediated synaptic loss, which can be reversed by the drug NitroSynapsin. When we expose human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebrocortical neurons to αSyn, we find similar effects. Importantly, the improved NMDAR antagonist NitroSynapsin, which selectively inhibits extrasynaptic over physiological synaptic NMDAR activity, protects synapses from oligomeric αSyn-induced damage in our model systems, thus meriting further study for its therapeutic potential.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Loss of synaptic function and ensuing neuronal loss are associated with disease progression in Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism of synaptic damage remains incompletely understood. α-Synuclein (αSyn) misfolds in PD/LBD, forming Lewy bodies and contributing to disease pathogenesis. Here, we found that misfolded/oligomeric αSyn releases excessive astrocytic glutamate, in turn activating neuronal extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs), thereby contributing to synaptic damage. Additionally, αSyn oligomers directly activate eNMDARs, further contributing to damage. While the FDA-approved drug memantine has been reported to offer some benefit in PD/LBD (Hershey and Coleman-Jackson, 2019), we find that the improved eNMDAR antagonist NitroSynapsin ameliorates αSyn-induced synaptic spine loss, providing potential disease-modifying intervention in PD/LBD.
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Takaramoto S, Nakasone Y, Sadakane K, Maruta S, Terazima M. Time-resolved detection of SDS-induced conformational changes in α-synuclein by a micro-stopped-flow system. RSC Adv 2021; 11:1086-1097. [PMID: 35423687 PMCID: PMC8693425 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra09614h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An intrinsically disordered protein, α-synuclein (αSyn), binds to negatively charged phospholipid membranes and adopts an α-helical structure. This conformational change is also induced by interaction with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which is an anionic surfactant used in previous studies to mimic membrane binding. However, while the structure of the αSyn and SDS complex has been studied widely by various static measurements, the process of structural change from the denatured state to the folded state remains unclear. In this study, the interaction dynamics between αSyn and SDS micelles was investigated using time-resolved measurements with a micro-stopped-flow system, which has been recently developed. In particular, the time-resolved diffusion based on the transient grating technique in combination with a micro-stopped-flow system revealed the gradual change in diffusion triggered by the presence of SDS micelles. This change is induced not only by binding to SDS micelles, but also by an intramolecular conformational change. It was interesting to find that the diffusion coefficient decreased in an intermediate state and then increased to the final state in the binding reaction. We also carried out stopped-flow-kinetic measurements of circular dichroism and intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and the D change was assigned to the formation of a compact structure derived from the helix bending on the micelle. Dynamics of conformation changes of α-synuclein induced by the presence of SDS micelles are revealed using time-resolved diffusion, CD, and FRET measurements combined with a micro-stopped flow system.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunki Takaramoto
- Department of Chemistry
- Graduate School of Science
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 606-8502
- Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakasone
- Department of Chemistry
- Graduate School of Science
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 606-8502
- Japan
| | - Kei Sadakane
- Department of Bioinformatics
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Soka University
- Hachioji
- Japan
| | - Shinsaku Maruta
- Department of Bioinformatics
- Graduate School of Engineering
- Soka University
- Hachioji
- Japan
| | - Masahide Terazima
- Department of Chemistry
- Graduate School of Science
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 606-8502
- Japan
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46
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Musteikytė G, Jayaram AK, Xu CK, Vendruscolo M, Krainer G, Knowles TPJ. Interactions of α-synuclein oligomers with lipid membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183536. [PMID: 33373595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is an increasingly prevalent and currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder. At the molecular level, this disease is characterized by the formation of aberrant intracellular protein deposits known as Lewy bodies. Oligomeric forms of the protein α-synuclein (αS), which are believed to be both intermediates and by-products of Lewy body formation, are considered to be the main pathogenic species. Interactions of such oligomers with lipid membranes are increasingly emerging as a major molecular pathway underpinning their toxicity. Here we review recent progress in our understanding of the interactions of αS oligomers with lipid membranes. We highlight key structural and biophysical features of αS oligomers, the effects of these features on αS oligomer membrane binding properties, and resultant implications for understanding the etiology of Parkinson's disease. We discuss mechanistic modes of αS oligomer-lipid membrane interactions and the effects of environmental factors to such modes. Finally, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the main molecular determinants of αS oligomer toxicity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Musteikytė
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Akhila K Jayaram
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom; Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Krainer
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom; Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
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47
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Pallbo J, Imai M, Gentile L, Takata SI, Olsson U, Sparr E. NACore Amyloid Formation in the Presence of Phospholipids. Front Physiol 2020; 11:592117. [PMID: 33391013 PMCID: PMC7775532 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.592117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloids are implicated in many diseases, and disruption of lipid membrane structures is considered as one possible mechanism of pathology. In this paper we investigate interactions between an aggregating peptide and phospholipid membranes, focusing on the nanometer-scale structures of the aggregates formed, as well as on the effect on the aggregation process. As a model system, we use the small amyloid-forming peptide named NACore, which is a fragment of the central region of the protein α-synuclein that is associated with Parkinson's disease. We find that phospholipid vesicles readily associate with the amyloid fibril network in the form of highly distorted and trapped vesicles that also may wet the surface of the fibrils. This effect is most pronounced for model lipid systems containing only zwitterionic lipids. Fibrillation is found to be retarded by the presence of the vesicles. At the resolution of our measurements, which are based mainly on cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), X-ray scattering, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we find that the resulting aggregates can be well fitted as linear combinations of peptide fibrils and phospholipid bilayers. There are no detectable effects on the cross-β packing of the peptide molecules in the fibrils, or on the thickness of the phospholipid bilayers. This suggests that while the peptide fibrils and lipid bilayers readily co-assemble on large length-scales, most of them still retain their separate structural identities on molecular length-scales. Comparison between this relatively simple model system and other amyloid systems might help distinguish aspects of amyloid-lipid interactions that are generic from aspects that are more protein specific. Finally, we briefly consider possible implications of the obtained results for in-vivo amyloid toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Pallbo
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Masayuki Imai
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Luigi Gentile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ulf Olsson
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Sparr
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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48
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Lipid headgroups alter huntingtin aggregation on membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183497. [PMID: 33130095 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's Disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a glutamine repeat region (polyQ) beyond a critical threshold within exon1 of the huntingtin protein (htt). As a consequence of polyQ expansion, htt associates into a variety of aggregate species that are thought to underlie cellular toxicity. Within cells, htt associates with numerous membranous organelles and surfaces that exert influence on the aggregation process. In particular, the first 17 amino acids at the N-terminus of htt (Nt17) serve as a lipid-binding domain that is intrinsically disordered in bulk solution but adopts an amphipathic α-helical structure upon binding membranes. Beyond this, Nt17 is implicated in initiating htt fibrillization. As the interaction between Nt17 and lipid membranes is likely influenced by lipid properties, the impact of lipid headgroups on htt-exon1 aggregation, membrane activity, and the ability to form protein:lipid complexes was determined. Htt-exon1 with a disease-length polyQ domain (46Q) was exposed to lipid vesicles comprised of lipids with either zwitterionic (POPC and POPE) or anionic (POPG and POPS) headgroups. With zwitterionic head groups, large lipid to peptide ratios were required to have a statistically significant impact on htt aggregation. Anionic lipids enhanced htt fibrillization, even at low lipid:protein ratios, and this was accompanied by changes in aggregate morphology. Despite the larger impact of anionic lipids, htt-exon1(46Q) was more membrane active with zwitterionic lipid systems. The ability of Nt17 to form complexes with lipids was also mediated by lipid headgroups as zwitterionic ionic lipids more readily associated with multimeric forms of Nt17 in comparison with anionic lipids. Collectively, these results highlight the complexity of htt/membrane interactions and the resulting impact on the aggregation process.
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49
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Cai B, Liu J, Zhao Y, Xu X, Bu B, Li D, Zhang L, Dong W, Ji B, Diao J. Single-vesicle imaging quantifies calcium's regulation of nanoscale vesicle clustering mediated by α-synuclein. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:38. [PMID: 34567651 PMCID: PMC8433175 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have shown that the protein α-synuclein (α-Syn) plays a central role in Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and other neurodegenerative diseases, the protein's physiological function remains poorly understood. Furthermore, despite recent reports suggesting that, under the influence of Ca2+, α-Syn can interact with synaptic vesicles, the mechanisms underlying that interaction are far from clear. Thus, we used single-vesicle imaging to quantify the extent to which Ca2+ regulates nanoscale vesicle clustering mediated by α-Syn. Our results revealed not only that vesicle clustering required α-Syn to bind to anionic lipid vesicles, but also that different concentrations of Ca2+ exerted different effects on how α-Syn induced vesicle clustering. In particular, low concentrations of Ca2+ inhibited vesicle clustering by blocking the electrostatic interaction between the lipid membrane and the N terminus of α-Syn, whereas high concentrations promoted vesicle clustering, possibly due to the electrostatic interaction between Ca2+ and the negatively charged lipids that is independent of α-Syn. Taken together, our results provide critical insights into α-Syn's physiological function, and how Ca2+ regulates vesicle clustering mediated by α-Syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cai
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Applied Mechanics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yunfei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000 China
| | - Xiangyu Xu
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Applied Mechanics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Bing Bu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164 China
| | - Dechang Li
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter (Ministry of Education), School of Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 China
| | - Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000 China
| | - Baohua Ji
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jiajie Diao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
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50
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Single-vesicle imaging reveals lipid-selective and stepwise membrane disruption by monomeric α-synuclein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:14178-14186. [PMID: 32513706 PMCID: PMC7322013 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914670117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasing among the world's population, but there are no cures. These disorders all involve proteins that assemble into amyloid fibers which results in brain cell death. Evidence suggests that association of these proteins with lipid membranes is crucial for both functional and pathological roles. In Parkinson's disease, the involved protein, α-synuclein, is thought to function in trafficking of lipid vesicles in the brain. In search of mechanistic origins, increasing focus is put on identifying neurotoxic reactions induced by membrane interactions. To contribute new clues to this question, we here employed a new surface-sensitive scattering microscopy technique. With this approach, we discovered that α-synuclein perturbs vesicles in a stepwise and lipid-dependent fashion already at very low protein coverage. The interaction of the neuronal protein α-synuclein with lipid membranes appears crucial in the context of Parkinson’s disease, but the underlying mechanistic details, including the roles of different lipids in pathogenic protein aggregation and membrane disruption, remain elusive. Here, we used single-vesicle resolution fluorescence and label-free scattering microscopy to investigate the interaction kinetics of monomeric α-synuclein with surface-tethered vesicles composed of different negatively charged lipids. Supported by a theoretical model to account for structural changes in scattering properties of surface-tethered lipid vesicles, the data demonstrate stepwise vesicle disruption and asymmetric membrane deformation upon α-synuclein binding to phosphatidylglycerol vesicles at protein concentrations down to 10 nM (∼100 proteins per vesicle). In contrast, phosphatidylserine vesicles were only marginally affected. These insights into structural consequences of α-synuclein interaction with lipid vesicles highlight the contrasting roles of different anionic lipids, which may be of mechanistic relevance for both normal protein function (e.g., synaptic vesicle binding) and dysfunction (e.g., mitochondrial membrane interaction).
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