Characterisation of the structural, dynamic and aggregation properties of the W64R amyloidogenic variant of human lysozyme

Molecular insights into the phase transition of lysozyme into amyloid nanostructures: Implications of therapeutic strategies in diverse pathological conditions

Lysozyme, a well-known bacteriolytic enzyme, exhibits a fascinating yet complex behavior when it comes to protein aggregation. Under certain conditions, this enzyme undergoes flexible transformation, transitioning from partially unfolded intermediate units of native conformers into complex cross-β-rich nano fibrillar amyloid architectures. Formation of such lysozyme amyloids has been implicated in a multitude of pathological and medical severities, like hepatic dysfunction, hepatomegaly, splenic rupture as well as spleen dysfunction, nephropathy, sicca syndrome, renal dysfunction, renal amyloidosis, and systemic amyloidosis. In this comprehensive review, we have attempted to provide in-depth insights into the aggregating behavior of lysozyme across a spectrum of variables, including concentrations, temperatures, pH levels, and mutations. Our objective is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern lysozyme's aggregation process and to unravel the complex interplay between its structural attributes. Moreover, this work has critically examined the latest advancements in the field, focusing specifically on novel strategies and systems, that have been implemented to delay or inhibit the lysozyme amyloidogenesis. Apart from this, we have tried to explore and advance our fundamental understanding of the complex processes involved in lysozyme aggregation. This will help the research community to lay a robust foundation for screening, designing, and formulating targeted anti-amyloid therapeutics offering improved treatment modalities and interventions not only for lysozyme-linked amyloidopathy but for a wide range of amyloid-related disorders.

A review on nanotechnological perspective of "the amyloid cascade hypothesis" for neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by progressive degeneration of neurons which deteriorates the brain functions. An early detection of the onset of NDs is utmost important, as it will provide the fast treatment strategies to prevent further progression of the disease. Conventionally, accurate diagnosis of the brain related disorders is difficult in their early phase. To solve this problem, nanotechnology based neurofunctional imaging and biomarker detection techniques have been developed which allows high specificity and sensitivity towards screening and diagnosis of NDs. Another challenge to treat the brain related disorders is to overcome the complex integrity of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) for the delivery of theranostic agents. Fortunately, utilization of nanomaterials has been pursued as promising strategy to address this challenge. Herein, we critically highlighted the recent improvements in the field of neurodiagnostic and therapeutic approaches involving innovative strategies for diagnosis, and inhibition of protein aggregates. We have provided particular emphasis on the use of nanotechnology which can push forward the blooming research growth in this field to win the battle against devastating NDs.

Human lysozyme inhibits the fibrillation of serum amyloid a protein from systemic AA amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic AA amyloidosis is a world-wide occurring protein misfolding disease in humans and animals that arises from the formation of amyloid fibrils from serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and their deposition in multiple organs.

OBJECTIVE

To identify new agents that prevent fibril formation from SAA protein and to determine their mode of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a cell model for the formation of amyloid deposits from SAA protein to screen a library of peptides and small proteins, which were purified from human hemofiltrate. To clarify the inhibitory mechanism the obtained inhibitors were characterised in cell-free fibril formation assays and other biochemical methods.

RESULTS

We identified lysozyme as an inhibitor of SAA fibril formation. Lysozyme antagonised fibril formation both in the cell model as well as in cell-free fibril formation assays. The protein binds SAA with a dissociation constant of 16.5 ± 0.6 µM, while the binding site on SAA is formed by segments of positively charged amino acids.

CONCLUSION

Our data imply that lysozyme acts in a chaperone-like fashion and prevents the aggregation of SAA protein through direct, physical interactions.

Inhibitory effect of plain and functionalized graphene nanoplateles on hen egg white lysozyme fibrillation

Protein fibrillation is a phenomenon associated with misfolding and the production of highly ordered nanofibrils, which may cause serious degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. Upon contact with biological fluids, the nanomaterials are immediately covered by proteins and interact with them. In this study, the effects of Graphene NanoPlateles (Plain-GNPs) and their modified forms with a carboxyl group (GNPs -COOH) and an amine group (GNPs -NH2) are evaluated on the fibrillation process of Hen Egg White Lysozyme (HEWL). The fibrillation process of HEWL was studied using thioflavin-T, Circular Dichroism spectrometry, and Atomic Force Microscopy. Plain-GNPs significantly decreased the fibrillation process at different stages, including nucleation, exponential fibrillation phases, and end-mature fibril products. However, GNPs-COOH and GNPs-NH2 affected the final fluorescence of ThT. The species formed in the presence of Plain-GNPs showed less toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, which could be applicable for therapeutic purposes.

Solvent-Induced Lag Phase during the Formation of Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils Triggered by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: Biophysical Experimental and In Silico Study of Solvent Effects

Amyloid aggregates arise from either the partial or complete loss of the native protein structure or the inability of proteins to attain their native conformation. These aggregates have been linked to several diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and lysozyme amyloidosis. A comprehensive dataset was recently reported, demonstrating the critical role of the protein's surrounding environment in amyloid formation. In this study, we investigated the formation of lysozyme amyloid fibrils induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the effect of solvents in the medium. Experimental data obtained through fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a notable lag phase in amyloid formation when acetone solution was present. This finding suggested that the presence of acetone in the reaction medium created an unfavorable microenvironment for amyloid fibril formation and impeded the organization of the denatured protein into the fibril form. The in silico data provided insights into the molecular mechanism of the interaction between acetone molecules and the lysozyme protofibril, once acetone presented the best experimental results. It was observed that the lysozyme protofibril became highly unstable in the presence of acetone, leading to the complete loss of its β-sheet conformation and resulting in an open structure. Furthermore, the solvation layer of the protofibril in acetone solution was significantly reduced compared to that in other solvents, resulting in fewer hydrogen bonds. Consequently, the presence of acetone facilitated the exposure of the hydrophobic portion of the protofibril, precluding the amyloid fibril formation. In summary, our study underscores the pivotal role the surrounding environment plays in influencing amyloid formation.

Lysozyme amyloidosis-a report on a large German cohort and the characterisation of a novel amyloidogenic lysozyme gene variant

Lysozyme-derived (ALys) amyloidosis is a rare type of hereditary amyloidosis. Nine amyloidogenic variants and ∼30 affected families have been described worldwide. The most common manifestations are renal dysfunction, gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and sicca syndrome. We report on the clinical course of ten patients from six families representing one of the largest cohorts published so far. Seven patients carried the W64R variant showing the whole spectrum of ALys-associated symptoms. Two patients-a mother-son pair-carried a novel lysozyme variant, which was associated with nephropathy and peripheral polyneuropathy. In accordance with previous findings, the phenotype resembled within these families but did not correlate with the genotype. To gain insights into the effect of the variants at the molecular level, we analysed the structure of lysozyme and performed comparative computational predictions on aggregation propensity and conformational stability. Our study supports that decreased conformational stability is a key factor for lysozyme variants to be prone to aggregation. In summary, ALys amyloidosis is a very rare, but still heterogeneous disease that can manifest at an early age. Our newly identified lysozyme variant is associated with nephropathy and peripheral polyneuropathy. Further research is needed to understand its pathogenesis and to enable the development of new treatments.