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Bora JR, Mahalakshmi R. Empowering canonical biochemicals with cross-linked novelty: Recursions in applications of protein cross-links. Proteins 2025; 93:11-25. [PMID: 37589191 PMCID: PMC7616502 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26571] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Diversity in the biochemical workhorses of the cell-that is, proteins-is achieved by the innumerable permutations offered primarily by the 20 canonical L-amino acids prevalent in all biological systems. Yet, proteins are known to additionally undergo unusual modifications for specialized functions. Of the various post-translational modifications known to occur in proteins, the recently identified non-disulfide cross-links are unique, residue-specific covalent modifications that confer additional structural stability and unique functional characteristics to these biomolecules. We review an exclusive class of amino acid cross-links encompassing aromatic and sulfur-containing side chains, which not only confer superior biochemical characteristics to the protein but also possess additional spectroscopic features that can be exploited as novel chromophores. Studies of their in vivo reaction mechanism have facilitated their specialized in vitro applications in hydrogels and protein anchoring in monolayer chips. Furthering the discovery of unique canonical cross-links through new chemical, structural, and bioinformatics tools will catalyze the development of protein-specific hyperstable nanostructures, superfoods, and biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinam Ravindra Bora
- Department of Biological Sciences, Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahalakshmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India
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2
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Maraldo A, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Marquis C. Tyrosine - a structural glue for hierarchical protein assembly. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:633-648. [PMID: 38653686 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Protein self-assembly, guided by the interplay of sequence- and environment-dependent liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), constitutes a fundamental process in the assembly of numerous intrinsically disordered proteins. Heuristic examination of these proteins has underscored the role of tyrosine residues, evident in their conservation and pivotal involvement in initiating LLPS and subsequent liquid-solid phase transitions (LSPT). The development of tyrosine-templated constructs, designed to mimic their natural counterparts, emerges as a promising strategy for creating adaptive, self-assembling systems with diverse applications. This review explores the central role of tyrosine in orchestrating protein self-assembly, delving into key interactions and examining its potential in innovative applications, including responsive biomaterials and bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Maraldo
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jelena Rnjak-Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Christopher Marquis
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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3
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do Amaral MJ, Mohapatra S, Passos AR, Lopes da Silva TS, Carvalho RS, da Silva Almeida M, Pinheiro AS, Wegmann S, Cordeiro Y. Copper drives prion protein phase separation and modulates aggregation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi7347. [PMID: 37922348 PMCID: PMC10624353 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi7347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are characterized by prion protein (PrP) transmissible aggregation and neurodegeneration, which has been linked to oxidative stress. The physiological function of PrP seems related to sequestering of redox-active Cu2+, and Cu2+ dyshomeostasis is observed in prion disease brain. It is unclear whether Cu2+ contributes to PrP aggregation, recently shown to be mediated by PrP condensation. This study indicates that Cu2+ promotes PrP condensation in live cells at the cell surface and in vitro through copartitioning. Molecularly, Cu2+ inhibited PrP β-structure and hydrophobic residues exposure. Oxidation, induced by H2O2, triggered liquid-to-solid transition of PrP:Cu2+ condensates and promoted amyloid-like PrP aggregation. In cells, overexpression of PrPC initially protected against Cu2+ cytotoxicity but led to PrPC aggregation upon extended copper exposure. Our data suggest that PrP condensates function as a buffer for copper that prevents copper toxicity but can transition into PrP aggregation at prolonged oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Juliani do Amaral
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Aline Ribeiro Passos
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcius da Silva Almeida
- Plataforma Avançada de Biomoléculas, Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anderson Sá Pinheiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susanne Wegmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4
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Murvai N, Gellen G, Micsonai A, Schlosser G, Kardos J. Cross-Linked α-Synuclein as Inhibitor of Amyloid Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13403. [PMID: 37686208 PMCID: PMC10487470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713403] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggregation and amyloid formation of α-synuclein is associated with Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. In its native, monomeric form α-synuclein is an intrinsically disordered protein represented by highly dynamic conformational ensembles. Inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation using small molecules, peptides, or proteins has been at the center of interest in recent years. Our aim was to explore the effects of cross-linking on the structure and aggregation/amyloid formation properties of α-synuclein. Comparative analysis of available high-resolution amyloid structures and representative structural models and MD trajectory of monomeric α-synuclein revealed that potential cross-links in the monomeric protein are mostly incompatible with the amyloid forms and thus might inhibit fibrillation. Monomeric α-synuclein has been intramolecularly chemically cross-linked under various conditions using different cross-linkers. We determined the location of cross-links and their frequency using mass spectrometry and found that most of them cannot be realized in the amyloid structures. The inhibitory potential of cross-linked proteins has been experimentally investigated using various methods, including thioflavin-T fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. We found that conformational constraints applied by cross-linking fully blocked α-synuclein amyloid formation. Moreover, DTSSP-cross-linked molecules exhibited an inhibitory effect on the aggregation of unmodified α-synuclein as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Murvai
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE—Functional Nucleic Acid Motifs Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Gellen
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - András Micsonai
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE—Functional Nucleic Acid Motifs Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Kardos
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Mañucat-Tan NB, Chowdhury A, Cataldi R, Abdullah RZ, Kumita JR, Wyatt AR. Hypochlorite-induced oxidation promotes aggregation and reduces toxicity of amyloid beta 1-42. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102736. [PMID: 37216700 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exacerbated hypochlorite (OCl-) production is linked to neurodegenerative processes, but there is growing evidence that lower levels of hypochlorite activity are important to protein homeostasis. In this study we characterise the effects of hypochlorite on the aggregation and toxicity of amyloid beta peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42), a major component of amyloid plaques that form in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Our results demonstrate that treatment with hypochlorite promotes the formation of Aβ1-42 assemblies ≥100 kDa that have reduced surface exposed hydrophobicity compared to the untreated peptide. This effect is the result of the oxidation of Aβ1-42 at a single site as determined by mass spectrometry analysis. Although treatment with hypochlorite promotes the aggregation of Aβ1-42, the solubility of the peptide is enhanced and amyloid fibril formation is inhibited as assessed by filter trap assay, thioflavin T assay and transmission electron microscopy. The results of in vitro assays using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells show that pre-treatment of Aβ1-42 with a sub-stoichiometric amount of hypochlorite substantially reduces its toxicity. The results of flow cytometry analysis and internalisation assays indicate that hypochlorite-induced modification of Aβ1-42 reduces its toxicity via at least two-distinct mechanism, reducing the total binding of Aβ1-42 to the surface of cells and facilitating the cell surface clearance of Aβ1-42 to lysosomes. Our data is consistent with a model in which tightly regulated production of hypochlorite in the brain is protective against Aβ-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noralyn B Mañucat-Tan
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia, 5048
| | - Ashfaq Chowdhury
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rodrigo Cataldi
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rafaa Zeineddine Abdullah
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2500
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Amy R Wyatt
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia, 5048.
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6
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Suh JM, Kim M, Yoo J, Han J, Paulina C, Lim MH. Intercommunication between metal ions and amyloidogenic peptides or proteins in protein misfolding disorders. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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7
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Wei Y, Jia S, Ding Y, Xia S, Giunta S. Balanced basal-levels of ROS (redox-biology), and very-low-levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cold-inflammaging), as signaling molecules can prevent or slow-down overt-inflammaging, and the aging-associated decline of adaptive-homeostasis. Exp Gerontol 2023; 172:112067. [PMID: 36535453 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.112067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Both reactive oxygen species (ROS) from redox-biology and pro-inflammatory cytokines from innate immunity/and other sources, in addition to their role in redox-biology, and in defense and repair, have long been regarded as potentially harmful factors associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory states. However, their important physiological functions as signaling molecules have been demonstrated to be of importance, also in Geroscience, particularly when ROS are at balanced basal levels (redox-biology) and pro-inflammatory cytokines are at very low levels (cold-inflammaging). Under these conditions, both of these components (alone or in combination) may act as signaling/response molecules involved in regulating/maintaining or restoring adaptive homeostasis during aging, particularly in the early phases of even very-mild non-damaging internal or external environmental stimuli that could nevertheless elicit low-grade warnings-signals for homeostatic stability. If signals potentially perturbing homeostasis persist, the levels of ROS and pro-inflammatory mediators increase resulting in a switch from adaptive to maladaptive responses which may lead to oxidative stress and overt-inflammaging (or even to an overt inflammatory state), thus paving the way to the risks of aging-related diseases (ARDs). Conversely, upon adaptive-responses, low-levels of ROS and very-low-levels of pro-inflammatory-cytokines, alone or in combination, can result in an amplified capacity to prevent or slow-down overt-inflammaging (2-fold to 4-fold increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines) thus maintaining or restoring homeostasis. Therefore, these signaling molecules may also have the sequential incremental potential to prevent or slow the subsequent decline of adaptive homeostasis that will occur later in the lifespan. These scenarios may lead us to conceive of, and conceptualize, both these molecules and their basal-low levels, as well as their dynamics and the time-course of responses, as 'potential important pillars of adaptive-homeostasis in aging' since the earliest phases of the occurrence of any even very- mild environmental potential imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Wei
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuang Jia
- Department of Prosthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Ding
- Shanghai Medical Information Center, Shanghai Health Development Research Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shijin Xia
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Sergio Giunta
- Casa di Cura Prof. Nobili-GHC Garofalo Health Care, Bologna, Italy.
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8
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Maina MB, Al-Hilaly YK, Serpell LC. Dityrosine cross-linking and its potential roles in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1132670. [PMID: 37034163 PMCID: PMC10075315 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1132670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a significant source of damage that accumulates during aging and contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Oxidation of proteins can give rise to covalent links between adjacent tyrosines known as dityrosine (DiY) cross-linking, amongst other modifications, and this observation suggests that DiY could serve as a biomarker of accumulated oxidative stress over the lifespan. Many studies have focused on understanding the contribution of DiY to AD pathogenesis and have revealed that DiY crosslinks can be found in both Aβ and tau deposits - the two key proteins involved in the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, respectively. However, there is no consensus yet in the field on the impact of DiY on Aβ and tau function, aggregation, and toxicity. Here we review the current understanding of the role of DiY on Aβ and tau gathered over the last 20 years since the first observation, and discuss the effect of this modification for Aβ and tau aggregation, and its potential as a biomarker for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud B. Maina
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre, College of Medical Sciences, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria
| | - Youssra K. Al-Hilaly
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Louise C. Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Louise C. Serpell,
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9
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Early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease by targeting toxic soluble Aβ oligomers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210766119. [PMID: 36442093 PMCID: PMC9894226 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210766119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient soluble oligomers of amyloid-β (Aβ) are toxic and accumulate early prior to insoluble plaque formation and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synthetic cyclic D,L-α-peptides (e.g., 1) self-assemble into cross β-sheet nanotubes, react with early Aβ species (1-3 mers), and inhibit Aβ aggregation and toxicity in stoichiometric concentrations, in vitro. Employing a semicarbazide as an aza-glycine residue with an extra hydrogen-bond donor to tune nanotube assembly and amyloid engagement, [azaGly6]-1 inhibited Aβ aggregation and toxicity at substoichiometric concentrations. High-resolution NMR studies revealed dynamic interactions between [azaGly6]-1 and Aβ42 residues F19 and F20, which are pivotal for early dimerization and aggregation. In an AD mouse model, brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using stable 64Cu-labeled (aza)peptide tracers gave unprecedented early amyloid detection in 44-d presymptomatic animals. No tracer accumulation was detected in the cortex and hippocampus of 44-d-old 5xFAD mice; instead, intense PET signal was observed in the thalamus, from where Aβ oligomers may spread to other brain parts with disease progression. Compared with standard 11C-labeled Pittsburgh compound-B (11C-PIB), which binds specifically fibrillar Aβ plaques, 64Cu-labeled (aza)peptide gave superior contrast and uptake in young mouse brain correlating with Aβ oligomer levels. Effectively crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), peptide 1 and [azaGly6]-1 reduced Aβ oligomer levels, prolonged lifespan of AD transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans, and abated memory and behavioral deficits in nematode and murine AD models. Cyclic (aza)peptides offer novel promise for early AD diagnosis and therapy.
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10
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Khristin MS, Smolova TN, Khorobrykh AA. Dimerization of the Free and Photosystem II-Associated PsbO Protein upon Irradiation with UV Light. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350922060100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
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11
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Maina MB, Al-Hilaly YK, Oakley S, Burra G, Khanom T, Biasetti L, Mengham K, Marshall K, Harrington CR, Wischik CM, Serpell LC. Dityrosine Cross-links are Present in Alzheimer's Disease-derived Tau Oligomers and Paired Helical Filaments (PHF) which Promotes the Stability of the PHF-core Tau (297-391) In Vitro. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167785. [PMID: 35961386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167785] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A characteristic hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the pathological aggregation and deposition of tau into paired helical filaments (PHF) in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Oxidative stress is an early event during AD pathogenesis and is associated with tau-mediated AD pathology. Oxidative environments can result in the formation of covalent dityrosine crosslinks that can increase protein stability and insolubility. Dityrosine cross-linking has been shown in Aβ plaques in AD and α-synuclein aggregates in Lewy bodies in ex vivo tissue sections, and this modification may increase the insolubility of these aggregates and their resistance to degradation. Using the PHF-core tau fragment (residues 297 - 391) as a model, we have previously demonstrated that dityrosine formation traps tau assemblies to reduce further elongation. However, it is unknown whether dityrosine crosslinks are found in tau deposits in vivo in AD and its relevance to disease mechanism is unclear. Here, using transmission electron microscope (TEM) double immunogold-labelling, we reveal that neurofibrillary NFTs in AD are heavily decorated with dityrosine crosslinks alongside tau. Single immunogold-labelling TEM and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed the presence of dityrosine on AD brain-derived tau oligomers and fibrils. Using the tau (297-391) PHF-core fragment as a model, we further showed that prefibrillar tau species are more amenable to dityrosine crosslinking than tau fibrils. Dityrosine formation results in heat and SDS stability of oxidised prefibrillar and fibrillar tau assemblies. This finding has implications for understanding the mechanism governing the insolubility and toxicity of tau assemblies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud B Maina
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK; Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre, Yobe State University, Nigeria. https://twitter.com/mahmoudbukar
| | - Youssra K Al-Hilaly
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK; Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Sebastian Oakley
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK
| | - Gunasekhar Burra
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK; Analytical Development Biologics, Biopharmaceutical Development, Syngene International Limited, Biocon Park, Bommasandra Jigani Link Road, Bangalore 560009, India
| | - Tahmida Khanom
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK
| | - Luca Biasetti
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK
| | - Kurtis Mengham
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK
| | - Karen Marshall
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK
| | - Charles R Harrington
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK; TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Claude M Wischik
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK; TauRx Therapeutics Ltd, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Louise C Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex UK.
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12
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Devonport J, Bodnár N, McGown A, Bukar Maina M, Serpell LC, Kállay C, Spencer J, Kostakis GE. Salpyran: A Cu(II) Selective Chelator with Therapeutic Potential. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:15310-15320. [PMID: 34609139 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the rational design of a tunable Cu(II) chelating scaffold, 2-(((2-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)ethyl)amino)methyl)phenol, Salpyran (HL). This tetradentate ligand is predicated to have suitable permeation, has an extremely high affinity for Cu compared to clioquinol (pCu7.4 = 10.65 vs 5.91), and exhibits excellent selectivity for Cu(II) over Zn(II) in aqueous media. Solid and solution studies corroborate the formation of a stable [Cu(II)L]+ monocationic species at physiological pH values (7.4). Its action as an antioxidant was tested in ascorbate, tau, and human prion protein assays, which reveal that Salpyran prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species from the binary Cu(II)/H2O2 system, demonstrating its potential use as a therapeutic small molecule metal chelator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Devonport
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolett Bodnár
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew McGown
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mahmoud Bukar Maina
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.,College of Medical Sciences, Yobe State University, KM 7, Sir Kashim Ibrahim Way, PMB 1144 Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
| | - Louise C Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Csilla Kállay
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - John Spencer
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, United Kingdom
| | - George E Kostakis
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, United Kingdom
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13
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Maina MB, Al-Hilaly YK, Burra G, Rickard JE, Harrington CR, Wischik CM, Serpell LC. Oxidative Stress Conditions Result in Trapping of PHF-Core Tau (297-391) Intermediates. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030703. [PMID: 33809978 PMCID: PMC8005035 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of tau into paired helical filaments (PHFs) in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) is a significant event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Numerous post-translational modifications enhance or inhibit tau assembly into NFTs. Oxidative stress, which accompanies AD, induces multiple post-translational modifications in proteins, including the formation of dityrosine (DiY) cross-links. Previous studies have revealed that metal-catalysed oxidation (MCO) using Cu2+ and H2O2 leads to the formation of DiY cross-links in two misfolding proteins, Aβ and α-synuclein, associated with AD and Parkinson's disease respectively. The effect of MCO on tau remains unknown. Here, we examined the effect of MCO and ultra-violet oxidation to study the influence of DiY cross-linking on the self-assembly of the PHF-core tau fragment. We report that DiY cross-linking facilitates tau assembly into tau oligomers that fail to bind thioflavin S, lack β-sheet structure and prevents their elongation into filaments. At a higher concentration, Cu2+ (without H2O2) also facilitates the formation of these tau oligomers. The DiY cross-linked tau oligomers do not cause cell death. Our findings suggest that DiY cross-linking of pre-assembled tau promotes the formation of soluble tau oligomers that show no acute impact on cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud B. Maina
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK; (M.B.M.); (Y.K.A.-H.); (G.B.)
- College of Medical Sciences, Yobe State University, Damaturu P.M.B. 1144, Nigeria
| | - Youssra K. Al-Hilaly
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK; (M.B.M.); (Y.K.A.-H.); (G.B.)
- Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Gunasekhar Burra
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK; (M.B.M.); (Y.K.A.-H.); (G.B.)
- Analytical Research and Development, Pharma Division, Biological E. Limited, Genome Valley, IKP-Shameerpet, Hyderabad 500 078, Telangana, India
| | - Janet E. Rickard
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (J.E.R.); (C.R.H.); (C.M.W.)
| | - Charles R. Harrington
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (J.E.R.); (C.R.H.); (C.M.W.)
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Claude M. Wischik
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (J.E.R.); (C.R.H.); (C.M.W.)
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen AB24 5RP, UK
| | - Louise C. Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK; (M.B.M.); (Y.K.A.-H.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Burra G, Maina MB, Serpell LC, Thakur AK. Nucleation-dependent Aggregation Kinetics of Yeast Sup35 Fragment GNNQQNY. J Mol Biol 2020; 433:166732. [PMID: 33279578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.166732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
An N-terminal hepta-peptide sequence of yeast prion protein Sup35 with the sequence GNNQQNY is widely used as a model system for amyloid fibril formation. In this study, we used a reproducible solubilisation protocol that allows the generation of a homogenous monomeric solution of GNNQQNY to uncover the molecular details of its self-assembly mechanism. The aggregation kinetics data show that the GNNQQNY sequence follows nucleation-dependent aggregation kinetics with a critical nucleus of size ~7 monomers and that the efficiency of nucleation were found to be inversely related to the reaction temperature. The nucleus reduces the thermodynamic energy barrier by acting as a template for further self-assembly and results in highly ordered amyloid fibrils. The fibers grown at different temperatures showed similar Thioflavin T fluorescence, Congo-red binding and β-sheet rich structures displaying a characteristic cross-β diffraction pattern. These aggregates also share morphological and structural identity with those reported earlier. The mature GNNQQNY fibers did not exert significant oxidative stress or cytotoxicity upon incubating with differentiated SHSY5Y cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study to experimentally validate previous nucleus size predictions based on theoretical and molecular dynamics simulations. These findings provide the basis for understanding the kinetics and thermodynamics of amyloid nucleation and elongation of amyloidogenic proteins/peptides associated with many systemic and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekhar Burra
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, UK.
| | - Mahmoud B Maina
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, UK; College of Medical Sciences, Yobe State University, Nigeria
| | - Louise C Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Ashwani K Thakur
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India.
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