1
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Zhang J, Luo WC, Zhang Y, Li X, Jiang M, Huang K, Yu X, Xu L. Red emissive fluorescent carbon dots based on ternary carbon source for imaging α-synuclein fibrils. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 670:576-584. [PMID: 38776692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.05.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein monomers usually cause the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is important to develop effective methods for detection of α-synuclein aggregates. Carbon dots (CDs) could be the potential fluorescence probe for this purpose owing to their appreciated optical properties. However, undefined structure of CDs and complicated three-dimensional structure of protein severely hindered the design of fluorescence probe towards protein aggregates. Herein, a red emissive fluorescent amphiphilic CD, named as CL-9, was designed with a high sensitivity to α-synuclein fibrils by a one-step heating process, using the ternary carbon source, including Congo red, l-tryptophan and urea. The CL-9 exhibited turn-on red emissive fluorescence towards α-synuclein fibril, but remained no change towards its monomer. Compared with the original Congo red dye, CL-9 exhibited stronger turn-on red fluorescence towards α-synuclein fibrils with better anti-photobleaching resistance, biocompatibility and signal-to-noise ratio. The CL-9 was successful as a fluorescent probe to image α-synuclein fibrils in NL-5901 C. elegans. The present study provided a feasible approach using the multiple carbon sources to construct the CDs based fluorescence probe targeting amyloid proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wan-Chun Luo
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xi Li
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Xu Yu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Li Xu
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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2
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Coskuner-Weber O. Structures prediction and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of α-synuclein: A case study for intrinsically disordered proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133813. [PMID: 38996889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133813] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, a variety of three-dimensional structure prediction tools, including AlphaFold2, AlphaFold3, I-TASSER, C-I-TASSER, Phyre2, ESMFold, and RoseTTAFold, have been employed in the investigation of intrinsically disordered proteins. However, a comprehensive validation of these tools specifically for intrinsically disordered proteins has yet to be conducted. In this study, we utilize AlphaFold2, AlphaFold3, I-TASSER, C-I-TASSER, Phyre2, ESMFold, and RoseTTAFold to predict the structure of a model intrinsically disordered α-synuclein protein. Additionally, extensive replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of the intrinsically disordered protein are conducted. The resulting structures from both structure prediction tools and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations are analyzed for radius of gyration, secondary and tertiary structure properties, as well as Cα and Hα chemical shift values. A comparison of the obtained results with experimental data reveals that replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations provide results in excellent agreement with experimental observations. However, none of the structure prediction tools utilized in this study can fully capture the structural characteristics of the model intrinsically disordered protein. This study shows that a cluster of ensembles are required for intrinsically disordered proteins. Artificial-intelligence based structure prediction tools such as AlphaFold3 and C-I-TASSER could benefit from stochastic sampling or Monte Carlo simulations for generating an ensemble of structures for intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkid Coskuner-Weber
- Turkish-German University, Molecular Biotechnology, Sahinkaya Caddesi, No. 106, Beykoz, Istanbul 34820, Turkey.
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3
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Al Khashali H, Ray R, Darweesh B, Wozniak C, Haddad B, Goel S, Seidu I, Khalil J, Lopo B, Murshed N, Guthrie J, Heyl D, Evans HG. Amyloid Beta Leads to Decreased Acetylcholine Levels and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Survival via a Mechanism That Involves p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Protein Kinase C in a p53-Dependent and -Independent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5033. [PMID: 38732252 PMCID: PMC11084752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown an inverse correlation between the likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disorder and cancer. We previously reported that the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ), at the center of Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, are regulated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we examined the effect of Aβ or its fragments on the levels of ACh in A549 (p53 wild-type) and H1299 (p53-null) NSCLC cell media. ACh levels were reduced by cell treatment with Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40, Aβ 1-28, and Aβ 25-35. AChE and p53 activities increased upon A549 cell treatment with Aβ, while knockdown of p53 in A549 cells increased ACh levels, decreased AChE activity, and diminished the Aβ effects. Aβ increased the ratio of phospho/total p38 MAPK and decreased the activity of PKC. Inhibiting p38 MAPK reduced the activity of p53 in A549 cells and increased ACh levels in the media of both cell lines, while opposite effects were found upon inhibiting PKC. ACh decreased the activity of p53 in A549 cells, decreased p38 MAPK activity, increased PKC activity, and diminished the effect of Aβ on those activities. Moreover, the negative effect of Aβ on cell viability was diminished by cell co-treatment with ACh.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hedeel Guy Evans
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA; (H.A.K.); (R.R.); (B.D.); (C.W.); (B.H.); (S.G.); (I.S.); (J.K.); (B.L.); (N.M.); (J.G.); (D.H.)
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4
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Khorsand FR, Aziziyan F, Khajeh K. Factors influencing amyloid fibril formation. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:55-83. [PMID: 38811089 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.015] [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
Protein aggregation is a complex process with several stages that lead to the formation of complex structures and shapes with a broad variability in stability and toxicity. The aggregation process is affected by various factors and environmental conditions that disrupt the protein's original state, including internal factors like mutations, expression levels, and polypeptide chain truncation, as well as external factors, such as dense molecular surroundings, post-translation modifications, and interactions with other proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, metal ions, chaperones, and lipid membranes. During the aggregation process, the biological activity of an aggregating protein may be reduced or eliminated, whereas the resulting aggregates may have the potential to be immunogenic, or they may have other undesirable properties. Finding the cause(s) of protein aggregation and controlling it to an acceptable level is among the most crucial topics of research in academia and biopharmaceutical companies. This chapter aims to review intrinsic pathways of protein aggregation and potential extrinsic variables that influence this process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- 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.
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5
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Das D, Mattaparthi VSK. Computational investigation on the conformational dynamics of C-terminal truncated α-synuclein bound to membrane. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38321955 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2310788] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Accelerated progression rates in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been linked to C-terminal domain (CTD) truncations of monomeric α-Synuclein (α-Syn), which have been suggested to increase amyloid aggregation in vivo and in vitro. In the brain of PD patients, CTD truncated α-Syn was found to have lower cell viability and tends to increase in the formation of fibrils. The CTD of α-Syn acts as a guard for regulating the normal functioning of α-Syn. The absence of the CTD may allow the N-terminal of α-Syn to interact with the membrane thereby affecting the normal functioning of α-Syn, and all of which will affect the etiology of PD. In this study, the conformational dynamics of CTD truncated α-Syn (1-99 and 1-108) monomers and their effect on the protein-membrane interactions were demonstrated using the all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. From the MD analyses, it was noticed that among the two truncated monomers, α-Syn (1-108) was found to be more stable, shows rigidness at the N-terminal region and contains a significant number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the non-amyloid β-component (NAC) region and membrane, and lesser number of extended strands. Further, the bending angle in the N-terminal domain was found to be lesser in the α-Syn (1-108) in comparison with the α-Syn (1-99). Our findings suggest that the truncation on the CTD of α-Syn affects its interaction with the membrane and subsequently has an impact on the aggregation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Das
- Molecular Modelling and Simulation Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Venkata Satish Kumar Mattaparthi
- Molecular Modelling and Simulation Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
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6
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Aubrey LD, Ninkina N, Ulamec SM, Abramycheva NY, Vasili E, Devine OM, Wilkinson M, Mackinnon E, Limorenko G, Walko M, Muwanga S, Amadio L, Peters OM, Illarioshkin SN, Outeiro TF, Ranson NA, Brockwell DJ, Buchman VL, Radford SE. Substitution of Met-38 to Ile in γ-synuclein found in two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis induces aggregation into amyloid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309700120. [PMID: 38170745 PMCID: PMC10786281 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309700120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
α-, β-, and γ-Synuclein are intrinsically disordered proteins implicated in physiological processes in the nervous system of vertebrates. α-synuclein (αSyn) is the amyloidogenic protein associated with Parkinson's disease and certain other neurodegenerative disorders. Intensive research has focused on the mechanisms that cause αSyn to form amyloid structures, identifying its NAC region as being necessary and sufficient for amyloid assembly. Recent work has shown that a 7-residue sequence (P1) is necessary for αSyn amyloid formation. Although γ-synuclein (γSyn) is 55% identical in sequence to αSyn and its pathological deposits are also observed in association with neurodegenerative conditions, γSyn is resilient to amyloid formation in vitro. Here, we report a rare single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SNCG gene encoding γSyn, found in two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The SNP results in the substitution of Met38 with Ile in the P1 region of the protein. These individuals also had a second, common and nonpathological, SNP in SNCG resulting in the substitution of Glu110 with Val. In vitro studies demonstrate that the Ile38 variant accelerates amyloid fibril assembly. Contrastingly, Val110 retards fibril assembly and mitigates the effect of Ile38. Substitution of residue 38 with Leu had little effect, while Val retards, and Ala increases the rate of amyloid formation. Ile38 γSyn also results in the formation of γSyn-containing inclusions in cells. The results show how a single point substitution can enhance amyloid formation of γSyn and highlight the P1 region in driving amyloid formation in another synuclein family member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam D. Aubrey
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Ninkina
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod308015, Russian Federation
| | - Sabine M. Ulamec
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Y. Abramycheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow125367, Russia
| | - Eftychia Vasili
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Oliver M. Devine
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Wilkinson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Eilish Mackinnon
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Galina Limorenko
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Martin Walko
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Muwanga
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo Amadio
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Owen M. Peters
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
| | - Sergey N. Illarioshkin
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow125367, Russia
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen37075, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen37075, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon TyneNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- Scientific employee with a honorary contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Neil A. Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CardiffCF10 3AX, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod308015, Russian Federation
| | - Sheena E. Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, LeedsLS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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7
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Lucignano R, Spadaccini R, Merlino A, Ami D, Natalello A, Ferraro G, Picone D. Structural insights and aggregation propensity of a super-stable monellin mutant: A new potential building block for protein-based nanostructured materials. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127775. [PMID: 38287601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Protein fibrillation is commonly associated with pathologic amyloidosis. However, under appropriate conditions several proteins form fibrillar structures in vitro that can be used for biotechnological applications. MNEI and its variants, firstly designed as single chain derivatives of the sweet protein monellin, are also useful models for protein fibrillary aggregation studies. In this work, we have drawn attention to a protein dubbed Mut9, already characterized as a "super stable" MNEI variant. Comparative analysis of the respective X-ray structures revealed how the substitutions present in Mut9 eliminate several unfavorable interactions and stabilize the global structure. Molecular dynamic predictions confirmed the presence of a hydrogen-bonds network in Mut9 which increases its stability, especially at neutral pH. Thioflavin-T (ThT) binding assays and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that the aggregation process occurs both at acidic and neutral pH, with and without addition of NaCl, even if with a different kinetics. Accordingly, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed a fibrillar organization of the aggregates in all the tested conditions, albeit with some differences in the quantity and in the morphology of the fibrils. Our data underline the great potential of Mut9, which combines great stability in solution with the versatile conversion into nanostructured biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Lucignano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Spadaccini
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Via de Sanctis, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonello Merlino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Diletta Ami
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Antonino Natalello
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Delia Picone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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8
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Garfagnini T, Bemporad F, Harries D, Chiti F, Friedler A. Amyloid Aggregation Is Potently Slowed Down by Osmolytes Due to Compaction of Partially Folded State. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168281. [PMID: 37734431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid aggregation is a key process in amyloidoses and neurodegenerative diseases. Hydrophobicity is one of the major driving forces for this type of aggregation, as an increase in hydrophobicity generally correlates with aggregation susceptibility and rate. However, most experimental systems in vitro and prediction tools in silico neglect the contribution of protective osmolytes present in the cellular environment. Here, we assessed the role of hydrophobic mutations in amyloid aggregation in the presence of osmolytes. To achieve this goal, we used the model protein human muscle acylphosphatase (mAcP) and mutations to leucine that increased its hydrophobicity without affecting its thermodynamic stability. Osmolytes significantly slowed down the aggregation kinetics of the hydrophobic mutants, with an effect larger than that observed on the wild-type protein. The effect increased as the mutation site was closer to the middle of the protein sequence. We propose that the preferential exclusion of osmolytes from mutation-introduced hydrophobic side-chains quenches the aggregation potential of the ensemble of partially unfolded states of the protein by inducing its compaction and inhibiting its self-assembly with other proteins. Our results suggest that including the effect of the cellular environment in experimental setups and predictive softwares, for both mechanistic studies and drug design, is essential in order to obtain a more complete combination of the driving forces of amyloid aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Garfagnini
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus at Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Francesco Bemporad
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Daniel Harries
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus at Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; The Fritz Haber Research Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus at Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Assaf Friedler
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus at Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
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9
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Perez R, Li X, Giannakoulias S, Petersson EJ. AggBERT: Best in Class Prediction of Hexapeptide Amyloidogenesis with a Semi-Supervised ProtBERT Model. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5727-5733. [PMID: 37552230 PMCID: PMC10777593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of peptide amyloidogenesis is a challenging problem in the field of protein folding. Large language models, such as the ProtBERT model, have recently emerged as powerful tools in analyzing protein sequences for applications, such as predicting protein structure and function. In this article, we describe the use of a semisupervised and fine-tuned ProtBERT model to predict peptide amyloidogenesis from sequences alone. Our approach, which we call AggBERT, achieved state-of-the-art performance, demonstrating the potential for large language models to improve the accuracy and speed of amyloid fibril prediction over simple heuristics or structure-based approaches. This work highlights the transformative potential of machine learning and large language models in the fields of chemical biology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryann Perez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Xinning Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Sam Giannakoulias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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10
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Falgarone T, Villain E, Richard F, Osmanli Z, Kajava AV. Census of exposed aggregation-prone regions in proteomes. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad183. [PMID: 37200152 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad183] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of solubility usually leads to the detrimental elimination of protein function. In some cases, the protein aggregation is also required for beneficial functions. Given the duality of this phenomenon, it remains a fundamental question how natural selection controls the aggregation. The exponential growth of genomic sequence data and recent progress with in silico predictors of the aggregation allows approaching this problem by a large-scale bioinformatics analysis. Most of the aggregation-prone regions are hidden within the 3D structure, rendering them inaccessible for the intermolecular interactions responsible for aggregation. Thus, the most realistic census of the aggregation-prone regions requires crossing aggregation prediction with information about the location of the natively unfolded regions. This allows us to detect so-called 'exposed aggregation-prone regions' (EARs). Here, we analyzed the occurrence and distribution of the EARs in 76 reference proteomes from the three kingdoms of life. For this purpose, we used a bioinformatics pipeline, which provides a consensual result based on several predictors of aggregation. Our analysis revealed a number of new statistically significant correlations about the presence of EARs in different organisms, their dependence on protein length, cellular localizations, co-occurrence with short linear motifs and the level of protein expression. We also obtained a list of proteins with the conserved aggregation-prone sequences for further experimental tests. Insights gained from this work led to a deeper understanding of the relationship between protein evolution and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Falgarone
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Etienne Villain
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Francois Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Zarifa Osmanli
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
- Biophysics Institute, Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan Republic, Az1141, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Andrey V Kajava
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, 34293, France
- Institut de Biologie Computationnelle, Université Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
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11
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Wales DJ. Energy Landscapes and Heat Capacity Signatures for Monomers and Dimers of Amyloid-Forming Hexapeptides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10613. [PMID: 37445791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid formation is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders. In this contribution, energy landscapes are explored for various hexapeptides that are known to form amyloids. Heat capacity (CV) analysis at low temperature for these hexapeptides reveals that the low energy structures contributing to the first heat capacity feature above a threshold temperature exhibit a variety of backbone conformations for amyloid-forming monomers. The corresponding control sequences do not exhibit such structural polymorphism, as diagnosed via end-to-end distance and a dihedral angle defined for the monomer. A similar heat capacity analysis for dimer conformations obtained using basin-hopping global optimisation shows clear features in end-to-end distance versus dihedral correlation plots, where amyloid-forming sequences exhibit a preference for larger end-to-end distances and larger positive dihedrals. These results hold true for sequences taken from tau, amylin, insulin A chain, a de novo designed peptide, and various control sequences. While there is a little overall correlation between the aggregation propensity and the temperature at which the low-temperature CV feature occurs, further analysis suggests that the amyloid-forming sequences exhibit the key CV feature at a lower temperature compared to control sequences derived from the same protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Wales
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
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12
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Acquasaliente L, De Filippis V. The Role of Proteolysis in Amyloidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010699. [PMID: 36614141 PMCID: PMC9820691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloidoses are a group of diseases associated with deposits of amyloid fibrils in different tissues. So far, 36 different types of amyloidosis are known, each due to the misfolding and accumulation of a specific protein. Amyloid deposits can be found in several organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and spleen, and can affect single or multiple organs. Generally, amyloid-forming proteins become prone to aggregate due to genetic mutations, acquired environmental factors, excessive concentration, or post-translational modifications. Interestingly, amyloid aggregates are often composed of proteolytic fragments, derived from the degradation of precursor proteins by yet unidentified proteases, which display higher amyloidogenic tendency compared to precursor proteins, thus representing an important mechanism in the onset of amyloid-based diseases. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on the proteolytic susceptibility of three of the main human amyloidogenic proteins, i.e., transthyretin, β-amyloid precursor protein, and α-synuclein, in the onset of amyloidosis. We also highlight the role that proteolytic enzymes can play in the crosstalk between intestinal inflammation and amyloid-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Acquasaliente
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (V.D.F.); Tel.: +39-0498275703 (L.A.); +39-0498275698 (V.D.F.)
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (V.D.F.); Tel.: +39-0498275703 (L.A.); +39-0498275698 (V.D.F.)
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13
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Almeida ZL, Brito RMM. Amyloid Disassembly: What Can We Learn from Chaperones? Biomedicines 2022; 10:3276. [PMID: 36552032 PMCID: PMC9776232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation and subsequent accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils with cross-β structure is an intrinsic characteristic of amyloid diseases, i.e., amyloidoses. Amyloid formation involves a series of on-pathway and off-pathway protein aggregation events, leading to mature insoluble fibrils that eventually accumulate in multiple tissues. In this cascade of events, soluble oligomeric species are formed, which are among the most cytotoxic molecular entities along the amyloid cascade. The direct or indirect action of these amyloid soluble oligomers and amyloid protofibrils and fibrils in several tissues and organs lead to cell death in some cases and organ disfunction in general. There are dozens of different proteins and peptides causing multiple amyloid pathologies, chief among them Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid fibril disassembly is among the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies being pursued to overcome amyloid pathologies. The clearance of preformed amyloids and consequently the arresting of the progression of organ deterioration may increase patient survival and quality of life. In this review, we compiled from the literature many examples of chemical and biochemical agents able to disaggregate preformed amyloids, which have been classified as molecular chaperones, chemical chaperones, and pharmacological chaperones. We focused on their mode of action, chemical structure, interactions with the fibrillar structures, morphology and toxicity of the disaggregation products, and the potential use of disaggregation agents as a treatment option in amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui M. M. Brito
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre—Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Törner R, Kupreichyk T, Hoyer W, Boisbouvier J. The role of heat shock proteins in preventing amyloid toxicity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1045616. [PMID: 36589244 PMCID: PMC9798239 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1045616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The oligomerization of monomeric proteins into large, elongated, β-sheet-rich fibril structures (amyloid), which results in toxicity to impacted cells, is highly correlated to increased age. The concomitant decrease of the quality control system, composed of chaperones, ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy-lysosomal pathway, has been shown to play an important role in disease development. In the last years an increasing number of studies has been published which focus on chaperones, modulators of protein conformational states, and their effects on preventing amyloid toxicity. Here, we give a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of chaperones and amyloidogenic proteins and summarize the advances made in elucidating the impact of these two classes of proteins on each other, whilst also highlighting challenges and remaining open questions. The focus of this review is on structural and mechanistic studies and its aim is to bring novices of this field "up to speed" by providing insight into all the relevant processes and presenting seminal structural and functional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda Törner
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS CEA Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France,*Correspondence: Ricarda Törner, ; Jerome Boisbouvier,
| | - Tatsiana Kupreichyk
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany,Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoyer
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany,Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jerome Boisbouvier
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS CEA Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France,*Correspondence: Ricarda Törner, ; Jerome Boisbouvier,
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15
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Xiao X, Robang AS, Sarma S, Le JV, Helmicki ME, Lambert MJ, Guerrero-Ferreira R, Arboleda-Echavarria J, Paravastu AK, Hall CK. Sequence patterns and signatures: Computational and experimental discovery of amyloid-forming peptides. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac263. [PMID: 36712347 PMCID: PMC9802472 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Screening amino acid sequence space via experiments to discover peptides that self-assemble into amyloid fibrils is challenging. We have developed a computational peptide assembly design (PepAD) algorithm that enables the discovery of amyloid-forming peptides. Discontinuous molecular dynamics (DMD) simulation with the PRIME20 force field combined with the FoldAmyloid tool is used to examine the fibrilization kinetics of PepAD-generated peptides. PepAD screening of ∼10,000 7-mer peptides resulted in twelve top-scoring peptides with two distinct hydration properties. Our studies revealed that eight of the twelve in silico discovered peptides spontaneously form amyloid fibrils in the DMD simulations and that all eight have at least five residues that the FoldAmyloid tool classifies as being aggregation-prone. Based on these observations, we re-examined the PepAD-generated peptides in the sequence pool returned by PepAD and extracted five sequence patterns as well as associated sequence signatures for the 7-mer amyloid-forming peptides. Experimental results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that all the peptides predicted to assemble in silico assemble into antiparallel β-sheet nanofibers in a concentration-dependent manner. This is the first attempt to use a computational approach to search for amyloid-forming peptides based on customized settings. Our efforts facilitate the identification of β-sheet-based self-assembling peptides, and contribute insights towards answering a fundamental scientific question: "What does it take, sequence-wise, for a peptide to self-assemble?".
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Justin V Le
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Michael E Helmicki
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Matthew J Lambert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ricardo Guerrero-Ferreira
- Robert P. Apkarian Integrated Electron Microscopy Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Johana Arboleda-Echavarria
- Robert P. Apkarian Integrated Electron Microscopy Core, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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16
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Bagchi D, Maity A, De SK, Chakraborty A. Metal-Ion-Induced Evolution of Phenylalanine Self-Assembly: Structural Polymorphism of Novel Metastable Intermediates. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:10409-10417. [PMID: 36322139 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c02882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of aromatic amino acids has been widely studied due to their ability to form well-defined amyloid-like fibrillar structures. Herein, for the first time, we report the existence of different metastable intermediate states of diverse morphologies, for example, droplets, spheres, vesicles, flowers, and toroids, that are sequentially formed in aqueous medium during the self-assembly process of phenylalanine in the presence of different divalent (Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+) and trivalent (Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+) metal ions having low pKa values. Due to metal ion-amino acid coordination and strong hydrophobic interaction induced by these metal ions, spherical aggregates are obtained at the initial stage of the structural evolution and further transformed into other intermediate states. Our work may facilitate understanding of the role of metal ions in the amino acid self-assembly process and broaden future applications of the obtained nanostructures in drug delivery, tissue engineering, bioimaging, biocatalysis, and other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Bagchi
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore, 453552 Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Avijit Maity
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore, 453552 Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Soumya Kanti De
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore, 453552 Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anjan Chakraborty
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Department of Chemistry, Indore, 453552 Madhya Pradesh, India
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17
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Qing R, Hao S, Smorodina E, Jin D, Zalevsky A, Zhang S. Protein Design: From the Aspect of Water Solubility and Stability. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14085-14179. [PMID: 35921495 PMCID: PMC9523718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Water solubility and structural stability are key merits for proteins defined by the primary sequence and 3D-conformation. Their manipulation represents important aspects of the protein design field that relies on the accurate placement of amino acids and molecular interactions, guided by underlying physiochemical principles. Emulated designer proteins with well-defined properties both fuel the knowledge-base for more precise computational design models and are used in various biomedical and nanotechnological applications. The continuous developments in protein science, increasing computing power, new algorithms, and characterization techniques provide sophisticated toolkits for solubility design beyond guess work. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the protein design field with respect to water solubility and structural stability. After introducing fundamental design rules, we discuss the transmembrane protein solubilization and de novo transmembrane protein design. Traditional strategies to enhance protein solubility and structural stability are introduced. The designs of stable protein complexes and high-order assemblies are covered. Computational methodologies behind these endeavors, including structure prediction programs, machine learning algorithms, and specialty software dedicated to the evaluation of protein solubility and aggregation, are discussed. The findings and opportunities for Cryo-EM are presented. This review provides an overview of significant progress and prospects in accurate protein design for solubility and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qing
- State
Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and
Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The
David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shilei Hao
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Eva Smorodina
- Department
of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo
University Hospital, Oslo 0424, Norway
| | - David Jin
- Avalon GloboCare
Corp., Freehold, New Jersey 07728, United States
| | - Arthur Zalevsky
- Laboratory
of Bioinformatics Approaches in Combinatorial Chemistry and Biology, Shemyakin−Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic
Chemistry RAS, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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18
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Single residue modulators of amyloid formation in the N-terminal P1-region of α-synuclein. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4986. [PMID: 36008493 PMCID: PMC9411612 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is a protein involved in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease. Amyloid formation of αSyn can be modulated by the ‘P1 region’ (residues 36-42). Here, mutational studies of P1 reveal that Y39A and S42A extend the lag-phase of αSyn amyloid formation in vitro and rescue amyloid-associated cytotoxicity in C. elegans. Additionally, L38I αSyn forms amyloid fibrils more rapidly than WT, L38A has no effect, but L38M does not form amyloid fibrils in vitro and protects from proteotoxicity. Swapping the sequence of the two residues that differ in the P1 region of the paralogue γSyn to those of αSyn did not enhance fibril formation for γSyn. Peptide binding experiments using NMR showed that P1 synergises with residues in the NAC and C-terminal regions to initiate aggregation. The remarkable specificity of the interactions that control αSyn amyloid formation, identifies this region as a potential target for therapeutics, despite their weak and transient nature. The authors of this work characterize the effect of amino acid substitution on α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation. Residues 38 and 42 (in addition to 39) within the P1 region of α-Syn affect amyloid formation. The effect of substitution at position 38 is dependent on the amino-acid introduced, suggesting that specific interactions control α -Syn aggregation.
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19
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The Possible Mechanism of Amyloid Transformation Based on the Geometrical Parameters of Early-Stage Intermediate in Silico Model for Protein Folding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169502. [PMID: 36012765 PMCID: PMC9409474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169502] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The specificity of the available experimentally determined structures of amyloid forms is expressed primarily by the two- and not three-dimensional forms of a single polypeptide chain. Such a flat structure is possible due to the β structure, which occurs predominantly. The stabilization of the fibril in this structure is achieved due to the presence of the numerous hydrogen bonds between the adjacent chains. Together with the different forms of twists created by the single R- or L-handed α-helices, they form the hydrogen bond network. The specificity of the arrangement of these hydrogen bonds lies in their joint orientation in a system perpendicular to the plane formed by the chain and parallel to the fibril axis. The present work proposes the possible mechanism for obtaining such a structure based on the geometric characterization of the polypeptide chain constituting the basis of our early intermediate model for protein folding introduced formerly. This model, being the conformational subspace of Ramachandran plot (the ellipse path), was developed on the basis of the backbone conformation, with the side-chain interactions excluded. Our proposal is also based on the results from molecular dynamics available in the literature leading to the unfolding of α-helical sections, resulting in the β-structural forms. Both techniques used provide a similar suggestion in a search for a mechanism of conformational changes leading to a formation of the amyloid form. The potential mechanism of amyloid transformation is presented here using the fragment of the transthyretin as well as amyloid Aβ.
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20
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Kleiner D, Shapiro Tuchman Z, Shmulevich F, Shahar A, Zarivach R, Kosloff M, Bershtein S. Evolution of homo-oligomerization of methionine S-adenosyltransferases is replete with structure-function constrains. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4352. [PMID: 35762725 PMCID: PMC9202080 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Homomers are prevalent in bacterial proteomes, particularly among core metabolic enzymes. Homomerization is often key to function and regulation, and interfaces that facilitate the formation of homomeric enzymes are subject to intense evolutionary change. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive evolutionary variation in homomeric complexes is still lacking. How is the diversification of protein interfaces linked to variation in functional regulation and structural integrity of homomeric complexes? To address this question, we studied quaternary structure evolution of bacterial methionine S-adenosyltransferases (MATs)-dihedral homotetramers formed along a large and conserved dimeric interface harboring two active sites, and a small, recently evolved, interdimeric interface. Here, we show that diversity in the physicochemical properties of small interfaces is directly linked to variability in the kinetic stability of MAT quaternary complexes and in modes of their functional regulation. Specifically, hydrophobic interactions within the small interface of Escherichia coli MAT render the functional homotetramer kinetically stable yet impose severe aggregation constraints on complex assembly. These constraints are alleviated by electrostatic interactions that accelerate dimer-dimer assembly. In contrast, Neisseria gonorrhoeae MAT adopts a nonfunctional dimeric state due to the low hydrophobicity of its small interface and the high flexibility of its active site loops, which perturbs small interface integrity. Remarkably, in the presence of methionine and ATP, N. gonorrhoeae MAT undergoes substrate-induced assembly into a functional tetrameric state. We suggest that evolution acts on the interdimeric interfaces of MATs to tailor the regulation of their activity and stability to unique organismal needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kleiner
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | - Ziva Shapiro Tuchman
- The Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Fannia Shmulevich
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | - Anat Shahar
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & TechnologyBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | - Raz Zarivach
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
- Macromolecular Crystallography and Cryo‐EM Research Center, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the NegevBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | - Mickey Kosloff
- The Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Shimon Bershtein
- Department of Life SciencesBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer‐ShevaIsrael
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21
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Bhagavatula H, Sarkar A, Santra B, Das A. Scan-Find-Scan-Model: Discrete Site-Targeted Suppressor Design Strategy for Amyloid-β. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2191-2208. [PMID: 35767676 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00272] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is undoubtedly the most well-studied neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, the amyloid-β (Aβ) protein ranks at the top in terms of getting attention from the scientific community for structural property-based characterization. Even after decades of extensive research, there is existing volatility in terms of understanding and hence the effective tackling procedures against the disease that arises due to the lack of knowledge of both specific target- and site-specific drugs. Here, we develop a multidimensional approach based on the characterization of the common static-dynamic-thermodynamic trait of the monomeric protein, which efficiently identifies a small target sequence that contains an inherent tendency to misfold and consequently aggregate. The robustness of the identification of the target sequence comes with an abundance of a priori knowledge about the length and sequence of the target and hence guides toward effective designing of the target-specific drug with a very low probability of bottleneck and failure. Based on the target sequence information, we further identified a specific mutant that showed the maximum potential to act as a destabilizer of the monomeric protein as well as enormous success as an aggregation suppressor. We eventually tested the drug efficacy by estimating the extent of modulation of binding affinity existing within the fibrillar form of the Aβ protein due to a single-point mutation and hence provided a proof of concept of the entire protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasathi Bhagavatula
- Department of Biotechnology, Progressive Education Society's Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005, India
| | - Archishman Sarkar
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Binit Santra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Atanu Das
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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22
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Jana AK, Lander CW, Chesney AD, Hansmann UHE. Effect of an Amyloidogenic SARS-COV-2 Protein Fragment on α-Synuclein Monomers and Fibrils. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:3648-3658. [PMID: 35580331 PMCID: PMC9186263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c01254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aggregates of α-synuclein are thought to be the disease-causing agent in Parkinson's disease. Various case studies have hinted at a correlation between COVID-19 and the onset of Parkinson's disease. For this reason, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study whether amyloidogenic regions in SARS-COV-2 proteins can initiate and modulate aggregation of α-synuclein. As an example, we choose the nine-residue fragment SFYVYSRVK (SK9), located on the C-terminal of the envelope protein of SARS-COV-2. We probe how the presence of SK9 affects the conformational ensemble of α-synuclein monomers and the stability of two resolved fibril polymorphs. We find that the viral protein fragment SK9 may alter α-synuclein amyloid formation by shifting the ensemble toward aggregation-prone and preferentially rod-like fibril seeding conformations. However, SK9 has only a small effect on the stability of pre-existing or newly formed fibrils. A potential mechanism and key residues for potential virus-induced amyloid formation are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asis K Jana
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Chance W Lander
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Andrew D Chesney
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Ulrich H E Hansmann
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
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23
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Mouli MSSV, Agrawal HG, Kumar M, Mishra AK. Luminescent and morphological behavior of the aromatic dipeptide pair having singular structural variability. LUMINESCENCE 2022. [PMID: 35560861 DOI: 10.1002/bio.4275] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the present manuscript, the luminescence and the self-assembly behavior of the two aromatic dipeptides having singular structure variable are investigated. The terminally protected dipeptides tryptophan-tyrosine (WYp ) and tryptophan-phenylalanine (WFp ) were synthesized using standard solution phase procedure. Significant solvatochromic effect was observed for both the dipeptidyl entities; while the influence was more pronounced in case of the WYp entity when compared to WFp . Interesting morphological variation was observed for WFp and WYp , wherein discrete and interconnected nanospheres were observed for the respective dipeptides. The results obtained signifies the influence of the singular structural variation on modulating the overall functional behavior of the short peptides motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S S Vinod Mouli
- Department of chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Harsha Gopal Agrawal
- Department of chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Department of chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Mishra
- Department of chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
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24
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Wu X, Ma F, Pan B, Zhang Y, Zhu L, Deng F, Xu L, Zhao Y, Yin X, Niu H, Su X, Shi L. Tailoring a Nanochaperone to Regulate α‐Synuclein Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202200192. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202200192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Feihe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes and School of Materials Science and Engineering Tiangong University Tianjin 300387 P. R. China
| | - Bin‐Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Fei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Xu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Haihong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Xun‐Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Linqi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
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Sankar K, Trainor K, Blazer L, Adams J, Sidhu S, Day T, Meiering E, Maier J. A Descriptor set for Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship Prediction in Biologics. Mol Inform 2022; 41:e2100240. [PMID: 35277930 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In addition to attaining the desired binding to their targets, a crucial aspect in the development of biotherapeutics is 'developability', which includes several desirable properties such as high solubility, low viscosity and aggregation, physico-chemical stability and low immunogenicity. The lack of any of these properties can lead to significant obstacles in advancing them to clinic; thus in silico methods capable of raising warning flags in earlier stages of development are highly beneficial. We have developed a computational framework based on a large and diverse set of protein specific descriptors ideal for making liability predictions using a machine-learning approach. This set offers a high degree of feature diversity classifiable by sequence, structure and surface patches. We assess the sensitivity and applicability of these descriptors in four dedicated case studies that are believed to be representative of biophysical characterizations commonly employed during the development process. In addition to data sets obtained from public sources, we have validated the descriptors on novel experimental data sets in order to address antibody developability and to generate prospective predictions on Adnectins. The results demonstrate that the descriptors are well suited to assist in the improvement of properties of systems that exhibit poor solubility or aggregation.
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Wu X, Ma F, Pan B, Zhang Y, Zhu L, Deng F, Xu L, Zhao Y, Yin X, Niu H, Su X, Shi L. Tailoring a Nanochaperone to Regulate α‐Synuclein Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202200192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Feihe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes and School of Materials Science and Engineering Tiangong University Tianjin 300387 P. R. China
| | - Bin‐Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Fei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Xu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Haihong Niu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Xun‐Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
| | - Linqi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 P. R. China
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27
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Hassan MN, Nabi F, Khan AN, Hussain M, Siddiqui WA, Uversky VN, Khan RH. The amyloid state of proteins: A boon or bane? Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 200:593-617. [PMID: 35074333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.115] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Proteins and their aggregation is significant field of research due to their association with various conformational maladies including well-known neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's (HD) diseases. Amyloids despite being given negative role for decades are also believed to play a functional role in bacteria to humans. In this review, we discuss both facets of amyloid. We have shed light on AD, which is one of the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease caused by accumulation of Aβ fibrils as extracellular senile plagues. We also discuss PD caused by the aggregation and deposition of α-synuclein in form of Lewy bodies and neurites. Other amyloid-associated diseases such as HD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are also discussed. We have also reviewed functional amyloids that have various biological roles in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes that includes formation of biofilm and cell attachment in bacteria to hormone storage in humans, We discuss in detail the role of Curli fibrils' in biofilm formation, chaplins in cell attachment to peptide hormones, and Pre-Melansomal Protein (PMEL) roles. The disease-related and functional amyloids are compared with regard to their structural integrity, variation in regulation, and speed of forming aggregates and elucidate how amyloids have turned from foe to friend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nadir Hassan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Faisal Nabi
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Asra Nasir Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Murtaza Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Waseem A Siddiqui
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy 11 of Sciences", Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College 13 of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Rizwan Hasan Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India.
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Jana AK, Lander CW, Chesney AD, Hansmann UHE. Effect of an amyloidogenic SARS-COV-2 protein fragment on α-synuclein monomers and fibrils. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.02.21.481360. [PMID: 35233574 PMCID: PMC8887075 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.21.481360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Using molecular dynamic simulations we study whether amyloidogenic regions in viral proteins can initiate and modulate formation of α-synuclein aggregates, thought to be the disease-causing agent in Parkinson's Disease. As an example we choose the nine-residue fragment SFYVYSRVK (SK9), located on the C-terminal of the Envelope protein of SARS-COV-2. We probe how the presence of SK9 affects the conformational ensemble of α-synuclein monomers and the stability of two resolved fibril polymorphs. We find that the viral protein fragment SK9 may alter α-synuclein amyloid formation by shifting the ensemble toward aggregation-prone and preferentially rod-like fibril seeding conformations. However, SK9 has only little effect of the stability of pre-existing or newly-formed fibrils.
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The Transthyretin/Oleuropein Aglycone Complex: A New Tool against TTR Amyloidosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030277. [PMID: 35337074 PMCID: PMC8953266 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The release of monomers from the homotetrameric protein transthyretin (TTR) is the first event of a cascade, eventually leading to sporadic or familial TTR amyloidoses. Thus, ligands able to stabilize TTR and inhibit monomer release are subject of intense scrutiny as potential treatments against these pathologies. Here, we investigated the interaction between TTR and a non-glycated derivative of the main olive polyphenol, oleuropein (OleA), known to interfere with TTR aggregation. We coupled fluorescence studies with molecular docking to investigate the OleA/TTR interaction using wild-type TTR, a monomeric variant, and the L55P cardiotoxic mutant. We characterized a fluorescence band emitted by OleA upon formation of the OleA/TTR complex. Exploiting this signal, we found that a poorly specific non-stoichiometric interaction occurs on the surface of the protein and a more specific stabilizing interaction takes place in the ligand binding pocket of TTR, exhibiting a KD of 3.23 ± 0.32 µM, with two distinct binding sites. OleA interacts with TTR in different modes, stabilizing it and preventing its dissociation into monomers, with subsequent misfolding. This result paves the way to the possible use of OleA to prevent degenerative diseases associated with TTR misfolding.
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Assessment of Therapeutic Antibody Developability by Combinations of In Vitro and In Silico Methods. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2313:57-113. [PMID: 34478132 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1450-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although antibodies have become the fastest-growing class of therapeutics on the market, it is still challenging to develop them for therapeutic applications, which often require these molecules to withstand stresses that are not present in vivo. We define developability as the likelihood of an antibody candidate with suitable functionality to be developed into a manufacturable, stable, safe, and effective drug that can be formulated to high concentrations while retaining a long shelf life. The implementation of reliable developability assessments from the early stages of antibody discovery enables flagging and deselection of potentially problematic candidates, while focussing available resources on the development of the most promising ones. Currently, however, thorough developability assessment requires multiple in vitro assays, which makes it labor intensive and time consuming to implement at early stages. Furthermore, accurate in vitro analysis at the early stage is compromised by the high number of potential candidates that are often prepared at low quantities and purity. Recent improvements in the performance of computational predictors of developability potential are beginning to change this scenario. Many computational methods only require the knowledge of the amino acid sequences and can be used to identify possible developability issues or to rank available candidates according to a range of biophysical properties. Here, we describe how the implementation of in silico tools into antibody discovery pipelines is increasingly offering time- and cost-effective alternatives to in vitro experimental screening, thus streamlining the drug development process. We discuss in particular the biophysical and biochemical properties that underpin developability potential and their trade-offs, review various in vitro assays to measure such properties or parameters that are predictive of developability, and give an overview of the growing number of in silico tools available to predict properties important for antibody development, including the CamSol method developed in our laboratory.
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Jernigan RL, Khade P, Kumar A, Kloczkowski A. Using Surface Hydrophobicity Together with Empirical Potentials to Identify Protein-Protein Binding Sites: Application to the Interactions of E-cadherins. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2340:41-50. [PMID: 35167069 PMCID: PMC9131873 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1546-1_3] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Studying the interactions within protein structures can inform about the details of how proteins of various types interact and aggregate. Empirical contact potentials have proven to be extremely important in the evaluation of individual modeled protein structures, but have found few applications to protein-protein interactions. In part, this is caused by a lack of properly formulated potentials with a proper reference state. Since the comparisons are made between different bound structures, the proper reference state should take into account other contacts. Therefore, a preferred reference state should be defined with respect to a given residue type interacting with an average residue instead of interacting with solvent as typically is used in derivation of statistical contact potentials. Here, a two-stage procedure for generating and evaluating interacting protein pairs is described, and an example of E-cadherin interactions is shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Jernigan
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Pranav Khade
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ambuj Kumar
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Andrzej Kloczkowski
- Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Zbacnik NJ, Manning MC, Henry CS. Chemometric Study of the Relative Aggregation Propensity of Position 19
Mutants of Aβ(1-42). Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:52-60. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203723666220128105334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The importance of aromaticity vs. hydrophobicity of the central hydrophobic
core (CHC, residues 17-20) in governing fibril formation in Aβ(1-42) has been the focus of an ongoing
debate in the literature.
Introduction:
Mutations in the CHC (especially at Phe19 and Phe20) have been used to examine the
relative impact of hydrophobicity and aromaticity on the degree of aggregation of Aβ(1-42). However,
the results have not been conclusive.
Methods:
Partial least squares (PLS) modeling of aggregation rates, using reduced properties of a series
of position 19 mutants, was employed to identify the physicochemical properties that had the
greatest impact on the extent of aggregation.
Results:
The PLS models indicate that hydrophobicity at position 19 of Aβ(1-42) appears to be the
primary and dominant factor in controlling Aβ(1-42) aggregation, with aromaticity having little effect.
Conclusions:
This study illustrates the value of using reduced properties of amino acids in conjunction
with PLS modeling to investigate mutational effects in peptides and proteins, as the reduced properties
can capture in a quantitative manner the different physicochemical properties of the amino acid side
chains. In this particular study, hydrophobicity at position 19 was determined to be the dominant property
controlling aggregation, while size, charge, and aromaticity had little impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Cornell Manning
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO 80534, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Charles S. Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Abstract
Experimental studies of amyloids encounter many challenges. There are many methods available for studying proteins, which can be applied to amyloids: from basic staining techniques, allowing visualization of fibers, to complex methods, e.g., AFM-IR used to their detailed biochemical and structural characterization in nanoscale. Which method is appropriate depends on the goal of an experiment: verification of aggregational properties of a peptide, distinguishing oligomers from mature fibers, or kinetic studies. Insolubility, rapid aggregation, and the need of using a high-purity peptide may be a limiting factor in studies involving amyloids. Moreover, the results obtained by various experimental methods often differ significantly, which may lead to misclassification of amyloid peptides. Due to ambiguity of experimental results, laborious and time-consuming analysis, bioinformatical methods become more widely used for amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Szulc
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Szefczyk
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
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Heterotypic amyloid interactions: Clues to polymorphic bias and selective cellular vulnerability? Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 72:176-186. [PMID: 34942566 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The number of atomic-resolution structures of disease-associated amyloids has greatly increased in recent years. These structures have confirmed not only the polymorphic nature of amyloids but also the association of specific polymorphs to particular proteinopathies. These observations are strengthening the view that amyloid polymorphism is a marker for specific pathological subtypes (e.g. in tauopathies or synucleinopathies). The nature of this association and how it relates to the selective cellular vulnerability of amyloid nucleation, propagation and toxicity are still unclear. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanistic insights provided by recent patient-derived amyloid structures. We discuss the framework organisation of amyloid polymorphism and how heterotypic amyloid interactions with the physiological environment could modify the solubility and assembly of amyloidogenic proteins. We conclude by hypothesising how such interactions could contribute to selective cellular vulnerability.
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35
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Mondal S, Mondal S, Bandyopadhyay S. Importance of Solvent in Guiding the Conformational Properties of an Intrinsically Disordered Peptide. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:14429-14442. [PMID: 34817184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aggregated form of α-synuclein in the brain has been found to be the major component of Lewy bodies that are hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most devastating neurodegenerative disorder. We have carried out room-temperature all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of an ensemble of widely different α-synuclein1-95 peptide monomer conformations in aqueous solution. Attempts have been made to obtain a generic understanding of the local conformational motions of different repeat unit segments, namely R1-R7, of the peptide and the correlated properties of the solvent at the interface. The analyses revealed relatively greater rigidity of the hydrophobic R6 unit as compared to the other repeat units of the peptide. Besides, water molecules around R6 have been found to be less structured and weakly interacting with the peptide. These are important observations as the R6 unit with reduced conformational motions can act as the nucleation site for the aggregation process, while less structured weakly interacting water around it can become displaced easily, thereby facilitating the hydrophobic collapse of the peptide monomers and their association during the nucleation phase at higher concentrations. In addition, we demonstrated presence of doubly coordinated highly ordered as well as triply coordinated relatively disordered water molecules at the interface. We believe that while the ordered water molecules can favor water-mediated interactions between different peptide monomers, the randomly ordered ones on the other hand are likely to be expelled easily from the interface, thereby facilitating direct peptide-peptide interactions during the aggregation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Mondal
- Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sandip Mondal
- Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sanjoy Bandyopadhyay
- Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
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36
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Brito A, Dave D, Lampel A, Castro VIB, Kroiss D, Reis RL, Tuttle T, Ulijn RV, Pires RA, Pashkuleva I. Expanding the Conformational Landscape of Minimalistic Tripeptides by Their O-Glycosylation. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:19703-19710. [PMID: 34797059 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We report on the supramolecular self-assembly of tripeptides and their O-glycosylated analogues, in which the carbohydrate moiety is coupled to a central serine or threonine flanked by phenylalanine residues. The substitution of serine with threonine introduces differential side-chain interactions, which results in the formation of aggregates with different morphology. O-glycosylation decreases the aggregation propensity because of rebalancing of the π interactions. The glycopeptides form aggregates with reduced stiffness but increased thermal stability. Our results demonstrate that the designed minimalistic glycopeptides retain critical functional features of glycoproteins and therefore are promising tools for elucidation of molecular mechanisms involved in the glycoprotein interactome. They can also serve as an inspiration for the design of functional glycopeptide-based biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brito
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Dhwanit Dave
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States.,Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Vânia I B Castro
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Kroiss
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States.,Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Tell Tuttle
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - Rein V Ulijn
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States.,Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States.,Ph.D. program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York10016, United States
| | - Ricardo A Pires
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Iva Pashkuleva
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Houben B, Rousseau F, Schymkowitz J. Protein structure and aggregation: a marriage of necessity ruled by aggregation gatekeepers. Trends Biochem Sci 2021; 47:194-205. [PMID: 34561149 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation propensity is a pervasive and seemingly inescapable property of proteomes. Strikingly, a significant fraction of the proteome is supersaturated, meaning that, for these proteins, their native conformation is less stable than the aggregated state. Maintaining the integrity of a proteome under such conditions is precarious and requires energy-consuming proteostatic regulation. Why then is aggregation propensity maintained at such high levels over long evolutionary timescales? Here, we argue that the conformational stability of the native and aggregated states are correlated thermodynamically and that codon usage strengthens this correlation. As a result, the folding of stable proteins requires kinetic control to avoid aggregation, provided by aggregation gatekeepers. These unique residues are evolutionarily selected to kinetically favor native folding, either on their own or by coopting chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Houben
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Switch Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederic Rousseau
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Switch Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joost Schymkowitz
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Switch Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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38
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Xiao X, Wang Y, Seroski DT, Wong KM, Liu R, Paravastu AK, Hudalla GA, Hall CK. De novo design of peptides that coassemble into β sheet-based nanofibrils. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf7668. [PMID: 34516924 PMCID: PMC8442925 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf7668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Peptides’ hierarchical coassembly into nanostructures enables controllable fabrication of multicomponent biomaterials. In this work, we describe a computational and experimental approach to design pairs of charge-complementary peptides that selectively coassemble into β-sheet nanofibers when mixed together but remain unassembled when isolated separately. The key advance is a peptide coassembly design (PepCAD) algorithm that searches for pairs of coassembling peptides. Six peptide pairs are identified from a pool of ~106 candidates via the PepCAD algorithm and then subjected to DMD/PRIME20 simulations to examine their co-/self-association kinetics. The five pairs that spontaneously aggregate in kinetic simulations selectively coassemble in biophysical experiments, with four forming β-sheet nanofibers and one forming a stable nonfibrillar aggregate. Solid-state NMR, which is applied to characterize the coassembling pairs, suggests that the in silico peptides exhibit a higher degree of structural order than the previously reported CATCH(+/−) peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqing Xiao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Yiming Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
| | - Dillon T. Seroski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kong M. Wong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Renjie Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Anant K. Paravastu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Gregory A. Hudalla
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Carol K. Hall
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7905, USA
- Corresponding author.
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Lindorff-Larsen K, Kragelund BB. On the potential of machine learning to examine the relationship between sequence, structure, dynamics and function of intrinsically disordered proteins. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167196. [PMID: 34390736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) constitute a broad set of proteins with few uniting and many diverging properties. IDPs-and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) interspersed between folded domains-are generally characterized as having no persistent tertiary structure; instead they interconvert between a large number of different and often expanded structures. IDPs and IDRs are involved in an enormously wide range of biological functions and reveal novel mechanisms of interactions, and while they defy the common structure-function paradigm of folded proteins, their structural preferences and dynamics are important for their function. We here discuss open questions in the field of IDPs and IDRs, focusing on areas where machine learning and other computational methods play a role. We discuss computational methods aimed to predict transiently formed local and long-range structure, including methods for integrative structural biology. We discuss the many different ways in which IDPs and IDRs can bind to other molecules, both via short linear motifs, as well as in the formation of larger dynamic complexes such as biomolecular condensates. We discuss how experiments are providing insight into such complexes and may enable more accurate predictions. Finally, we discuss the role of IDPs in disease and how new methods are needed to interpret the mechanistic effects of genomic variants in IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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40
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Shaham-Niv S, Rencus-Lazar S, Gazit E. Metabolite medicine offers a path beyond lists of metabolites. Commun Chem 2021; 4:115. [PMID: 36697841 PMCID: PMC9814037 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-021-00551-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Shaham-Niv
- BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sigal Rencus-Lazar
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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41
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Palanikumar L, Karpauskaite L, Al-Sayegh M, Chehade I, Alam M, Hassan S, Maity D, Ali L, Kalmouni M, Hunashal Y, Ahmed J, Houhou T, Karapetyan S, Falls Z, Samudrala R, Pasricha R, Esposito G, Afzal AJ, Hamilton AD, Kumar S, Magzoub M. Protein mimetic amyloid inhibitor potently abrogates cancer-associated mutant p53 aggregation and restores tumor suppressor function. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3962. [PMID: 34172723 PMCID: PMC8233319 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in p53 are severely deleterious and occur in over 50% of all human cancers. The majority of these mutations are located in the inherently unstable DNA-binding domain (DBD), many of which destabilize the domain further and expose its aggregation-prone hydrophobic core, prompting self-assembly of mutant p53 into inactive cytosolic amyloid-like aggregates. Screening an oligopyridylamide library, previously shown to inhibit amyloid formation associated with Alzheimer's disease and type II diabetes, identified a tripyridylamide, ADH-6, that abrogates self-assembly of the aggregation-nucleating subdomain of mutant p53 DBD. Moreover, ADH-6 targets and dissociates mutant p53 aggregates in human cancer cells, which restores p53's transcriptional activity, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Notably, ADH-6 treatment effectively shrinks xenografts harboring mutant p53, while exhibiting no toxicity to healthy tissue, thereby substantially prolonging survival. This study demonstrates the successful application of a bona fide small-molecule amyloid inhibitor as a potent anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Palanikumar
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laura Karpauskaite
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Al-Sayegh
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Chehade
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maheen Alam
- Department of Biology, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sarah Hassan
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Debabrata Maity
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liaqat Ali
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Kalmouni
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yamanappa Hunashal
- Chemistry Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,DAME, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Jemil Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, The University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Tatiana Houhou
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shake Karapetyan
- Physics Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zackary Falls
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ram Samudrala
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Renu Pasricha
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gennaro Esposito
- Chemistry Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,INBB, Rome, Italy
| | - Ahmed J Afzal
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, The University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Mazin Magzoub
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Chae H, Cho S, Jeong M, Kwon K, Choi D, Lee J, Nam W, Hong J, Lee J, Yoon S, Hong H. Improvement of Biophysical Properties and Affinity of a Human Anti-L1CAM Therapeutic Antibody through Antibody Engineering Based on Computational Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136696. [PMID: 34206616 PMCID: PMC8268072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The biophysical properties of therapeutic antibodies influence their manufacturability, efficacy, and safety. To develop an anti-cancer antibody, we previously generated a human monoclonal antibody (Ab417) that specifically binds to L1 cell adhesion molecule with a high affinity, and we validated its anti-tumor activity and mechanism of action in human cholangiocarcinoma xenograft models. In the present study, we aimed to improve the biophysical properties of Ab417. We designed 20 variants of Ab417 with reduced aggregation propensity, less potential post-translational modification (PTM) motifs, and the lowest predicted immunogenicity using computational methods. Next, we constructed these variants to analyze their expression levels and antigen-binding activities. One variant (Ab612)—which contains six substitutions for reduced surface hydrophobicity, removal of PTM, and change to the germline residue—exhibited an increased expression level and antigen-binding activity compared to Ab417. In further studies, compared to Ab417, Ab612 showed improved biophysical properties, including reduced aggregation propensity, increased stability, higher purification yield, lower pI, higher affinity, and greater in vivo anti-tumor efficacy. Additionally, we generated a highly productive and stable research cell bank (RCB) and scaled up the production process to 50 L, yielding 6.6 g/L of Ab612. The RCB will be used for preclinical development of Ab612.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heesu Chae
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
| | - Seulki Cho
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
| | - Munsik Jeong
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Kiyoung Kwon
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Dongwook Choi
- Division of Drug Process Development, New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Chungcheongbuk-do, Cheongju-si 28160, Korea;
| | - Jaeyoung Lee
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
| | - Woosuk Nam
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
| | - Jisu Hong
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiwoo Lee
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Seonjoo Yoon
- APIT BIO Inc., B910, Munjeongdong Tera Tower, 167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05855, Korea; (J.L.); (W.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (H.H.); Tel.: +82-10-2305-9704 (S.Y.); +82-10-5430-0480 (H.H.)
| | - Hyojeong Hong
- Department of Systems Immunology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea; (H.C.); (M.J.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (J.L.)
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
- Correspondence: (S.Y.); (H.H.); Tel.: +82-10-2305-9704 (S.Y.); +82-10-5430-0480 (H.H.)
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43
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Rahamtullah, Mishra R. Nicking and fragmentation are responsible for α-lactalbumin amyloid fibril formation at acidic pH and elevated temperature. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1919-1934. [PMID: 34107116 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are ordered aggregates that may be formed from disordered, partially unfolded, and fragments of proteins and peptides. There are several diseases, which are due to the formation and deposition of insoluble β-sheet protein aggregates in various tissue, collectively known as amyloidosis. Here, we have used bovine α-lactalbumin as a model protein to understand the mechanism of amyloid fibril formation at pH 1.6 and 65°C under non-reducing conditions. Amyloid fibril formation is confirmed by Thioflavin T fluorescence and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our finding demonstrates that hydrolysis of peptide bonds occurs under these conditions, which results in nicking and fragmentation. The nicking and fragmentation have been confirmed on non-reducing and reducing gel. We have identified the fragments by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. The fragmentation may initiate nucleation as it coincides with AFM images. Conformational changes associated with monomer resulting in fibrillation are shown by circular dichroism and Raman spectroscopy. The current study highlights the importance of nicking and fragmentation in amyloid fibril formation, which may help understand the role of acidic pH and proteolysis under in vivo conditions in the initiation of amyloid fibril formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahamtullah
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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44
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Pirtskhalava M, Vishnepolsky B, Grigolava M, Managadze G. Physicochemical Features and Peculiarities of Interaction of AMP with the Membrane. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:471. [PMID: 34067510 PMCID: PMC8156082 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are anti-infectives that have the potential to be used as a novel and untapped class of biotherapeutics. Modes of action of antimicrobial peptides include interaction with the cell envelope (cell wall, outer- and inner-membrane). A comprehensive understanding of the peculiarities of interaction of antimicrobial peptides with the cell envelope is necessary to perform a rational design of new biotherapeutics, against which working out resistance is hard for microbes. In order to enable de novo design with low cost and high throughput, in silico predictive models have to be invoked. To develop an efficient predictive model, a comprehensive understanding of the sequence-to-function relationship is required. This knowledge will allow us to encode amino acid sequences expressively and to adequately choose the accurate AMP classifier. A shared protective layer of microbial cells is the inner, plasmatic membrane. The interaction of AMP with a biological membrane (native and/or artificial) has been comprehensively studied. We provide a review of mechanisms and results of interactions of AMP with the cell membrane, relying on the survey of physicochemical, aggregative, and structural features of AMPs. The potency and mechanism of AMP action are presented in terms of amino acid compositions and distributions of the polar and apolar residues along the chain, that is, in terms of the physicochemical features of peptides such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and amphiphilicity. The survey of current data highlights topics that should be taken into account to come up with a comprehensive explanation of the mechanisms of action of AMP and to uncover the physicochemical faces of peptides, essential to perform their function. Many different approaches have been used to classify AMPs, including machine learning. The survey of knowledge on sequences, structures, and modes of actions of AMP allows concluding that only possessing comprehensive information on physicochemical features of AMPs enables us to develop accurate classifiers and create effective methods of prediction. Consequently, this knowledge is necessary for the development of design tools for peptide-based antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Pirtskhalava
- Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi 0160, Georgia; (B.V.); (M.G.); (G.M.)
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45
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Mezeiova E, Hrabinova M, Hepnarova V, Jun D, Janockova J, Muckova L, Prchal L, Kristofikova Z, Kucera T, Gorecki L, Chalupova K, Kunes J, Hroudova J, Soukup O, Korabecny J. Huprine Y - Tryptophan heterodimers with potential implication to Alzheimer's disease treatment. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 43:128100. [PMID: 33984470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The search for novel and effective therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main quest that remains to be resolved. The goal is to find a disease-modifying agent able to confront the multifactorial nature of the disease positively. Herewith, a family of huprineY-tryptophan heterodimers was prepared, resulting in inhibition of cholinesterase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzymes, with effect against amyloid-beta (Aβ) and potential ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Their cholinesterase pattern of behavior was inspected using kinetic analysis in tandem with docking studies. These heterodimers exhibited a promising pharmacological profile with strong implication in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Mezeiova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Janockova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Prchal
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Zdena Kristofikova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kucera
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Gorecki
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Chalupova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokytanskeho 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kunes
- Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hroudova
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Pharmacology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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46
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Munir F, Gul S, Asif A, Minhas FUAA. MILAMP: Multiple Instance Prediction of Amyloid Proteins. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 18:1142-1150. [PMID: 31443048 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2019.2936846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid proteins are implicated in several diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, prion diseases, etc. In order to characterize the amyloidogenicity of a given protein, it is important to locate the amyloid forming hotspot regions within the protein as well as to analyze the effects of mutations on these proteins. The biochemical and biological assays used for this purpose can be facilitated by computational means. This paper presents a machine learning method that can predict hotspot amyloidogenic regions within proteins and characterize changes in their amyloidogenicity due to point mutations. The proposed method called MILAMP (Multiple Instance Learning of AMyloid Proteins) achieves high accuracy for identification of amyloid proteins, hotspot localization, and prediction of mutation effects on amyloidogenicity by integrating heterogenous data sources and exploiting common predictive patterns across these tasks through multiple instance learning. The paper presents comprehensive benchmarking experiments to test the predictive performance of MILAMP in comparison to previously published state of the art techniques for amyloid prediction. The python code for the implementation and webserver for MILAMP is available at the URL: http://faculty.pieas.edu.pk/fayyaz/software.html#MILAMP.
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47
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Rapino F, Zhou Z, Roncero Sanchez AM, Joiret M, Seca C, El Hachem N, Valenti G, Latini S, Shostak K, Geris L, Li P, Huang G, Mazzucchelli G, Baiwir D, Desmet CJ, Chariot A, Georges M, Close P. Wobble tRNA modification and hydrophilic amino acid patterns dictate protein fate. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2170. [PMID: 33859181 PMCID: PMC8050329 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22254-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of mRNA translation elongation impacts nascent protein synthesis and integrity and plays a critical role in disease establishment. Here, we investigate features linking regulation of codon-dependent translation elongation to protein expression and homeostasis. Using knockdown models of enzymes that catalyze the mcm5s2 wobble uridine tRNA modification (U34-enzymes), we show that gene codon content is necessary but not sufficient to predict protein fate. While translation defects upon perturbation of U34-enzymes are strictly dependent on codon content, the consequences on protein output are determined by other features. Specific hydrophilic motifs cause protein aggregation and degradation upon codon-dependent translation elongation defects. Accordingly, the combination of codon content and the presence of hydrophilic motifs define the proteome whose maintenance relies on U34-tRNA modification. Together, these results uncover the mechanism linking wobble tRNA modification to mRNA translation and aggregation to maintain proteome homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rapino
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Zhaoli Zhou
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ana Maria Roncero Sanchez
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marc Joiret
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christian Seca
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Najla El Hachem
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gianluca Valenti
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Unité de Recherche Transitions, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sara Latini
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kateryna Shostak
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Geris
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ping Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gabriel Mazzucchelli
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, System Biology and Chemical Biology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Dominique Baiwir
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, System Biology and Chemical Biology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christophe J Desmet
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Alain Chariot
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- WELBIO, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Michel Georges
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Unit of Animal Genomics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Close
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- WELBIO, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
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48
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Balasco N, Diaferia C, Morelli G, Vitagliano L, Accardo A. Amyloid-Like Aggregation in Diseases and Biomaterials: Osmosis of Structural Information. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:641372. [PMID: 33748087 PMCID: PMC7966729 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.641372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that the polypeptide chain has a remarkable and intrinsic propensity to form amyloid-like aggregates endowed with an extraordinary stability is one of the most relevant breakthroughs of the last decades in both protein/peptide chemistry and structural biology. This observation has fundamental implications, as the formation of these assemblies is systematically associated with the insurgence of severe neurodegenerative diseases. Although the ability of proteins to form aggregates rich in cross-β structure has been highlighted by recent studies of structural biology, the determination of the underlying atomic models has required immense efforts and inventiveness. Interestingly, the progressive molecular and structural characterization of these assemblies has opened new perspectives in apparently unrelated fields. Indeed, the self-assembling through the cross-β structure has been exploited to generate innovative biomaterials endowed with promising mechanical and spectroscopic properties. Therefore, this structural motif has become the fil rouge connecting these diversified research areas. In the present review, we report a chronological recapitulation, also performing a survey of the structural content of the Protein Data Bank, of the milestones achieved over the years in the characterization of cross-β assemblies involved in the insurgence of neurodegenerative diseases. A particular emphasis is given to the very recent successful elucidation of amyloid-like aggregates characterized by remarkable molecular and structural complexities. We also review the state of the art of the structural characterization of cross-β based biomaterials by highlighting the benefits of the osmosis of information between these two research areas. Finally, we underline the new promising perspectives that recent successful characterizations of disease-related amyloid-like assemblies can open in the biomaterial field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Balasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Vitagliano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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49
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Garcia AM, Melchionna M, Bellotto O, Kralj S, Semeraro S, Parisi E, Iglesias D, D’Andrea P, De Zorzi R, Vargiu AV, Marchesan S. Nanoscale Assembly of Functional Peptides with Divergent Programming Elements. ACS NANO 2021; 15:3015-3025. [PMID: 33576622 PMCID: PMC8023796 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling peptides are being applied both in the biomedical area and as building blocks in nanotechnology. Their applications are closely linked to their modes of self-assembly, which determine the functional nanostructures that they form. This work brings together two structural elements that direct nanoscale self-association in divergent directions: proline as a β-breaker and the β-structure-associated diphenylalanine motif, into a single tripeptide sequence. Amino acid chirality was found to resolve the tension inherent to these conflicting self-assembly instructions. Stereoconfiguration determined the ability of each of the eight possible Pro-Phe-Phe stereoisomers to self-associate into diverse nanostructures, including nanoparticles, nanotapes, or fibrils, which yielded hydrogels with gel-to-sol transition at a physiologically relevant temperature. Three single-crystal structures and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations elucidated the ability of each peptide to establish key interactions to form long-range assemblies (i,e., stacks leading to gelling fibrils), medium-range assemblies (i.e., stacks yielding nanotapes), or short-range assemblies (i.e., dimers or trimers that further associated into nanoparticles). Importantly, diphenylalanine is known to serve as a binding site for pathological amyloids, potentially allowing these heterochiral systems to influence the fibrillization of other biologically relevant peptides. To probe this hypothesis, all eight Pro-Phe-Phe stereoisomers were tested in vitro on the Alzheimer's disease-associated Aβ(1-42) peptide. Indeed, one nonfibril-forming stereoisomer effectively inhibited Aβ fibrillization through multivalent binding between diphenylalanine motifs. This work thus defined heterochirality as a useful feature to strategically develop future therapeutics to interfere with pathological processes, with the additional value of resistance to protease-mediated degradation and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Garcia
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Melchionna
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- INSTM, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ottavia Bellotto
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Materials
Synthesis Department, Jožef Stefan
Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Evelina Parisi
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniel Iglesias
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola D’Andrea
- Life
Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Rita De Zorzi
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Physics
Department, University of Cagliari, S.P. 8, km. 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- INSTM, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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50
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Yang J, Agnihotri MV, Huseby CJ, Kuret J, Singer SJ. A theoretical study of polymorphism in VQIVYK fibrils. Biophys J 2021; 120:1396-1416. [PMID: 33571490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The VQIVYK fragment from the Tau protein, also known as PHF6, is essential for aggregation of Tau into neurofibrillary lesions associated with neurodegenerative diseases. VQIVYK itself forms amyloid fibrils composed of paired β-sheets. Therefore, the full Tau protein and VQIVYK fibrils have been intensively investigated. A central issue in these studies is polymorphism, the ability of a protein to fold into more than one structure. Using all-atom molecular simulations, we generate five stable polymorphs of VQIVYK fibrils, establish their relative free energy with umbrella sampling methods, and identify the side chain interactions that provide stability. The two most stable polymorphs, which have nearly equal free energy, are formed by interdigitation of the mostly hydrophobic VIY "face" sides of the β-sheets. Another stable polymorph is formed by interdigitation of the QVK "back" sides. When we turn to examine structures from cryo-electron microscopy experiments on Tau filaments taken from diseased patients or generated in vitro, we find that the pattern of side chain interactions found in the two most stable face-to-face as well as the back-to-back polymorphs are recapitulated in amyloid structures of the full protein. Thus, our studies suggest that the interactions stabilizing PHF6 fibrils explain the amyloidogenicity of the VQIVYK motif within the full Tau protein and provide justification for the use of VQIVYK fibrils as a test bed for the design of molecules that identify or inhibit amyloid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehoon Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mithila V Agnihotri
- Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Carol J Huseby
- Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeff Kuret
- Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Sherwin J Singer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
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