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Masato A, Bubacco L. The αSynuclein half-life conundrum. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106524. [PMID: 38705490 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106524] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
αSynuclein (αSyn) misfolding and aggregation frequently precedes neuronal loss associated with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and other Synucleinopathies. The progressive buildup of pathological αSyn species results from alterations on αSyn gene and protein sequence, increased local concentrations, variations in αSyn interactome and protein network. Therefore, under physiological conditions, it is mandatory to regulate αSyn proteostasis as an equilibrium among synthesis, trafficking, degradation and extracellular release. In this frame, a crucial parameter is protein half-life. It provides indications of the turnover of a specific protein and depends on mRNA synthesis and translation regulation, subcellular localization, function and clearance by the designated degradative pathways. For αSyn, the molecular mechanisms regulating its proteostasis in neurons have been extensively investigated in various cellular models, either using biochemical or imaging approaches. Nevertheless, a converging estimate of αSyn half-life has not emerged yet. Here, we discuss the challenges in studying αSyn proteostasis under physiological and pathological conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental strategies proposed so far, and the relevance of determining αSyn half-life from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Masato
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Centro Studi per la Neurodegenerazione (CESNE), University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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2
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Spinozzi F, Moretti P, Perinelli DR, Corucci G, Piergiovanni P, Amenitsch H, Sancini GA, Franzese G, Blasi P. Small-angle X-ray scattering unveils the internal structure of lipid nanoparticles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 662:446-459. [PMID: 38364470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles own a remarkable potential in nanomedicine, only partially disclosed. While the clinical use of liposomes and cationic lipid-nucleic acid complexes is well-established, liquid lipid nanoparticles (nanoemulsions), solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers have even greater possibilities. However, they face obstacles in being used in clinics due to a lack of understanding about the molecular mechanisms controlling their drug loading and release, interactions with the biological environment (such as the protein corona), and shelf-life stability. To create effective drug delivery carriers and successfully translate bench research to clinical settings, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the internal structure of lipid nanoparticles. Through synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering experiments, we determined the spatial distribution and internal structure of the nanoparticles' lipid, surfactant, and the bound water in them. The nanoparticles themselves have a barrel-like shape that consists of coplanar lipid platelets (specifically cetyl palmitate) that are covered by loosely spaced polysorbate 80 surfactant molecules, whose polar heads retain a large amount of bound water. To reduce the interface cost of bound water with unbound water without stacking, the platelets collapse onto each other. This internal structure challenges the classical core-shell model typically used to describe solid lipid nanoparticles and could play a significant role in drug loading and release, biological fluid interaction, and nanoparticle stability, making our findings valuable for the rational design of lipid-based nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Spinozzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy.
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Corucci
- Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France; École Doctorale de Physique, Université Grenoble Alpes, Saint-Martin-d'Héres, France; Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Piergiovanni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Giancarlo Franzese
- Secció de Física Estadística i Interdisciplinària, Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, & Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Paolo Blasi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Song DY, Yuan L, Cui N, Feng C, Meng L, Wang XH, Xiang M, Liu D, Wang C, Zhang Z, Li JY, Li W. α-Synuclein induces deficiency in clathrin-mediated endocytosis through inhibiting synaptojanin1 expression. J Neurochem 2023; 167:461-484. [PMID: 37788328 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15974] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related chronic neurological disorder, mainly characterized by the pathological feature of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation, with the exact disease pathogenesis unclear. During the onset and progression of PD, synaptic dysfunction, including dysregulation of axonal transport, impaired exocytosis, and endocytosis are identified as crucial events of PD pathogenesis. It has been reported that over-expression of α-syn impairs clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in the synapses. However, the underlying mechanisms still needs to be explored. In this study, we investigated the molecular events underlying the synaptic dysfunction caused by over-expression of wild-type human α-syn and its mutant form, involving series of proteins participating in CME. We found that excessive human α-syn causes impaired fission and uncoating of clathrin-coated vesicles during synaptic vesicle recycling, leading to reduced clustering of synaptic vesicles near the active zone and increased size of plasma membrane and number of endocytic intermediates. Furthermore, over-expressed human α-syn induced changes of CME-associated proteins, among which synaptojanin1 (SYNJ1) showed significant reduction in various brain regions. Over-expression of SYNJ1 in primary hippocampal neurons from α-syn transgenic mice recovered the synaptic vesicle density, clustering and endocytosis. Using fluorescence-conjugated transferrin, we demonstrated that SYNJ1 re-boosted the CME activity by restoring the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate homeostasis. Our data suggested that over-expression of α-syn disrupts synaptic function through interfering with vesicle recycling, which could be alleviated by re-availing of SYNJ1. Our study unrevealed a molecular mechanism of the synaptic dysfunction in PD pathogenesis and provided a potential therapeutic target for treating PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Yan Song
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Na Cui
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Cong Feng
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin-He Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Man Xiang
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Wen Li
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders, Health Sciences Institute, Key Laboratory of Major Chronic Diseases of Nervous System of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Thole JF, Waudby CA, Pielak GJ. Disordered proteins mitigate the temperature dependence of site-specific binding free energies. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102984. [PMID: 36739945 PMCID: PMC10027511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biophysical characterization of protein-protein interactions involving disordered proteins is challenging. A common simplification is to measure the thermodynamics and kinetics of disordered site binding using peptides containing only the minimum residues necessary. We should not assume, however, that these few residues tell the whole story. Son of sevenless, a multidomain signaling protein from Drosophila melanogaster, is critical to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, passing an external signal to Ras, which leads to cellular responses. The disordered 55 kDa C-terminal domain of Son of sevenless is an autoinhibitor that blocks guanidine exchange factor activity. Activation requires another protein, Downstream of receptor kinase (Drk), which contains two Src homology 3 domains. Here, we utilized NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry to quantify the thermodynamics and kinetics of the N-terminal Src homology 3 domain binding to the strongest sites incorporated into the flanking disordered sequences. Comparing these results to those for isolated peptides provides information about how the larger domain affects binding. The affinities of sites on the disordered domain are like those of the peptides at low temperatures but less sensitive to temperature. Our results, combined with observations showing that intrinsically disordered proteins become more compact with increasing temperature, suggest a mechanism for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Thole
- Department of Chemistry, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Program, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Gary J Pielak
- Department of Chemistry, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Program, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Cancer Center, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, UNC - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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SAXS Reveals the Stabilization Effects of Modified Sugars on Model Proteins. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12010123. [PMID: 35054516 PMCID: PMC8778440 DOI: 10.3390/life12010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins are usually not stable under different stresses, such as temperature and pH variations, mechanical stresses, high concentrations, and high saline contents, and their transport is always difficult, because they need to be maintained in a cold regime, which is costly and very challenging to achieve in remote areas of the world. For this reason, it is extremely important to find stabilizing agents that are able to preserve and protect proteins against denaturation. In the present work, we investigate, by extensively using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering experiments, the stabilization effect of five different sugar-derived compounds developed at ExtremoChem on two model proteins: myoglobin and insulin. The data analysis, based on a novel method that combines structural and thermodynamic features, has provided details about the physical-chemical processes that regulate the stability of these proteins in the presence of stabilizing compounds. The results clearly show that some modified sugars exert a greater stabilizing effect than others, being able to maintain the active forms of proteins at temperatures higher than those in which proteins, in the absence of stabilizers, reach denatured states.
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Rajeshkumar RR, Kumar BK, Parasuraman P, Panneerselvam T, Sundar K, Ammunje DN, Ram Kumar Pandian S, Murugesan S, Kabilan SJ, Kunjiappan S. Graph theoretical network analysis, in silico exploration, and validation of bioactive compounds from Cynodon dactylon as potential neuroprotective agents against α-synuclein. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2022; 12:487-499. [PMID: 36644543 PMCID: PMC9809135 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2022.24113] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, devastating neurodegenerative disorder marked by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain's substantia nigra pars compacta (Snpc). In alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) self-aggregation, the existence of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies called Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) causes PD, which is a cause of neuronal death. Methods: The present study is aimed at finding potential bioactive compounds from Cynodon dectylon that can degrade α-Syn aggregation in the brain, through in silico molecular docking investigations. Graph theoretical network analysis was used to identify the bioactive compounds that target α-Syn and decipher their network as a graph. From the data repository, twenty-nine bioactive chemicals from C. dactylon were chosen and their structures were retrieved from Pubchem. On the basis of their docking scores and binding energies, significant compounds were chosen for future investigation. The in silico prediction of chosen compounds, and their pharmacokinetic and physicochemical parameters were utilized to confirm their drug-likeness profile. Results: During molecular docking investigation the bioactive compounds vitexin (-7.3 kcal.mol-1) and homoorientin (-7.1 kcal.mol-1) showed significant binding energy against the α-Syn target protein. A computer investigation of molecular dynamics simulation study verifies the stability of the α-Syn-ligand complex. The intermolecular interactions assessed by the dynamic conditions indicate that the bioactive compound vitexin has the potency to prevent α-Syn aggregation. Conclusion: Interestingly, the observed results indicate that vitexin is a potential lead compound against α-Syn aggregation, and in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to confirm the promising therapeutic capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Rajeswari Rajeshkumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Banoth Karan Kumar
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani-333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pavadai Parasuraman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru-560054, Karnataka, India
| | - Theivendren Panneerselvam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swamy Vivekanandha College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengodu-637205, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krishnan Sundar
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Damodar Nayak Ammunje
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, M S R Nagar, Bengaluru-560054, Karnataka, India
| | - Sureshbabu Ram Kumar Pandian
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sankaranarayanan Murugesan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani-333031, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Selvaraj Kunjiappan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India
,Corresponding author: Selvaraj Kunjiappan,
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Giampà M, Amundarain MJ, Herrera MG, Tonali N, Dodero VI. Implementing Complementary Approaches to Shape the Mechanism of α-Synuclein Oligomerization as a Model of Amyloid Aggregation. Molecules 2021; 27:88. [PMID: 35011320 PMCID: PMC8747028 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibers is linked to more than forty still incurable cellular and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy, Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes, among others. The process of amyloid formation is a main feature of cell degeneration and disease pathogenesis. Despite being methodologically challenging, a complete understanding of the molecular mechanism of aggregation, especially in the early stages, is essential to find new biological targets for innovative therapies. Here, we reviewed selected examples on α-syn showing how complementary approaches, which employ different biophysical techniques and models, can better deal with a comprehensive study of amyloid aggregation. In addition to the monomer aggregation and conformational transition hypothesis, we reported new emerging theories regarding the self-aggregation of α-syn, such as the alpha-helix rich tetramer hypothesis, whose destabilization induce monomer aggregation; and the liquid-liquid phase separation hypothesis, which considers a phase separation of α-syn into liquid droplets as a primary event towards the evolution to aggregates. The final aim of this review is to show how multimodal methodologies provide a complete portrait of α-syn oligomerization and can be successfully extended to other protein aggregation diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giampà
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Olav Kyrres Gate 9, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - María J. Amundarain
- Instituto de Física del Sur (IFISUR), Departamento de Física, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), CONICET, Av. L. N. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca B8000CPB, Argentina;
| | - Maria Georgina Herrera
- Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Nicolò Tonali
- BioCIS, CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Veronica I. Dodero
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Bielefeld University, Universitätstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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