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Li W, Li HL, Wang JZ, Liu R, Wang X. Abnormal protein post-translational modifications induces aggregation and abnormal deposition of protein, mediating neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:22. [PMID: 38347638 PMCID: PMC10863199 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01189-y] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein post-translational modifications (PPTMs) refer to a series of chemical modifications that occur after the synthesis of protein. Proteins undergo different modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and so on. These modifications can alter the protein's structure, function, and interaction, thereby regulating its biological activity. In neurodegenerative diseases, several proteins undergo abnormal post-translational modifications, which leads to aggregation and abnormal deposition of protein, thus resulting in neuronal death and related diseases. For example, the main pathological features of Alzheimer's disease are the aggregation of beta-amyloid protein and abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein. The abnormal ubiquitination and loss of α-synuclein are related to the onset of Parkinson's disease. Other neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and so on are also connected with abnormal PPTMs. Therefore, studying the abnormal PPTMs in neurodegenerative diseases is critical for understanding the mechanism of these diseases and the development of significant therapeutic strategies. This work reviews the implications of PPTMs in neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the relevant therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hong-Lian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, JS, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, JS, China.
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Wuhan, China.
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2
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Singh R, Hussain J, Kaur A, Jamdare BG, Pathak D, Garg K, Kaur R, Shankar S, Sunkaria A. The hidden players: Shedding light on the significance of post-translational modifications and miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease development. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102002. [PMID: 37423542 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent, expensive, lethal, and burdening neurodegenerative disease of this century. The initial stages of this disease are characterized by a reduced ability to encode and store new memories. Subsequent cognitive and behavioral deterioration occurs during the later stages. Abnormal cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) resulting in amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation along with hyperphosphorylation of tau protein are the two characteristic hallmarks of AD. Recently, several post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been identified on both Aβ as well as tau proteins. However, a complete understanding of how different PTMs influence the structure and function of proteins in both healthy and diseased conditions is still lacking. It has been speculated that these PTMs might play vital roles in the progression of AD. In addition, several short non-coding microRNA (miRNA) sequences have been found to be deregulated in the peripheral blood of Alzheimer patients. The miRNAs are single-stranded RNAs that control gene expression by causing mRNA degradation, deadenylation, or translational repression and have been implicated in the regulation of several neuronal and glial activities. The lack of comprehensive understanding regarding disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets greatly hampers the development of effective strategies for early diagnosis and the identification of viable therapeutic targets. Moreover, existing treatment options for managing the disease have proven to be ineffective and provide only temporary relief. Therefore, understanding the role of miRNAs and PTMs in AD can provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms, aid in the identification of biomarkers, facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, and inspire innovative treatments for this challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Julfequar Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Balaji Gokul Jamdare
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Deepti Pathak
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Kanchan Garg
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Ramanpreet Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Shivani Shankar
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India
| | - Aditya Sunkaria
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India.
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3
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Nowakowska AW, Wojciechowski JW, Szulc N, Kotulska M. The role of tandem repeats in bacterial functional amyloids. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108002. [PMID: 37482232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108002] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Repetitivity and modularity of proteins are two related notions incorporated into multiple evolutionary concepts. We discuss whether they may also be essential for functional amyloids. Amyloids are proteins that create very regular and usually highly insoluble fibrils, which are often associated with neurodegeneration. However, recent discoveries showed that amyloid structure of a protein could also be beneficial and desired, e.g., to promote cell adhesion. Functional amyloids are proteins which differ in their characteristics from pathological amyloids, so that the fibril formation could be more under control of an organism. We propose that repeats in the sequence could regulate the aggregation propensity of these proteins. The inclusion of multiple symmetric interactions, due to the presence of the repeats, could be supporting and strengthening the desirable structural properties of functional amyloids. Our results show that tandem repeats in bacterial functional amyloids have a distinct characteristic. The pattern of repeats supports the appropriate level of fibril formation and better controllability of fibril stability. The repeats tend to be more imperfect, which attenuates excessive aggregation propensity. Their desired structure and function are also reinforced by their amino acid profile. Although in the study we focused on bacterial functional amyloids, due to their importance in biofilm formation, we propose that similar mechanisms could be employed in other functional amyloids which are designed by evolution to aggregate in a desirable manner, but not necessarily in pathological amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja W Nowakowska
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland.
| | - Jakub W Wojciechowski
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland
| | - Natalia Szulc
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland; Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Physics and Biophysics, Poland; LPCT, CNRS, Universite de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Malgorzata Kotulska
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Poland.
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4
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Naskar A, Nayak A, Salaikumaran MR, Vishal SS, Gopal PP. Phase separation and pathologic transitions of RNP condensates in neurons: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1242925. [PMID: 37720552 PMCID: PMC10502346 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1242925] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation results in the formation of dynamic biomolecular condensates, also known as membrane-less organelles, that allow for the assembly of functional compartments and higher order structures within cells. Multivalent, reversible interactions between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), including FUS, TDP-43, and hnRNPA1, and/or RNA (e.g., RBP-RBP, RBP-RNA, RNA-RNA), result in the formation of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) condensates, which are critical for RNA processing, mRNA transport, stability, stress granule assembly, and translation. Stress granules, neuronal transport granules, and processing bodies are examples of cytoplasmic RNP condensates, while the nucleolus and Cajal bodies are representative nuclear RNP condensates. In neurons, RNP condensates promote long-range mRNA transport and local translation in the dendrites and axon, and are essential for spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression, axonal integrity and synaptic function. Mutations of RBPs and/or pathologic mislocalization and aggregation of RBPs are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Alzheimer's disease. ALS/FTD-linked mutations of RBPs alter the strength and reversibility of multivalent interactions with other RBPs and RNAs, resulting in aberrant phase transitions. These aberrant RNP condensates have detrimental functional consequences on mRNA stability, localization, and translation, and ultimately lead to compromised axonal integrity and synaptic function in disease. Pathogenic protein aggregation is dependent on various factors, and aberrant dynamically arrested RNP condensates may serve as an initial nucleation step for pathologic aggregate formation. Recent studies have focused on identifying mechanisms by which neurons resolve phase transitioned condensates to prevent the formation of pathogenic inclusions/aggregates. The present review focuses on the phase separation of neurodegenerative disease-linked RBPs, physiological functions of RNP condensates, and the pathologic role of aberrant phase transitions in neurodegenerative disease, particularly ALS/FTD. We also examine cellular mechanisms that contribute to the resolution of aberrant condensates in neurons, and potential therapeutic approaches to resolve aberrantly phase transitioned condensates at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Naskar
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Asima Nayak
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Sonali S. Vishal
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Pallavi P. Gopal
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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5
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Khayat E, Delfing BM, Laracuente X, Olson A, Lockhart C, Klimov DK. Lysine Acetylation Changes the Mechanism of Aβ25-35 Peptide Binding and Dimerization in the DMPC Bilayer. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:494-505. [PMID: 36656569 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of Lys28 acetylation on Alzheimer's Aβ peptide binding to the lipid bilayer has not been previously studied, either experimentally or computationally. To probe this common post-translational modification, we performed all-atom replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations targeting binding and aggregation of acetylated acAβ25-35 peptide within the DMPC bilayer. Using the unmodified Aβ25-35 studied previously as a reference, our results can be summarized as follows. First, Lys28 acetylation strengthens the Aβ25-35 hydrophobic moment and consequently promotes the helical structure across the peptide extending it into the N-terminus. Second, because Lys28 acetylation disrupts electrostatic contact between Lys28 and lipid phosphate groups, it reduces the binding affinity of acAβ25-35 peptides to the DMPC bilayer. Accordingly, although acetylation preserves the bimodal binding featuring a preferred inserted state and a less probable surface bound state, it decreases the stability of the former. Third, acetylation promotes acAβ25-35 aggregation and eliminates monomers as thermodynamically viable species. More importantly, acAβ25-35 retains as the most thermodynamically stable the inserted dimer with unique head-to-tail helical aggregation interface. However, due to enhanced helix structure, this dimer state becomes less stable and is less likely to propagate into higher order aggregates. Thus, acetylation is predicted to facilitate the formation of low-molecular-weight oligomers. Other post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and oxidation, reduce helical propensity and have divergent impact on aggregation. Consequently, acetylation, when considered in its totality, has distinct consequences on Aβ25-35 binding and aggregation in the lipid bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Khayat
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Bryan M Delfing
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Xavier Laracuente
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Audrey Olson
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Christopher Lockhart
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Dmitri K Klimov
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
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6
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Kabir F, Atkinson R, Cook AL, Phipps AJ, King AE. The role of altered protein acetylation in neurodegenerative disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 14:1025473. [PMID: 36688174 PMCID: PMC9845957 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1025473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylation is a key post-translational modification (PTM) involved in the regulation of both histone and non-histone proteins. It controls cellular processes such as DNA transcription, RNA modifications, proteostasis, aging, autophagy, regulation of cytoskeletal structures, and metabolism. Acetylation is essential to maintain neuronal plasticity and therefore essential for memory and learning. Homeostasis of acetylation is maintained through the activities of histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, with alterations to these tightly regulated processes reported in several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both hyperacetylation and hypoacetylation can impair neuronal physiological homeostasis and increase the accumulation of pathophysiological proteins such as tau, α-synuclein, and Huntingtin protein implicated in AD, PD, and HD, respectively. Additionally, dysregulation of acetylation is linked to impaired axonal transport, a key pathological mechanism in ALS. This review article will discuss the physiological roles of protein acetylation and examine the current literature that describes altered protein acetylation in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Abstract
The ability to detect and characterize multiple secondary structures or polymorphs within peptide and protein aggregates is crucial to treatment and prevention of amyloidogenic diseases, production of novel biomaterials, and many other applications. Here we report a label-free method to distinguish multiple β-sheet configurations within a single peptide aggregate using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. By calculating the transition dipole strength (TDS) spectrum from the ratio of linear and two-dimensional signals, we can extract maximum TDS values which provide higher sensitivity to vibrational coupling, and thus specifics of protein structure, than vibrational frequency alone. TDS spectra of AcKFE8 aggregates reveal two distinct β-sheet structures within fibers that appear homogeneous by other techniques. Furthermore, TDS spectra taken during early stages of aggregation show additional peaks that may indicate the presence of more weakly coupled β-sheet structures. These results demonstrate a unique and powerful spectroscopic method capable of distinguishing multiple oligomeric and polymorphic motifs throughout the aggregation using only native vibrational modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Lauren E Buchanan
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
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8
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Rezaei M, Kalhor HR. Amyloid fibril reduction through covalently modified lysine in HEWL and insulin. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 727:109350. [PMID: 35830943 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109350] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Proteins possess a variety of nucleophiles, which can carry out different reactions in the functioning cells. Proteins endogenously and synthetically can be modified through their nucleophilic sites. The roles of these chemical modifications have not been completely revealed. These modifications can alter the protein folding process. Protein folding directly affects the function of proteins. If an error in protein folding occurs, it may cause protein malfunction leading to several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In this study, Hen Egg White Lysozyme (HEWL) and bovine insulin, as model proteins for studying the amyloid formation, were covalently attached with 5(6)-thiophenolfluorescein. The amyloid formation of the covalently labeled lysozyme and insulin were compared with the native proteins. Interestingly, the results indicated that the covalent attachment of fluorescein slowed down the amyloid formation of HEWL and insulin significantly. The amyloid formation was examined using Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism, FTIR, and gel electrophoresis. Tandem mass spectrometry was employed to identify the sites of covalent modifications in HEWL. It turned out that two surface lysine residues (K97 and K 116) in HEWL were modified. Computational studies, including docking and molecular simulations, revealed that 5(6)-thiophenolfluorescein makes several non-covalent interactions with HEWL residues, including Lys 97, leading to the reduction of the β-sheet in the protein. Additionally, AFM analysis confirmed the amyloid fibril reduction of lysine-modified bovine insulin and HEWL. Altogether, our results expand mechanistic insights into preventing amyloid formation by providing an approach for reducing amyloid formation by modifying specific lysine residues in the proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rezaei
- Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Research Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box 11155-3516, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Kalhor
- Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Research Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box 11155-3516, Tehran, Iran.
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Ge Y, Masoura A, Yang J, Aprile FA. A Chemical Mutagenesis Approach to Insert Post-translational Modifications in Aggregation-Prone Proteins. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1714-1718. [PMID: 35609278 PMCID: PMC9204764 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00077] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a class of disorders linked to the formation in the nervous system of fibrillar protein aggregates called amyloids. This aggregation process is affected by a variety of post-translational modifications, whose specific mechanisms are not fully understood yet. Emerging chemical mutagenesis technology is currently striving to address the challenge of introducing protein post-translational modifications, while maintaining the stability and solubility of the proteins during the modification reaction. Several amyloidogenic proteins are highly aggregation-prone, and current modification procedures can lead to unexpected precipitation of these proteins, affecting their yield and downstream characterization. Here, we present a method for maintaining amyloidogenic protein solubility during chemical mutagenesis. As proof-of-principle, we applied our method to mimic the phosphorylation of serine-26 and the acetylation of lysine-28 of the 40-residue long variant of amyloid-β peptide, whose aggregation is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ge
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Athina Masoura
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jingzhou Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco A. Aprile
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom,Institute
of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom,
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10
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Hsieh IC, Chen TW, Chuang YP, Lai YJ, Tu LH. Tyrosine 12 of human calcitonin modulates its amyloid formation, membrane binding, and bioactivity. Biochimie 2022; 197:121-129. [PMID: 35240220 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible aggregation greatly limits the bioavailability and therapeutic activity of peptide-based drugs, so preventing protein or peptide aggregation is a common issue in drug formulation. Human calcitonin (hCT), a peptide hormone secreted by thyroidal parafollicular cells, can regulate blood calcium levels and maintain bone structure. Hence, it can be used as a treatment for metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease. However, hCT has a relatively high propensity to form amyloid fibrils that hinder its biological function and limit its pharmaceutical potential. In previous studies, we demonstrated, along with other research groups, that modifying specific residues of hCT is sufficient to prevent hCT aggregation. We proceeded to find the key residues that regulate the aggregation of hCT for a better understanding of the mechanism of hCT aggregation. In this work, we used amyloid propensity prediction software and found that Tyr12 may play a key role in regulating hCT aggregation. Thus, we propose three human calcitonin variants (Y12E, Y12P, Y12R) for hCT non-amyloidogenic substituents and examined the aggregation characteristics of variants using multiple biophysical techniques. Y12E showed the best anti-aggregation propensity and can work as inhibitor of hCT aggregation. We also found this residue is crucial for membrane binding and receptor binding. The data presented herein provides an overview of Tyr12 that should be carefully considered in peptide design.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Ching Hsieh
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wei Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ping Chuang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Hsien Tu
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Deciphering the Effect of Lysine Acetylation on the Misfolding and Aggregation of Human Tau Fragment 171IPAKTPPAPK 180 Using Molecular Dynamic Simulation and the Markov State Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052399. [PMID: 35269542 PMCID: PMC8910285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) with β-sheet-rich structure caused by abnormal aggregation of misfolded microtubule-associated protein Tau is a hallmark of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s Disease. It has been reported that acetylation, especially K174 located in the proline-rich region, can largely promote Tau aggregation. So far, the mechanism of the abnormal acetylation of Tau that affects its misfolding and aggregation is still unclear. Therefore, revealing the effect of acetylation on Tau aggregation could help elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of tauopathies. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation combined with multiple computational analytical methods were performed to reveal the effect of K174 acetylation on the spontaneous aggregation of Tau peptide 171IPAKTPPAPK180, and the dimerization mechanism as an early stage of the spontaneous aggregation was further specifically analyzed by Markov state model (MSM) analysis. The results showed that both the actual acetylation and the mutation mimicking the acetylated state at K174 induced the aggregation of the studied Tau fragment; however, the effect of actual acetylation on the aggregation was more pronounced. In addition, acetylated K174 plays a major contributing role in forming and stabilizing the antiparallel β-sheet dimer by forming several hydrogen bonds and side chain van der Waals interactions with residues I171, P172, A173 and T175 of the corresponding chain. In brief, this study uncovered the underlying mechanism of Tau peptide aggregation in response to the lysine K174 acetylation, which can deepen our understanding on the pathogenesis of tauopathies.
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12
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Das A, Korn A, Carroll A, Carver JA, Maiti S. Application of the Double-Mutant Cycle Strategy to Protein Aggregation Reveals Transient Interactions in Amyloid-β Oligomers. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:12426-12435. [PMID: 34748334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c05829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Transient oligomeric intermediates in the peptide or protein aggregation pathway are suspected to be the key toxic species in many amyloid diseases, but deciphering their molecular nature has remained a challenge. Here we show that the strategy of "double-mutant cycles", used effectively in probing protein-folding intermediates, can reveal transient interactions during protein aggregation. It does so by comparing the changes in thermodynamic parameters between the wild type, and single and double mutants. We demonstrate the strategy by probing the possible transient salt bridge partner of lysine 28 (K28) in the oligomeric states of amyloid β-40 (Aβ40), the putative toxic species in Alzheimer's disease. In mature fibrils, the binding partner is aspartate 23. This interaction differentiates Aβ40 from the more toxic Aβ42, where K28's binding partner is the C-terminal carboxylate. We selectively acetylated K28 and amidated the C-terminus of Aβ40, creating four distinct variants. Spectroscopic measurements of the kinetics and thermodynamics of aggregation show that K28 and the C-terminus interact transiently in the early phases of the Aβ40 aggregation pathway. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (using a simple analysis method that we introduce here that takes into account the isotopic mass distribution) supports this interpretation. It is also supported by cellular toxicity measurements, suggesting possible similarities in the mechanisms of toxicity of Aβ40 oligomers (which are more toxic than Aβ40 fibrils) and Aβ42. Our results show that double-mutant cycles can be a powerful tool for probing transient interactions during protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Alexander Korn
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Adam Carroll
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - John A Carver
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
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13
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Moon SP, Balana AT, Pratt MR. Consequences of post-translational modifications on amyloid proteins as revealed by protein semisynthesis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 64:76-89. [PMID: 34175787 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alterations to the global levels of certain types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) are commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases. The net influence of these PTM changes to the progression of these diseases can be deduced from cellular and animal studies. However, at the molecular level, how one PTM influences a given protein is not uniform and cannot be easily generalized from systemic observations, thus requiring protein-specific interrogations. Given that protein aggregation is a shared pathological hallmark in neurodegeneration, it is important to understand how these PTMs affect the behavior of amyloid-forming proteins. For this purpose, protein semisynthesis techniques, largely via native chemical and expressed protein ligation, have been widely used. These approaches have thus far led to our increased understanding of the site-specific consequences of certain PTMs to amyloidogenic proteins' endogenous function, their propensity for aggregation, and the structural variations these PTMs induce toward the aggregates formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart P Moon
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aaron T Balana
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Matthew R Pratt
- Departments of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA; Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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Hu KW, Fan HF, Lin HC, Huang JW, Chen YC, Shen CL, Shih YH, Tu LH. Exploring the Impact of Glyoxal Glycation on β-Amyloid Peptide (Aβ) Aggregation in Alzheimer's Disease. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:5559-5571. [PMID: 34019761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c02797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of extracellular senile plaques formed by β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the patient's brain. Previous studies have shown that the plaques in the AD brains are colocalized with the advanced glycation end products, which is mainly formed from a series of nonenzymatic reactions of proteins with reducing sugars or reactive dicarbonyls. Glycation was also demonstrated to increase the neurotoxicity of the Aβ peptides. To clarify the impact of glycation on Aβ aggregation, we synthesized two glycated Aβ42 peptides by replacing Lys16 and Lys28 with Nε-carboxymethyllysine respectively to mimic the occurrence of protein glycation. Afterward, we monitored the aggregation kinetics and conformational change for two glycated peptides. We also used fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to probe the early stage of peptide oligomerization and tested their abilities in copper binding and reactive oxygen species production. Our data show that glycation significantly slows down the aggregation process and induces more cytotoxicity especially at position 28. We speculated that the higher toxicity might result from a relatively stable oligomeric form of peptide and not from ROS production. The data shown here emphasized that glycated proteins would be an important therapeutic target in AD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Hu
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Fang Fan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 800, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chen Lin
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 800, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Wei Huang
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 800, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Cai-Ling Shen
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Hsiang Shih
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 800, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Hsien Tu
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Jin Y, Vadukul DM, Gialama D, Ge Y, Thrush R, White JT, Aprile FA. The Diagnostic Potential of Amyloidogenic Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4128. [PMID: 33923609 PMCID: PMC8074075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a highly prevalent class of diseases, whose pathological mechanisms start before the appearance of any clear symptoms. This fact has prompted scientists to search for biomarkers that could aid early treatment. These currently incurable pathologies share the presence of aberrant aggregates called amyloids in the nervous system, which are composed of specific proteins. In this review, we discuss how these proteins, their conformations and modifications could be exploited as biomarkers for diagnostic purposes. We focus on proteins that are associated with the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia. We also describe current challenges in detection, the most recent techniques with diagnostic potentials and possible future developments in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Antonio Aprile
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (Y.J.); (D.M.V.); (D.G.); (Y.G.); (R.T.); (J.T.W.)
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16
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Dhembla C, Arya R, Kumar A, Kundu S, Sundd M. L. major apo-acyl carrier protein forms ordered aggregates due to an exposed phenylalanine, while phosphopantetheine inhibits aggregation in the holo-form. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 179:144-153. [PMID: 33667556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
L. major acyl carrier protein (ACP) is a mitochondrial protein, involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. The protein is expressed as an apo-protein, and post-translationally modified at Ser 37 by a 4'-Phosphopantetheinyl transferase. Crystal structure of the apo-form of the protein at pH 5.5 suggests a four helix bundle fold, typical of ACP's. However, upon lowering the pH to 5.0, it undergoes a conformational transition from α-helix to β-sheet, and displays amyloid like properties. When left for a few days at room temperature at this pH, the protein forms fibrils, visible under Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using an approach combining NMR, biophysical techniques, and mutagenesis, we have identified a Phe residue present on helix II of ACP, liable for this change. Phosphopantetheinylation of LmACP, or mutation of Phe 45 to the corresponding residue in E. coli ACP (methionine), slows down the conformational change. Conversely, substitution of methionine 44 of E. coli ACP with a phenylalanine, causes enhanced ThT binding. Thus, we demonstrate the unique property of an exposed Phe in inducing, and phophopantetheine in inhibiting amyloidogenesis. Taken together, our study adds L. major acyl carrier protein to the list of ACPs that act as pH sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Dhembla
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021, India
| | - Richa Arya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021, India
| | - Ambrish Kumar
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110 021, India
| | - Monica Sundd
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067, India.
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