1
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Dey A, Patil A, Arumugam S, Maiti S. Single-Molecule Maps of Membrane Insertion by Amyloid-β Oligomers Predict Their Toxicity. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:6292-6298. [PMID: 38855822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The interaction of small Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers with the lipid membrane is an important component of the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, oligomers are heterogeneous in size. How each type of oligomer incorporates into the membrane, and how that relates to their toxicity, is unknown. Here, we employ a single molecule technique called Q-SLIP (Quencher-induced Step Length Increase in Photobleaching) to measure the membrane insertion of each monomeric unit of individual oligomers of Aβ42, Aβ40, and Aβ40-F19-Cyclohexyl alanine (Aβ40-F19Cha), and correlate it with their toxicity. We observe that the N-terminus of Aβ42 inserts close to the center of the bilayer, the less toxic Aβ40 inserts to a shallower depth, and the least toxic Aβ40-F19Cha has no specific distribution. This oligomer-specific map provides a mechanistic representation of membrane-mediated Aβ toxicity and should be a valuable tool for AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Dey
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Abhishek Patil
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton/Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Senthil Arumugam
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton/Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- European Molecular Biological Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, Clayton/Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005, India
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2
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Somin S, Kulasiri D, Samarasinghe S. Alleviating the unwanted effects of oxidative stress on Aβ clearance: a review of related concepts and strategies for the development of computational modelling. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:11. [PMID: 36907887 PMCID: PMC10009979 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00344-2] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be more effective in the early stages. Although we do not completely understand the aetiology of the early stages of AD, potential pathological factors (amyloid beta [Aβ] and tau) and other co-factors have been identified as causes of AD, which may indicate some of the mechanism at work in the early stages of AD. Today, one of the primary techniques used to help delay or prevent AD in the early stages involves alleviating the unwanted effects of oxidative stress on Aβ clearance. 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a product of lipid peroxidation caused by oxidative stress, plays a key role in the adduction of the degrading proteases. This HNE employs a mechanism which decreases catalytic activity. This process ultimately impairs Aβ clearance. The degradation of HNE-modified proteins helps to alleviate the unwanted effects of oxidative stress. Having a clear understanding of the mechanisms associated with the degradation of the HNE-modified proteins is essential for the development of strategies and for alleviating the unwanted effects of oxidative stress. The strategies which could be employed to decrease the effects of oxidative stress include enhancing antioxidant activity, as well as the use of nanozymes and/or specific inhibitors. One area which shows promise in reducing oxidative stress is protein design. However, more research is needed to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of this technique. This paper discusses the interplay of potential pathological factors and AD. In particular, it focuses on the effect of oxidative stress on the expression of the Aβ-degrading proteases through adduction of the degrading proteases caused by HNE. The paper also elucidates other strategies that can be used to alleviate the unwanted effects of oxidative stress on Aβ clearance. To improve the effectiveness and accuracy of protein design, we explain the application of quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarawoot Somin
- Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS), Lincoln University, Christchurch, 7647, New Zealand.,Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Don Kulasiri
- Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS), Lincoln University, Christchurch, 7647, New Zealand. .,Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, 7647, New Zealand.
| | - Sandhya Samarasinghe
- Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS), Lincoln University, Christchurch, 7647, New Zealand
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3
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Nguyen PH, Derreumaux P. An S-Shaped Aβ42 Cross-β Hexamer Embedded into a Lipid Bilayer Reveals Membrane Disruption and Permeability. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:936-946. [PMID: 36757886 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions of amyloid oligomers with membranes are known to contribute to cellular toxicity. Numerous in vitro experimental studies reported on the insertion of oligomers of different sizes that can induce cell membrane disruption, extract lipids, and form ion-permeable transmembrane pores. The current repertoire of amyloid-beta (Aβ) membrane-inserted folds that was subject to high-resolution structure NMR spectroscopy and computer simulations is devoid of any cross-β fibrillar structure. In this study, we explored the dynamics of an S-shaped Aβ42 cross-β hexamer model inserted into a lipid bilayer membrane by two atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The initial model is characterized by the hydrophobic residues at the central hydrophobic core (residues 17-21, CHC) and the C-terminus (residues 30-42) embedded into the membrane. We observed major structural secondary, tertiary, and quaternary rearrangements leading to two distinct species, hexamer and two trimers, accompanied by membrane disruption and water permeation. The simulations show that some configurations, but not the majority, have the CHC and C-terminus hydrophobic residues exposed to the solvent. Overall, our computational results offer new perspectives to understand the relationship between Aβ42 assemblies and membrane permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong H Nguyen
- CNRS, UPR 9080, Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, Université Paris Cité, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Derreumaux
- CNRS, UPR 9080, Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, Université Paris Cité, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
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4
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Nguyen PH, Ramamoorthy A, Sahoo BR, Zheng J, Faller P, Straub JE, Dominguez L, Shea JE, Dokholyan NV, De Simone A, Ma B, Nussinov R, Najafi S, Ngo ST, Loquet A, Chiricotto M, Ganguly P, McCarty J, Li MS, Hall C, Wang Y, Miller Y, Melchionna S, Habenstein B, Timr S, Chen J, Hnath B, Strodel B, Kayed R, Lesné S, Wei G, Sterpone F, Doig AJ, Derreumaux P. Amyloid Oligomers: A Joint Experimental/Computational Perspective on Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Type II Diabetes, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Chem Rev 2021; 121:2545-2647. [PMID: 33543942 PMCID: PMC8836097 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation is observed in many amyloidogenic diseases affecting either the central nervous system or a variety of peripheral tissues. Structural and dynamic characterization of all species along the pathways from monomers to fibrils is challenging by experimental and computational means because they involve intrinsically disordered proteins in most diseases. Yet understanding how amyloid species become toxic is the challenge in developing a treatment for these diseases. Here we review what computer, in vitro, in vivo, and pharmacological experiments tell us about the accumulation and deposition of the oligomers of the (Aβ, tau), α-synuclein, IAPP, and superoxide dismutase 1 proteins, which have been the mainstream concept underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), type II diabetes (T2D), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, respectively, for many years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong H Nguyen
- CNRS, UPR9080, Université de Paris, Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry, IBPC, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy
- Biophysics and Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1055, United States
| | - Bikash R Sahoo
- Biophysics and Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1055, United States
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Peter Faller
- Institut de Chimie, UMR 7177, CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - John E Straub
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Laura Dominguez
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Joan-Emma Shea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
- Department of Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Molecular Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Buyong Ma
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Saeed Najafi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Son Tung Ngo
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics & Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, 33000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Antoine Loquet
- Institute of Chemistry & Biology of Membranes & Nanoobjects, (UMR5248 CBMN), CNRS, Université Bordeaux, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Mara Chiricotto
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Pritam Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - James McCarty
- Chemistry Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225, United States
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, SBI Building, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Carol Hall
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7905, United States
| | - Yiming Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7905, United States
| | - Yifat Miller
- Department of Chemistry and The Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | | | - Birgit Habenstein
- Institute of Chemistry & Biology of Membranes & Nanoobjects, (UMR5248 CBMN), CNRS, Université Bordeaux, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Stepan Timr
- CNRS, UPR9080, Université de Paris, Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry, IBPC, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Brianna Hnath
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Birgit Strodel
- Institute of Complex Systems: Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Sylvain Lesné
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Science, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Fabio Sterpone
- CNRS, UPR9080, Université de Paris, Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry, IBPC, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Andrew J Doig
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Philippe Derreumaux
- CNRS, UPR9080, Université de Paris, Laboratory of Theoretical Biochemistry, IBPC, Fondation Edmond de Rothschild, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry, Ton Duc Thang University, 33000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, 33000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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5
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Urbanc B. Cross-Linked Amyloid β-Protein Oligomers: A Missing Link in Alzheimer's Disease Pathology? J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:1307-1316. [PMID: 33440940 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c07716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) oligomers are broadly viewed as the proximate mediators of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies, however, provide substantial evidence that Aβ is involved in protection and repair of the central nervous system whereby Aβ oligomer and subsequent fibril formation are integral to its normal antimicrobial and antiviral function. These developments raise a question of what exactly makes Aβ oligomers toxic in the context of AD. This Perspective describes a paradigm shift in the search for toxic Aβ oligomer species that involves oxidative-stress-induced stabilization of Aβ oligomers via cross-linking and reviews most recent research elucidating structural aspects of cross-linked Aβ oligomers and potential inhibition of their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigita Urbanc
- Department of Physics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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6
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Li Y, Tang H, Andrikopoulos N, Javed I, Cecchetto L, Nandakumar A, Kakinen A, Davis TP, Ding F, Ke PC. The membrane axis of Alzheimer's nanomedicine. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021; 1:2000040. [PMID: 33748816 PMCID: PMC7971452 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major neurological disorder impairing its carrier's cognitive function, memory and lifespan. While the development of AD nanomedicine is still nascent, the field is evolving into a new scientific frontier driven by the diverse physicochemical properties and theranostic potential of nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Characteristic to the AD pathology is the deposition of amyloid plaques and tangles of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, whose aggregation kinetics may be curbed by nanoparticle inhibitors via sequence-specific targeting or nonspecific interactions with the amyloidogenic proteins. As literature implicates cell membrane as a culprit in AD pathogenesis, here we summarize the membrane axis of AD nanomedicine and present a new rationale that the field development may greatly benefit from harnessing our existing knowledge of Aβ-membrane interaction, nanoparticle-membrane interaction and Aβ-nanoparticle interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhuan Li
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 111 Yixueyuan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Huayuan Tang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| | - Nicholas Andrikopoulos
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Javed
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Luca Cecchetto
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aparna Nandakumar
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Kakinen
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 111 Yixueyuan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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7
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Nguyen H, Linh HQ, Matteini P, La Penna G, Li MS. Emergence of Barrel Motif in Amyloid-β Trimer: A Computational Study. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:10617-10631. [PMID: 33180492 PMCID: PMC7735726 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c05508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides form assemblies that are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ oligomers are soluble, mobile, and toxic forms of the peptide that act in the extracellular space before assembling into protofibrils and fibrils. Therefore, oligomers play an important role in the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease. Since it is difficult to determine by experiment the atomic structures of oligomers, which accumulate fast and are polymorphic, computer simulation is a useful tool to investigate elusive oligomers' structures. In this work, we report extended all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, both canonical and replica exchange, of Aβ(1-42) trimer starting from two different initial conformations: (i) the pose produced by the best docking of a monomer aside of a dimer (simulation 1), representing oligomers freshly formed by assembling monomers, and (ii) a configuration extracted from an experimental mature fibril structure (simulation 2), representing settled oligomers in equilibrium with extended fibrils. We showed that in simulation 1, regions with small β-barrels are populated, indicating the chance of spontaneous formation of domains resembling channel-like structures. These structural domains are alternative to those more representative of mature fibrils (simulation 2), the latter showing a stable bundle of C-termini that is not sampled in simulation 1. Moreover, trimer of Aβ(1-42) can form internal pores that are large enough to be accessed by water molecules and Ca2+ ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang
Linh Nguyen
- Institute
for Computational Science and Technology, SBI Building, Quang Trung Software
City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Ho
Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Vietnam
National University, Ho Chi Minh
City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Huynh Quang Linh
- Ho
Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Vietnam
National University, Ho Chi Minh
City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Paolo Matteini
- Institute
of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, National Research Council, Via Madonna Del Piano 10, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giovanni La Penna
- National
Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute
for Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds (ICCOM), 50019 Florence, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics
(INFN), Section of Roma-Tor
Vergata Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of
Sciences, Al. Lotnikow
32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mai Suan Li
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics
(INFN), Section of Roma-Tor
Vergata Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of
Sciences, Al. Lotnikow
32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Younger S, Jang H, Davies HA, Niemiec MJ, Garcia JGN, Nussinov R, Migrino RQ, Madine J, Arce FT. Medin Oligomer Membrane Pore Formation: A Potential Mechanism of Vascular Dysfunction. Biophys J 2020; 118:2769-2782. [PMID: 32402244 PMCID: PMC7264854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Medin, a 50-amino-acid cleavage product of the milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein, is one of the most common forms of localized amyloid found in the vasculature of individuals older than 50 years. Medin induces endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, yet despite its prevalence in the human aorta and multiple arterial beds, little is known about the nature of its pathology. Medin oligomers have been implicated in the pathology of aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and more recently, vascular dementia. Recent in vitro biomechanical measurements found increased oligomer levels in aneurysm patients with altered aortic wall integrity. Our results suggest an oligomer-mediated toxicity mechanism for medin pathology. Using lipid bilayer electrophysiology, we show that medin oligomers induce ionic membrane permeability by pore formation. Pore activity was primarily observed for preaggregated medin species from the growth-phase and rarely for lag-phase species. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of medin aggregates at different stages of aggregation revealed the gradual formation of flat domains resembling the morphology of supported lipid bilayers. Transmission electron microscopy images showed the coexistence of compact oligomers, largely consistent with the AFM data, and larger protofibrillar structures. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed the presence of largely disordered species and suggested the presence of β-sheets. This observation and the significantly lower thioflavin T fluorescence emitted by medin aggregates compared to amyloid-β fibrils, along with the absence of amyloid fibers in the AFM and transmission electron microscopy images, suggest that medin aggregation into pores follows a nonamyloidogenic pathway. In silico modeling by molecular dynamics simulations provides atomic-level structural detail of medin pores with the CNpNC barrel topology and diameters comparable to values estimated from experimental pore conductances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Younger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Hannah A Davies
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J Niemiec
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Joe G N Garcia
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raymond Q Migrino
- Office of Research, Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Jillian Madine
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando T Arce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
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9
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Blinov N, Wishart DS, Kovalenko A. Solvent Composition Effects on the Structural Properties of the Aβ42 Monomer from the 3D-RISM-KH Molecular Theory of Solvation. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:2491-2506. [PMID: 30811210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Structural characterization of amyloid (A)β peptides implicated in Alzheimer's disease is a challenging problem due to their intrinsically disordered nature and their high propensity for aggregation. Only limited information is currently available from experiments on conformational properties and aggregation pathways of the peptides in cellular environments. In silico modeling complements experimental information, providing atomistic insight into structure and dynamics of different Aβ species. All-atom explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a properly selected force field can deliver reliable structural and dynamic information. In the case of intrinsically disordered Aβ peptides, enhanced sampling simulations beyond the nanosecond time scale are required to obtain statistically meaningful results even for simple solvent conditions. To overcome the challenges of conformational sampling in crowded cellular environments, alternative approaches have to be used, including postprocessing of MD data. In this study, we employ the statistical-mechanical, three-dimensional reference interaction site model with the Kovalenko-Hirata closure integral equation molecular theory of solvation to describe solvent composition effects on the conformational equilibrium in a structural ensemble of the Aβ42 (covering residues 1-42) monomer based on a statistical reweighting technique. The methodology enables a computationally efficient prediction on how different factors in the cellular environment, such as solvent composition, nonpolar solvation, and macromolecular crowding, affect the structural properties of the monomer. Similarities have been identified between changes in the structural ensemble caused by nonpolar solvation and crowded environments modeled by ionic solution with large negative ions. In particular, both solvent conditions reduce the random coil content and enhance the helical structure content of the monomer. In contrast to the previous studies, which reported increased α-helical content of peptides in crowded environments, this work attributes these structural features to the difference in solvent exposure of hydrophilic residues of the monomer for different secondary structure elements, rather than to (entropic) excluded volume effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Blinov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 1H9 , Canada.,Nanotechnology Research Centre , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2M9 , Canada
| | - David S Wishart
- Departments of Computing Science and Biological Sciences , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2E8 , Canada
| | - Andriy Kovalenko
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 1H9 , Canada.,Nanotechnology Research Centre , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2M9 , Canada
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10
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Rangachari V, Dean DN, Rana P, Vaidya A, Ghosh P. Cause and consequence of Aβ - Lipid interactions in Alzheimer disease pathogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:1652-1662. [PMID: 29526709 PMCID: PMC6133763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Self-templating propagation of protein aggregate conformations is increasingly becoming a significant factor in many neurological diseases. In Alzheimer disease (AD), intrinsically disordered amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides undergo aggregation that is sensitive to environmental conditions. High-molecular weight aggregates of Aβ that form insoluble fibrils are deposited as senile plaques in AD brains. However, low-molecular weight aggregates called soluble oligomers are known to be the primary toxic agents responsible for neuronal dysfunction. The aggregation process is highly stochastic involving both homotypic (Aβ-Aβ) and heterotypic (Aβ with interacting partners) interactions. Two of the important members of interacting partners are membrane lipids and surfactants, to which Aβ shows a perpetual association. Aβ-membrane interactions have been widely investigated for more than two decades, and this research has provided a wealth of information. Although this has greatly enriched our understanding, the objective of this review is to consolidate the information from the literature that collectively showcases the unique phenomenon of lipid-mediated Aβ oligomer generation, which has largely remained inconspicuous. This is especially important because Aβ aggregate "strains" are increasingly becoming relevant in light of the correlations between the structure of aggregates and AD phenotypes. Here, we will focus on aspects of Aβ-lipid interactions specifically from the context of how lipid modulation generates a wide variety of biophysically and biochemically distinct oligomer sub-types. This, we believe, will refocus our thinking on the influence of lipids and open new approaches in delineating the mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Aggregation and Misfolding at the Cell Membrane Interface edited by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayaraghavan Rangachari
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.
| | - Dexter N Dean
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Pratip Rana
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Ashwin Vaidya
- Department of Mathematical Science, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Preetam Ghosh
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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11
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Press-Sandler O, Miller Y. Molecular mechanisms of membrane-associated amyloid aggregation: Computational perspective and challenges. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:1889-1905. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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12
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Lipkin R, Lazaridis T. Computational studies of peptide-induced membrane pore formation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018. [PMID: 28630158 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of peptides induce pores in biological membranes; the most common ones are naturally produced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are small, usually cationic, and defend diverse organisms against biological threats. Because it is not possible to observe these pores directly on a molecular scale, the structure of AMP-induced pores and the exact sequence of steps leading to their formation remain uncertain. Hence, these questions have been investigated via molecular modelling. In this article, we review computational studies of AMP pore formation using all-atom, coarse-grained, and implicit solvent models; evaluate the results obtained and suggest future research directions to further elucidate the pore formation mechanism of AMPs.This article is part of the themed issue 'Membrane pores: from structure and assembly, to medicine and technology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lipkin
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.,Graduate Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Themis Lazaridis
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
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13
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Liu Y, Ren B, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Chang Y, Liang G, Xu L, Zheng J. Molecular simulation aspects of amyloid peptides at membrane interface. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:1906-1916. [PMID: 29421626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The interactions of amyloid peptides with cell membranes play an important role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of cell membrane. A thorough molecular-level understanding of the structure, dynamics, and interactions between amyloid peptides and cell membranes is critical to amyloid aggregation and toxicity mechanisms for the bench-to-bedside applications. Here we review the most recent computational studies of amyloid peptides at model cell membranes. Different mechanisms of action of amyloid peptides on/in cell membranes, targeted by different computational techniques at different lengthscales and timescales, are rationally discussed. Finally, we have proposed some new insights into the remaining challenges and perspectives for future studies to improve our understanding of the activity of amyloid peptides associated with protein-misfolding diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Aggregation and Misfolding at the Cell Membrane Interface edited by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglan Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, PR China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Baiping Ren
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Yanxian Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yung Chang
- R&D Center for Membrane Technology and Department of Chemical EngineeringChung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan
| | - Guizhao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Lijian Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, College of Life Science and Chemistry, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, PR China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States.
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States.
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14
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Hou S, Gu RX, Wei DQ. Inhibition of β-Amyloid Channels with a Drug Candidate wgx-50 Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2017; 57:2811-2821. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hou
- State
Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences
and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ruo-Xu Gu
- Department
of Biological Sciences and Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- State
Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences
and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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15
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Dong X, Sun Y, Wei G, Nussinov R, Ma B. Binding of protofibrillar Aβ trimers to lipid bilayer surface enhances Aβ structural stability and causes membrane thinning. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:27556-27569. [PMID: 28979963 PMCID: PMC5647258 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp05959k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, a common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. The interactions of Aβ with membranes cause changes in membrane morphology and ion permeation, which are responsible for its neurotoxicity and can accelerate fibril growth. However, the Aβ-lipid interactions and how these induce membrane perturbation and disruption at the atomic level and the consequences for the Aβ organization are not entirely understood. Here, we perform multiple atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on three protofibrillar Aβ9-40 trimers. Our simulations show that, regardless of the morphologies and the initial orientations of the three different protofibrillar Aβ9-40 trimers, the N-terminal β-sheet of all trimers preferentially binds to the membrane surface. The POPG lipid bilayers enhance the structural stability of protofibrillar Aβ trimers by stabilizing inter-peptide β-sheets and D23-K28 salt-bridges. The interaction causes local membrane thinning. We found that the trimer structure related to Alzheimer's disease brain tissue () is the most stable both in water solution and at membrane surface, and displays slightly stronger membrane perturbation capability. These results provide mechanistic insights into the membrane-enhanced structural stability of protofibrillar Aβ oligomers and the first step of Aβ-induced membrane disruption at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Dong
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Science (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures (Nanjing), Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
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16
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Abstract
Previously published experimental studies have suggested that when the 40-residue amyloid beta peptide is encapsulated in a reverse micelle, it folds into a structure that may nucleate amyloid fibril formation (Yeung, P. S.-W.; Axelsen, P. H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 6061 ). The factors that induce the formation of this structure have now been identified in a multi-microsecond simulation of the same reverse micelle system that was studied experimentally. Key features of the polypeptide-micelle interaction include the anchoring of a hydrophobic residue cluster into gaps in the reverse micelle surface, the formation of a beta turn at the anchor point that brings N- and C-terminal segments of the polypeptide into proximity, high ionic strength that promotes intramolecular hydrogen bond formation, and deformation of the reverse micelle surface to facilitate interactions with the surface along the entire length of the polypeptide. Together, these features cause the simulation-derived vibrational spectrum to red shift in a manner that reproduces the red-shift previously reported experimentally. On the basis of these findings, a new mechanism is proposed whereby membranes nucleate fibril formation and facilitate the in-register alignment of polypeptide strands that is characteristic of amyloid fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gözde Eskici
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Paul H Axelsen
- Departments of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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17
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Lee J, Kim YH, T Arce F, Gillman AL, Jang H, Kagan BL, Nussinov R, Yang J, Lal R. Amyloid β Ion Channels in a Membrane Comprising Brain Total Lipid Extracts. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1348-1357. [PMID: 28135799 PMCID: PMC6197823 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers are the predominant toxic species in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The prevailing mechanism for toxicity by Aβ oligomers includes ionic homeostasis destabilization in neuronal cells by forming ion channels. These channel structures have been previously studied in model lipid bilayers. In order to gain further insight into the interaction of Aβ oligomers with natural membrane compositions, we have examined the structures and conductivities of Aβ oligomers in a membrane composed of brain total lipid extract (BTLE). We utilized two complementary techniques: atomic force microscopy (AFM) and black lipid membrane (BLM) electrical recording. Our results indicate that Aβ1-42 forms ion channel structures in BTLE membranes, accompanied by a heterogeneous population of ionic current fluctuations. Notably, the observed current events generated by Aβ1-42 peptides in BTLE membranes possess different characteristics compared to current events generated by the presence of Aβ1-42 in model membranes comprising a 1:1 mixture of DOPS and POPE lipids. Oligomers of the truncated Aβ fragment Aβ17-42 (p3) exhibited similar ion conductivity behavior as Aβ1-42 in BTLE membranes. However, the observed macroscopic ion flux across the BTLE membranes induced by Aβ1-42 pores was larger than for p3 pores. Our analysis of structure and conductance of oligomeric Aβ pores in a natural lipid membrane closely mimics the in vivo cellular environment suggesting that Aβ pores could potentially accelerate the loss of ionic homeostasis and cellular abnormalities. Hence, these pore structures may serve as a target for drug development and therapeutic strategies for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando T Arce
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | | | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Bruce L Kagan
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California , Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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18
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Lipkin R, Lazaridis T. Computational prediction of the optimal oligomeric state for membrane-inserted β-barrels of protegrin-1 and related mutants. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:334-345. [PMID: 28382709 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Protegrin-1 is a widely studied 18-residue β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide. Evidence suggests that it acts via a β-barrel pore formation mechanism, but the exact number of peptides comprising the pore state is unknown. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of β-barrels of protegrin and three related mutants (v14v16l, v14v16a, and r4n) in NCNC parallel topology in implicit membrane pores of varying radius and curvature for oligomeric numbers 6-14. We then identified the optimal pore radius and curvature values for all constructs and determined the total effective energy and the translational and rotational entropic losses. These, along with an estimate of membrane deformation free energy from experimental line tension values, provided an estimate of the overall energetics of formation of each pore state. The results indicated that oligomeric numbers 7-13 are generally stable, allowing the possibility of a heterogeneous pore state. The optimal oligomeric state for protegrin is the nonamer, shifting to higher numbers for the mutants. Protegrin, v14v16l, and r4n are stable as membrane-inserted β-barrels, but v14v16a seems much less so because of its decreased hydrophobicity. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lipkin
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Ave., New York, NY, 10031, USA.,Graduate Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Ave, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Themis Lazaridis
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Ave., New York, NY, 10031, USA
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19
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Zhang M, Ren B, Chen H, Sun Y, Ma J, Jiang B, Zheng J. Molecular Simulations of Amyloid Structures, Toxicity, and Inhibition. Isr J Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.201600075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Akron Akron OH 44325 USA
| | - Baiping Ren
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Akron Akron OH 44325 USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Akron Akron OH 44325 USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 P. R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Akron Akron OH 44325 USA
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse School of Environmental Science and Engineering Tongji University Shanghai 200092 P. R. China
| | - Binbo Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Akron Akron OH 44325 USA
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 P. R. China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Akron Akron OH 44325 USA
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20
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Gillman AL, Lee J, Ramachandran S, Capone R, Gonzalez T, Wrasidlo W, Masliah E, Lal R. Small molecule NPT-440-1 inhibits ionic flux through Aβ 1-42 pores: Implications for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2016; 12:2331-2340. [PMID: 27335341 PMCID: PMC5116404 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased levels of soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers are suspected to underlie Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. These oligomers have been shown to form multi-subunit Aβ pores in bilayers and induce uncontrolled, neurotoxic, ion flux, particularly calcium ions, across cellular membranes that might underlie cognitive impairment in AD. Small molecule interventions that modulate pore activity could effectively prevent or ameliorate their toxic activity. Here we examined the efficacy of a small molecule, NPT-440-1, on modulating amyloid pore permeability. Co-incubation of B103 rat neuronal cells with NPT-440-1 and Aβ1-42 prevented calcium influx. In purified lipid bilayers, we show that a 10-15min preincubation, prior to membrane introduction, was required to prevent conductance. Thioflavin-T and circular dichroism both suggested a reduction in Aβ1-42 β-sheet content during this incubation period. Combined with previous studies on site-specific amino acid substitutions, these results suggest that pharmacological modulation of Aβ1-42 could prevent amyloid pore-mediated AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan L Gillman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Joon Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ricardo Capone
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Tania Gonzalez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Wolf Wrasidlo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Neuropore Therapies, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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21
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Common molecular mechanism of amyloid pore formation by Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide and α-synuclein. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28781. [PMID: 27352802 PMCID: PMC4926208 DOI: 10.1038/srep28781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium-permeable pores formed by small oligomers of amyloid proteins are the primary pathologic species in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly of these toxic oligomers in the plasma membrane of brain cells remain unclear. Here we have analyzed and compared the pore-forming capability of a large panel of amyloid proteins including wild-type, variant and truncated forms, as well as synthetic peptides derived from specific domains of Aβ1-42 and α-synuclein. We show that amyloid pore formation involves two membrane lipids, ganglioside and cholesterol, that physically interact with amyloid proteins through specific structural motifs. Mutation or deletion of these motifs abolished pore formation. Moreover, α-synuclein (Parkinson) and Aβ peptide (Alzheimer) did no longer form Ca2+-permeable pores in presence of drugs that target either cholesterol or ganglioside or both membrane lipids. These results indicate that gangliosides and cholesterol cooperate to favor the formation of amyloid pores through a common molecular mechanism that can be jammed at two different steps, suggesting the possibility of a universal therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Finally we present the first successful evaluation of such a new therapeutic approach (coined “membrane therapy”) targeting amyloid pores formed by Aβ1-42 and α-synuclein.
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22
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Structure of amyloid oligomers and their mechanisms of toxicities: Targeting amyloid oligomers using novel therapeutic approaches. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 114:41-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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23
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Jang H, Banerjee A, Chavan TS, Lu S, Zhang J, Gaponenko V, Nussinov R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane. FASEB J 2016; 30:1643-55. [PMID: 26718888 PMCID: PMC4799498 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-279091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Is nucleotide exchange sufficient to activate K-Ras4B? To signal, oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) anchors in the membrane and recruits effectors by exposing its effector lobe. With the use of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed that in solution, farnesylated guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-bound K-Ras4B is predominantly autoinhibited by its hypervariable region (HVR), whereas the GTP-bound state favors an activated, HVR-released state. On the anionic membrane, the catalytic domain adopts multiple orientations, including parallel (∼180°) and perpendicular (∼90°) alignments of the allosteric helices, with respect to the membrane surface direction. In the autoinhibited state, the HVR is sandwiched between the effector lobe and the membrane; in the active state, with membrane-anchored farnesyl and unrestrained HVR, the catalytic domain fluctuates reinlessly, exposing its effector-binding site. Dimerization and clustering can reduce the fluctuations. This achieves preorganized, productive conformations. Notably, we also observe HVR-autoinhibited K-Ras4B-GTP states, with GDP-bound-like orientations of the helices. Thus, we propose that the GDP/GTP exchange may not be sufficient for activation; instead, our results suggest that the GDP/GTP exchange, HVR sequestration, farnesyl insertion, and orientation/localization of the catalytic domain at the membrane conjointly determine the active or inactive state of K-Ras4B. Importantly, K-Ras4B-GTP can exist in active and inactive states; on its own, GTP binding may not compel K-Ras4B activation.-Jang, H., Banerjee, A., Chavan, T. S, Lu, S., Zhang, J., Gaponenko, V., Nussinov, R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avik Banerjee
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tanmay S Chavan
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jian Zhang
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- *Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Maximally asymmetric transbilayer distribution of anionic lipids alters the structure and interaction with lipids of an amyloidogenic protein dimer bound to the membrane surface. Chem Phys Lipids 2016; 196:33-51. [PMID: 26827904 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We used molecular dynamics simulations to explore the effects of asymmetric transbilayer distribution of anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids on the structure of a protein on the membrane surface and subsequent protein-lipid interactions. Our simulation systems consisted of an amyloidogenic, beta-sheet rich dimeric protein (D42) absorbed to the phosphatidylcholine (PC) leaflet, or protein-contact PC leaflet, of two membrane systems: a single-component PC bilayer and double PC/PS bilayers. The latter comprised of a stable but asymmetric transbilayer distribution of PS in the presence of counterions, with a 1-component PC leaflet coupled to a 1-component PS leaflet in each bilayer. The maximally asymmetric PC/PS bilayer had a non-zero transmembrane potential (TMP) difference and higher lipid order packing, whereas the symmetric PC bilayer had a zero TMP difference and lower lipid order packing under physiologically relevant conditions. Analysis of the adsorbed protein structures revealed weaker protein binding, more folding in the N-terminal domain, more aggregation of the N- and C-terminal domains and larger tilt angle of D42 on the PC leaflet surface of the PC/PS bilayer versus the PC bilayer. Also, analysis of protein-induced membrane structural disruption revealed more localized bilayer thinning in the PC/PS versus PC bilayer. Although the electric field profile in the non-protein-contact PS leaflet of the PC/PS bilayer differed significantly from that in the non-protein-contact PC leaflet of the PC bilayer, no significant difference in the electric field profile in the protein-contact PC leaflet of either bilayer was evident. We speculate that lipid packing has a larger effect on the surface adsorbed protein structure than the electric field for a maximally asymmetric PC/PS bilayer. Our results support the mechanism that the higher lipid packing in a lipid leaflet promotes stronger protein-protein but weaker protein-lipid interactions for a dimeric protein on membrane surfaces.
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Jang H, Arce FT, Lee J, Gillman AL, Ramachandran S, Kagan BL, Lal R, Nussinov R. Computational Methods for Structural and Functional Studies of Alzheimer's Amyloid Ion Channels. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1345:251-68. [PMID: 26453217 PMCID: PMC7511997 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2978-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation can be studied by a range of methods, experimental and computational. Aggregates form in solution, across solid surfaces, and on and in the membrane, where they may assemble into unregulated leaking ion channels. Experimental probes of ion channel conformations and dynamics are challenging. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are capable of providing insight into structural details of amyloid ion channels in the membrane at a resolution not achievable experimentally. Since data suggest that late stage Alzheimer's disease involves formation of toxic ion channels, MD simulations have been used aiming to gain insight into the channel shapes, morphologies, pore dimensions, conformational heterogeneity, and activity. These can be exploited for drug discovery. Here we describe computational methods to model amyloid ion channels containing the β-sheet motif at atomic scale and to calculate toxic pore activity in the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Department of Bioengineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Joon Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Alan L Gillman
- Department of Bioengineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Department of Bioengineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Bruce L Kagan
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Department of Bioengineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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Kobayashi S, Tanaka Y, Kiyono M, Chino M, Chikuma T, Hoshi K, Ikeshima H. Dependence pH and proposed mechanism for aggregation of Alzheimer’s disease-related amyloid-β(1–42) protein. J Mol Struct 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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27
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Zhao LN, Zheng J, Chew LY, Mu Y. An Investigation on the Fundamental Interaction between Abeta Peptides and the AT-Rich DNA. J Phys Chem B 2015; 119:8247-59. [PMID: 26086541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage is ubiquitous in all mammalian cells with the occurrence of more than 60,000 times per day per cell. In particular, DNA damage in neurons is found to accumulate with age and has been suggested to interfere with the synthesis of functional proteins. Moreover, recent studies have found through transgenic mice that human amyloid precursor protein causes an increase in DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with the effect of a prolongation in DNA repair. It is surmised that amyloid β (Aβ) exacerbates the DNA DSBs in neurons, possibly engendering neuronal dysfunction as a result. However, a good understanding on the holistic interaction mechanisms and the manner in which Aβ intertwines with DNA damage is still in its infancy. In our study, we found that DNA with an AT-rich sequence has a very low binding affinity toward Aβ by means of molecular dynamics simulation. While we have pursued a particular sequence of DNA in this study, other DNA sequences are expected to affect the interaction and binding affinity between DNA and Aβ, and will be pursued in our further research. Nonetheless, we have uncovered favorable interaction between the positively charged side chain of Aβ and the two ends of DNA. The latest experiment reveals that many of the double-stranded breaks in neurons can be fixed via DNA repair mechanisms but not in the case that Aβs are present. It is found that the increased numbers of DSBs prevail in active neurons. Here, on the basis of the favorable interaction between Aβ and the two ends of DNA, we propose the possibility that Aβ prevents DNA repair via binding directly to the break ends of the DNA, which further exacerbates DNA damage. Moreover, we have found that the base pair oxygen of the DNA has a greater preference to form hydrogen bonds than the backbone oxygen with Aβ at the two ends. Thus, we postulate that Aβ could serve to prevent the repair of AT-rich DNA, and it is unlikely to cause its breakage or affect its binding toward histone. Another important observation from our study is that AT-rich DNA has very little or no influence on Aβ oligomerization. Finally, even though we do not observe any dramatic DNA conformational change in the presence of Aβ, we do observe an increase in diversity of the DNA structural parameters such as groove width, local base step, and torsional angles in lieu of Aβ interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Na Zhao
- †School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore.,‡School of Computer Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore.,§Bioinformatics Institute, 30 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138671
| | - Jie Zheng
- ‡School of Computer Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore.,∥Genome Institute of Singapore, A* STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672
| | - Lock Yue Chew
- †School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore.,⊥Complexity Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 18 Nanyang Drive, Singapore
| | - Yuguang Mu
- #School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore
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Cheon M, Hall CK, Chang I. Structural Conversion of Aβ17-42 Peptides from Disordered Oligomers to U-Shape Protofilaments via Multiple Kinetic Pathways. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004258. [PMID: 25955249 PMCID: PMC4425657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovering the mechanisms by which proteins aggregate into fibrils is an essential first step in understanding the molecular level processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The goal of this work is to provide insights into the structural changes that characterize the kinetic pathways by which amyloid-β peptides convert from monomers to oligomers to fibrils. By applying discontinuous molecular dynamics simulations to PRIME20, a force field designed to capture the chemical and physical aspects of protein aggregation, we have been able to trace out the entire aggregation process for a system containing 8 Aβ17-42 peptides. We uncovered two fibrillization mechanisms that govern the structural conversion of Aβ17-42 peptides from disordered oligomers into protofilaments. The first mechanism is monomeric conversion templated by a U-shape oligomeric nucleus into U-shape protofilament. The second mechanism involves a long-lived and on-pathway metastable oligomer with S-shape chains, having a C-terminal turn, en route to the final U-shape protofilament. Oligomers with this C-terminal turn have been regarded in recent experiments as a major contributing element to cell toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. The internal structures of the U-shape protofilaments from our PRIME20/DMD simulation agree well with those from solid state NMR experiments. The approach presented here offers a simple molecular-level framework to describe protein aggregation in general and to visualize the kinetic evolution of a putative toxic element in Alzheimer's disease in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mookyung Cheon
- Center for Proteome Biophysics, Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
| | - Carol K. Hall
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CKH); (IC)
| | - Iksoo Chang
- Center for Proteome Biophysics, Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Korea
- * E-mail: (CKH); (IC)
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30
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Lipkin RB, Lazaridis T. Implicit Membrane Investigation of the Stability of Antimicrobial Peptide β-Barrels and Arcs. J Membr Biol 2014; 248:469-86. [PMID: 25430621 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous simulations showed that the β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) protegrin-1 can form stable octameric β-barrels and tetrameric arcs (half barrels) in both implicit and explicit membranes. Here, we extend this investigation to several AMPs of similar structure: tachyplesin, androctonin, polyphemusin, gomesin, and the retrocyclin θ-defensin. These peptides form short β-hairpins stabilized by 2-3 disulfide bonds. We also examine synthetic β-sheet peptides selected from a combinatorial library for their ability or inability to form pores in lipid membranes. When heptameric, octameric, and decameric β-barrels and tetrameric arcs of these peptides were embedded in pre-formed neutral or anionic lipid pores (i.e., pores in neutral or anionic membranes, respectively), a variety of behaviors and membrane binding energies were observed. Due to the cationic charge of the peptides, more favorable transfer energies and more stable binding were observed in anionic than neutral pores. The synthetic peptides bound very strongly and formed stable barrels and arcs in both neutral and anionic pores. The natural AMPs exhibited unfavorable or marginally favorable binding energy and kinetic stability in neutral pores, consistent with the lower hemolytic activity of some of them compared with protegrin-1. Binding to anionic pores was more favorable, but significant distortions of the barrel or arc structures were sometimes noted. These results are discussed in light of the available experimental data. The diversity of behaviors obtained makes it unlikely that the barrel and arc mechanisms are valid for the entire family of β-hairpin AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Lipkin
- Department of Chemistry, City College of the City University of New York, 160 Convent Ave., New York, NY, 10031, USA
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31
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Zhang M, Zhao J, Zheng J. Molecular understanding of a potential functional link between antimicrobial and amyloid peptides. SOFT MATTER 2014; 10:7425-7451. [PMID: 25105988 DOI: 10.1039/c4sm00907j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial and amyloid peptides do not share common sequences, typical secondary structures, or normal biological activity but both the classes of peptides exhibit membrane-disruption ability to induce cell toxicity. Different membrane-disruption mechanisms have been proposed for antimicrobial and amyloid peptides, individually, some of which are not exclusive to either peptide type, implying that certain common principles may govern the folding and functions of different cytolytic peptides and associated membrane disruption mechanisms. Particularly, some antimicrobial and amyloid peptides have been identified to have dual complementary amyloid and antimicrobial properties, suggesting a potential functional link between amyloid and antimicrobial peptides. Given that some similar structural and membrane-disruption characteristics exist between the two classes of peptides, this review summarizes major findings, recent advances, and future challenges related to antimicrobial and amyloid peptides and strives to illustrate the similarities, differences, and relationships in the sequences, structures, and membrane interaction modes between amyloid and antimicrobial peptides, with a special focus on direct interactions of the peptides with the membranes. We hope that this review will stimulate further research at the interface of antimicrobial and amyloid peptides - which has been studied less intensively than either type of peptides - to decipher a possible link between both amyloid pathology and antimicrobial activity, which can guide drug design and peptide engineering to influence peptide-membrane interactions important in human health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, USA.
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32
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Jang H, Arce FT, Ramachandran S, Kagan BL, Lal R, Nussinov R. Disordered amyloidogenic peptides may insert into the membrane and assemble into common cyclic structural motifs. Chem Soc Rev 2014; 43:6750-64. [PMID: 24566672 PMCID: PMC4143503 DOI: 10.1039/c3cs60459d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of disordered amyloidogenic peptides into oligomers is the causative agent of amyloid-related diseases. In solution, disordered protein states are characterized by heterogeneous ensembles. Among these, β-rich conformers self-assemble via a conformational selection mechanism to form energetically-favored cross-β structures, regardless of their precise sequences. These disordered peptides can also penetrate the membrane, and electrophysiological data indicate that they form ion-conducting channels. Based on these and additional data, including imaging and molecular dynamics simulations of a range of amyloid peptides, Alzheimer's amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, its disease-related variants with point mutations and N-terminal truncated species, other amyloidogenic peptides, as well as a cytolytic peptide and a synthetic gel-forming peptide, we suggest that disordered amyloidogenic peptides can also present a common motif in the membrane. The motif consists of curved, moon-like β-rich oligomers associated into annular organizations. The motif is favored in the lipid bilayer since it permits hydrophobic side chains to face and interact with the membrane and the charged/polar residues to face the solvated channel pores. Such channels are toxic since their pores allow uncontrolled leakage of ions into/out of the cell, destabilizing cellular ionic homeostasis. Here we detail Aβ, whose aggregation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and for which there are the most abundant data. AD is a protein misfolding disease characterized by a build-up of Aβ peptide as senile plaques, neurodegeneration, and memory loss. Excessively produced Aβ peptides may directly induce cellular toxicity, even without the involvement of membrane receptors through Aβ peptide-plasma membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, U.S.A
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, U.S.A
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, U.S.A
| | - Bruce L. Kagan
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, U.S.A
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, U.S.A
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, U.S.A
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Zhao J, Hu R, Sciacca MFM, Brender JR, Chen H, Ramamoorthy A, Zheng J. Non-selective ion channel activity of polymorphic human islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin) double channels. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:2368-77. [PMID: 24352606 DOI: 10.1039/c3cp53345j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental understanding of ion channel formation by amyloid peptides, which is strongly linked to cell toxicity, is very critical for (pre)clinical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we combine atomistic simulations and experiments to demonstrate a broad range of conformational states of hIAPP double channels in lipid membranes. All individual channels display high selectivity for Cl(-) ions over cations, but the co-existence of polymorphic double channels of different conformations and orientations with different populations determines the non-ionic selectivity nature of the channels, which is different from the typical amyloid-β channels that exhibit Ca(2+) selective ion-permeable characteristics. This work provides a more complete physicochemical mechanism of amyloid-channel-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA.
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Lee J, Gillman AL, Jang H, Ramachandran S, Kagan BL, Nussinov R, Teran Arce F. Role of the fast kinetics of pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β oligomers in membrane binding and membrane permeability. Biochemistry 2014; 53:4704-14. [PMID: 24950761 PMCID: PMC4215883 DOI: 10.1021/bi500587p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Membrane
permeability to ions and small molecules is believed to
be a critical step in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease
(AD). Interactions of oligomers formed by amyloid-β (Aβ)
peptides with the plasma cell membrane are believed to play a fundamental
role in the processes leading to membrane permeability. Among the
family of Aβs, pyroglutamate (pE)-modified Aβ peptides
constitute the most abundant oligomeric species in the brains of AD
patients. Although membrane permeability mechanisms have been studied
for full-length Aβ1–40/42 peptides, these
have not been sufficiently characterized for the more abundant AβpE3–42 fragment. Here we have compared the adsorbed
and membrane-inserted oligomeric species of AβpE3–42 and Aβ1–42 peptides. We find lower concentrations
and larger dimensions for both species of membrane-associated AβpE3–42 oligomers. The larger dimensions are attributed
to the faster self-assembly kinetics of AβpE3–42, and the lower concentrations are attributed to weaker interactions
with zwitterionic lipid headgroups. While adsorbed oligomers produced
little or no significant membrane structural damage, increased membrane
permeabilization to ionic species is understood in terms of enlarged
membrane-inserted oligomers. Membrane-inserted AβpE3–42 oligomers were also found to modify the mechanical properties of
the membrane. Taken together, our results suggest that membrane-inserted
oligomers are the primary species responsible for membrane permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California at San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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35
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Gillman AL, Jang H, Lee J, Ramachandran S, Kagan B, Nussinov R, Teran Arce F. Activity and architecture of pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β (AβpE3-42) pores. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:7335-44. [PMID: 24922585 PMCID: PMC4096221 DOI: 10.1021/jp5040954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Among the family of Aβ peptides, pyroglutamate-modified Aβ (AβpE) peptides are particularly associated with cytotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). They represent the dominant fraction of Aβ oligomers in the brains of AD patients, but their accumulation in the brains of elderly individuals with normal cognition is significantly lower. Accumulation of AβpE plaques precedes the formation of plaques of full-length Aβ (Aβ1-40/42). Most of these properties appear to be associated with the higher hydrophobicity of AβpE as well as an increased resistance to enzymatic degradation. However, the important question of whether AβpE peptides induce pore activity in lipid membranes and their potential toxicity compared with other Aβ pores is still open. Here we examine the activity of AβpE pores in anionic membranes using planar bilayer electrical recording and provide their structures using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that AβpE pores spontaneously induce ionic current across the membrane and have some similar properties to the other previously studied pores of the Aβ family. However, there are also some significant differences. The onset of AβpE3-42 pore activity is generally delayed compared with Aβ1-42 pores. However, once formed, AβpE3-42 pores produce increased ion permeability of the membrane, as indicated by a greater occurrence of higher conductance electrical events. Structurally, the lactam ring of AβpE peptides induces a change in the conformation of the N-terminal strands of the AβpE3-42 pores. While the N-termini of wild-type Aβ1-42 peptides normally reside in the bulk water region, the N-termini of AβpE3-42 peptides tend to reside in the hydrophobic lipid core. These studies provide a first step to an understanding of the enhanced toxicity attributed to AβpE peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan L. Gillman
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California,
San Diego, 9500 Gilman
Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer
and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick,
Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Joon Lee
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Material Science Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California,
San Diego, 9500 Gilman
Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Material Science Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Bruce
L. Kagan
- Department
of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for
Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University
of California, 760 Westwood
Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90024, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer
and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute at Frederick,
Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department
of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California,
San Diego, 9500 Gilman
Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Material Science Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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Pobandt T, Knecht V. Free energy of lipid bilayer defects affected by Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid-β42 monomers. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:3507-16. [PMID: 24597727 DOI: 10.1021/jp410477x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) associated with Alzheimer's disease strongly disturbs the integrity of lipid bilayers and cell membranes, as a possible origin of the toxicity of this peptide. Here, we have used molecular dynamics simulations to compute the free energy of membrane pores in the presence and absence of Aβ. The validation of our approach included the calculation of lipid flip-flop waiting times, which were found to agree well with recent experiments, in contrast with an earlier simulation study that apparently overestimated these waiting times. We find that, compared with peptide-free lipid bilayers, attached Aβ42 peptides (i) increase the order parameters of the lipid tails but (ii) decrease the effective width of the hydrophobic region, (iii) reduce the free energy and thus enlarge the density of membrane pores, and (iv) increase the lifetime of pores. A detailed understanding of the interaction of Aβ42 with lipid bilayer membranes may assist in the design of therapeutical strategies against Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Pobandt
- Theory & Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Science Park Golm, D-14424 Potsdam, Germany
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37
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Côté S, Wei G, Mousseau N. Atomistic mechanisms of huntingtin N-terminal fragment insertion on a phospholipid bilayer revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. Proteins 2014; 82:1409-27. [PMID: 24415136 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The huntingtin protein is characterized by a segment of consecutive glutamines (Q(N)) that is responsible for its fibrillation. As with other amyloid proteins, misfolding of huntingtin is related to Huntington's disease through pathways that can involve interactions with phospholipid membranes. Experimental results suggest that the N-terminal 17-amino-acid sequence (htt(NT)) positioned just before the Q(N) region is important for the binding of huntingtin to membranes. Through all-atom explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations, we unveil the structure and dynamics of the htt(NT)Q(N) fragment on a phospholipid membrane at the atomic level. We observe that the insertion dynamics of this peptide can be described by four main steps-approach, reorganization, anchoring, and insertion-that are very diverse at the atomic level. On the membrane, the htt(NT) peptide forms a stable α-helix essentially parallel to the membrane with its nonpolar side-chains-mainly Leu-4, Leu-7, Phe-11 and Leu-14-positioned in the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Salt-bridges involving Glu-5, Glu-12, Lys-6, and Lys-15, as well as hydrogen bonds involving Thr-3 and Ser-13 with the phospholipids also stabilize the structure and orientation of the htt(NT) peptide. These observations do not significantly change upon adding the Q(N) region whose role is rather to provide, through its hydrogen bonds with the phospholipids' head group, a stable scaffold facilitating the partitioning of the htt(NT) region in the membrane. Moreover, by staying accessible to the solvent, the amyloidogenic Q(N) region could also play a key role for the oligomerization of htt(NT)Q(N) on phospholipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Côté
- Département de Physique and Groupe de recherche sur les protéines membranaires (GEPROM), Université de Montréal, Montréal (Québec), Canada
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38
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Gupta K, Jang H, Harlen K, Puri A, Nussinov R, Schneider JP, Blumenthal R. Mechanism of membrane permeation induced by synthetic β-hairpin peptides. Biophys J 2013; 105:2093-103. [PMID: 24209854 PMCID: PMC3824417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the membrane destabilizing properties of synthetic amphiphilic cationic peptides, MAX1 and MAX35, which have the propensity to form β-hairpin structures under certain conditions, and a control non-β-hairpin-forming peptide MAX8V16E. All three peptides bind to liposomes containing a mixture of zwitterionic POPC and negatively charged POPS lipids as determined by Zeta potential measurements. Circular dichroism measurements indicated folding of MAX1 and MAX35 in the presence of the POPC/POPS liposomes, whereas no such folding was observed with MAX8V16E. There was no binding or folding of these peptides to liposomes containing only POPC. MAX1 and MAX35 induced release of contents from negatively charged liposomes, whereas MAX8V16E failed to promote solute release under identical conditions. Thus, MAX1 and MAX35 bind to, and fold at the surface of negatively charged liposomes adopting a lytic conformation. We ruled out leaky fusion as a mechanism of release by including 2 mol % PEG-PE in the liposomes, which inhibits aggregation/fusion but not folding of MAX or MAX-induced leakage. Using a concentration-dependent quenching probe (calcein), we determined that MAX-induced leakage of liposome contents was an all-or-none process. At MAX1 concentrations, which cause release of ~50% of the liposomes that contain small (R(h) <1.5 nm) markers, only ~15% of those liposomes release a fluorescent dextran of 40 kDa. A multimeric model of the pore is presented based on these results. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations show that barrels consisting of 10 β-hairpin MAX1 and MAX35 peptides are relatively more stable than MAX8V16E barrels in the bilayer, suggesting that barrels of this size are responsible for the peptides lytic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitij Gupta
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Kevin Harlen
- Peptide Design and Materials Section, Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Anu Puri
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Joel P. Schneider
- Peptide Design and Materials Section, Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Robert Blumenthal
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
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39
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Jang H, Arce FT, Ramachandran S, Kagan BL, Lal R, Nussinov R. Familial Alzheimer's disease Osaka mutant (ΔE22) β-barrels suggest an explanation for the different Aβ1-40/42 preferred conformational states observed by experiment. J Phys Chem B 2013; 117:11518-29. [PMID: 24000923 PMCID: PMC3946471 DOI: 10.1021/jp405389n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An unusual ΔE693 mutation in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) producing a β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide lacking glutamic acid at position 22 (Glu22) was recently discovered, and dabbed the Osaka mutant (ΔE22). Previously, several point mutations in the Aβ peptide involving Glu22 substitutions were identified and implicated in the early onset of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Despite the absence of Glu22, the Osaka mutant is also associated with FAD, showing a recessive inheritance in families affected by the disease. To see whether this aggregation-prone Aβ mutant could directly relate to the Aβ ion channel-mediated mechanism as observed for the wild type (WT) Aβ peptide in AD pathology, we modeled Osaka mutant β-barrels in a lipid bilayer. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, two conformer ΔE22 barrels with the U-shaped monomer conformation derived from NMR-based WT Aβ fibrils were simulated in explicit lipid environment. Here, we show that the ΔE22 barrels obtain the lipid-relaxed β-sheet channel topology, indistinguishable from the WT Aβ1-42 barrels, as do the outer and pore dimensions of octadecameric (18-mer) ΔE22 barrels. Although the ΔE22 barrels lose the cationic binding site in the pore which is normally provided by the negatively charged Glu22 side chains, the mutant pores gain a new cationic binding site by Glu11 at the lower bilayer leaflet, and exhibit ion fluctuations similar to the WT barrels. Of particular interest, this deletion mutant suggests that toxic WT Aβ1-42 would preferentially adopt a less C-terminal turn similar to that observed for Aβ17-42, and explains why the solid state NMR data for Aβ1-40 point to a more C-terminal turn conformation. The observed ΔE22 barrels conformational preferences also suggest an explanation for the lower neurotoxicity in rat primary neurons as compared to WT Aβ1-42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Bruce L. Kagan
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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40
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Matsumoto Y, Niimi N, Kohyama K. Development of a new DNA vaccine for Alzheimer disease targeting a wide range of aβ species and amyloidogenic peptides. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75203. [PMID: 24086465 PMCID: PMC3785508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It has recently been determined that not only Aβ oligomers, but also other Aβ species and amyloidogenic peptides are neurotoxic in Alzheimer disease (AD) and play a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis. In the present study, we attempted to develop new DNA vaccines targeting a wide range of Aβ species. For this purpose, we first performed in vitro assays with newly developed vaccines to evaluate Aβ production and Aβ secretion abilities and then chose an IgL-Aβx4-Fc-IL-4 vaccine (designated YM3711) for further studies. YM3711 was vaccinated to mice, rabbits and monkeys to evaluate anti-Aβ species antibody-producing ability and Aβ reduction effects. It was found that YM3711 vaccination induced significantly higher levels of antibodies not only to Aβ1-42 but also to AD-related molecules including AβpE3-42, Aβ oligomers and Aβ fibrils. Importantly, YM3711 significantly reduced these Aβ species in the brain of model mice. Binding and competition assays using translated YM3711 protein products clearly demonstrated that a large part of antibodies induced by YM3711 vaccination are directed at conformational epitopes of the Aβ complex and oligomers. Taken together, we demonstrate that YM3711 is a powerful DNA vaccine targeting a wide range of AD-related molecules and is worth examining in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoh Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Immunotherapy Development, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: .
| | - Naoko Niimi
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Immunotherapy Development, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniko Kohyama
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Immunotherapy Development, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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41
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Lazaridis T, He Y, Prieto L. Membrane interactions and pore formation by the antimicrobial peptide protegrin. Biophys J 2013; 104:633-42. [PMID: 23442914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2012.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protegrin is an antimicrobial peptide with a β-hairpin structure stabilized by a pair of disulfide bonds. It has been extensively studied by solid-state NMR and computational methods. Here we use implicit membrane models to examine the binding of monomers on the surface and in the interior of the membrane, the energetics of dimerization, the binding to membrane pores, and the stability of different membrane barrel structures in pores. Our results challenge a number of conclusions based on previous experimental and theoretical work. The burial of monomers into the membrane interior is found to be unfavorable for any membrane thickness. Because of its imperfect amphipathicity, protegrin binds weakly, at most, on the surface of zwitterionic membranes. However, it binds more favorably onto toroidal pores. Anionic charge on the membrane facilitates the binding due to electrostatic interactions. Solid-state NMR results have suggested a parallel NCCN association of monomers in dimers and association of dimers to form octameric or decameric β-barrels. We find that this structure is not energetically plausible for binding to bilayers, because in this configuration the hydrophobic sides of two monomers point in opposite directions. In contrast, the antiparallel NCCN and especially the parallel NCNC octamers are stable and exhibit a favorable binding energy to the pore. The results of 100-ns simulations in explicit bilayers corroborate the higher stability of the parallel NCNC barrel compared with the parallel NCCN barrel. The ability to form pores in zwitterionic membranes provides a rationalization for the peptide's cytotoxicity. The discrepancies between our results and experiment are discussed, and new experiments are proposed to resolve them and to test the validity of the models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Themis Lazaridis
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York/CUNY, New York, New York, USA.
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42
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Jang H, Connelly L, Arce FT, Ramachandran S, Lal R, Kagan BL, Nussinov R. Alzheimer's disease: which type of amyloid-preventing drug agents to employ? Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:8868-77. [PMID: 23450150 PMCID: PMC3663909 DOI: 10.1039/c3cp00017f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current paradigm in the amyloid hypothesis brands small β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers as the toxic species in Alzheimer's disease (AD). These oligomers are fibril-like; contain β-sheet structure, and present exposed hydrophobic surface. Oligomers with this motif are capable of penetrating the cell membrane, gathering to form toxic ion channels. Current agents suppressing precursor Aβ cleavage have only met partial success; and to date, those targeting the peptides and their assemblies in the aqueous environment of the extracellular space largely fail in clinical trials. One possible reason is failure to reach membrane-embedded targets of disease-'infected' cells. Here we provide an overview, point to the need to account for the lipid environment when aiming to prevent the formation of toxic channels, and propose a combination therapy to target the species spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Center for Cancer Research, Nanobiology Program, Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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43
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Yu X, Wang Q, Pan Q, Zhou F, Zheng J. Molecular interactions of Alzheimer amyloid-β oligomers with neutral and negatively charged lipid bilayers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:8878-89. [PMID: 23493873 DOI: 10.1039/c3cp44448a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Interaction of p3 (Aβ(17-42)) peptides with cell membranes is crucial for the understanding of amyloid toxicity associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Such p3-membrane interactions are considered to induce the disruption of membrane permeability and integrity, but the exact mechanisms of how p3 aggregates, particularly small p3 oligomers, induce receptor-independent membrane disruption are not yet completely understood. Here, we investigate the adsorption, orientation, and surface interaction of the p3 pentamer with lipid bilayers composed of both pure zwitterionic POPC (palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine) and mixed anionic POPC-POPG (palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol) (3 : 1) lipids using explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulation results show that the p3 pentamer has much stronger interactions with mixed POPC-POPG lipids than pure POPC lipids, consistent with experimental observation that Aβ adsorption and fibrillation are enhanced on anionic lipid bilayers. Although electrostatic interactions are main attractive forces to drive the p3 pentamer to adsorb on the bilayer surface, the adsorption of the p3 pentamer on the lipid bilayer with C-terminal β-strands facing toward the bilayer surface is a net outcome of different competitions between p3 peptides-lipid bilayer and ions-p3-bilayer interactions. More importantly, Ca(2+) ions are found to form ionic bridges to associate negatively charged residues of p3 with anionic headgroups of the lipid bilayer, resulting in Aβ-Ca(2+)-PO4(-) complexes. Intensive Ca(2+) bound to the lipid bilayer and Ca(2+) ionic bridges may lead to Ca(2+) hemostasis responsible for neuronal dysfunction and death. This work provides insights into the mutual structure, dynamics, and interactions of both Aβ peptides and lipid bilayers at the atomic level, which expand our understanding of the complex behavior of amyloid-induced membrane disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
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44
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Sirangelo I, Irace G, Balestrieri ML. Amyloid toxicity and platelet-activating factor signaling. J Cell Physiol 2013; 228:1143-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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45
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Jang H, Connelly L, Arce FT, Ramachandran S, Kagan BL, Lal R, Nussinov R. Mechanisms for the Insertion of Toxic, Fibril-like β-Amyloid Oligomers into the Membrane. J Chem Theory Comput 2013; 9:822-833. [PMID: 23316126 PMCID: PMC3539805 DOI: 10.1021/ct300916f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers destabilize cellular ionic homeostasis, mediating Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is still unclear whether the mechanism (i) is mediated by cell surface receptors; (ii) is direct, with Aβ oligomers interacting with membrane lipids; or (iii) both mechanisms take place. Recent studies indicate that Aβ oligomers may act by either of the last two. Little is known about the oligomers' structures and how they spontaneously insert into the membrane. Using explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we show that fibril-like Aβ(17-42) (p3) oligomer is capable of penetrating the membrane. Insertion is similar to that observed for protegrin-1 (PG-1), a cytolytic β-sheet-rich antimicrobial peptide (AMP). Both Aβ and PG-1 favor the amphipathic interface of the lipid bilayer in the early stage of interaction with the membrane. U-shaped Aβ oligomers are observed in solution and in the membrane, suggesting that the preformed seeds can be shared by amyloid fibrils in the growth phase and membrane toxicity. Here we provide sequential events in possible Aβ oligomer membrane-insertion pathways. We speculate that for the U-shaped motif, a trimer is the minimal oligomer size to insert effectively. We propose that monomers and dimers may insert in (apparently on-pathway) aggregation-intermediate β-hairpin state, and may (or may not) convert to a U-shape in the bilayer. Together with earlier observations, our results point to a non-specific, broadly heterogeneous landscape of membrane-inserting oligomer conformations, pathways, and membrane-mediated toxicity of β-rich oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Laura Connelly
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Bruce L. Kagan
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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46
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Zhao J, Luo Y, Jang H, Yu X, Wei G, Nussinov R, Zheng J. Probing ion channel activity of human islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin). BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1818:3121-30. [PMID: 22935354 PMCID: PMC3455117 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Interactions of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP or amylin) with the cell membrane are correlated with the dysfunction and death of pancreatic islet β-cells in type II diabetes. Formation of receptor-independent channels by hIAPP in the membrane is regarded as one of the membrane-damaging mechanisms that induce ion homeostasis and toxicity in islet β-cells. Here, we investigate the dynamic structure, ion conductivity, and membrane interactions of hIAPP channels in the DOPC bilayer using molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. We use the NMR-derived β-strand-turn-β-strand motif as a building block to computationally construct a series of annular-like hIAPP structures with different sizes and topologies. In the simulated lipid environments, the channels lose their initial continuous β-sheet network and break into oligomeric subunits, which are still loosely associated to form heterogeneous channel conformations. The channels' shapes, morphologies and dimensions are compatible with the doughnut-like images obtained by atomic force microscopy, and with those of modeled channels for Aβ, the β(2)-microglobulin-derived K3 peptides, and the β-hairpin-based channels of antimicrobial peptide PG-1. Further, all channels induce directional permeability of multiple ions across the bilayers from the lower to the upper leaflet. This similarity suggests that loosely-associated β-structure motifs can be a general feature of toxic, unregulated channels. In the absence of experimental high-resolution atomic structures of hIAPP channels in the membrane, this study represents a first attempt to delineate some of the main structural features of the hIAPP channels, for a better understanding of the origin of amyloid toxicity and the development of pharmaceutical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron Akron, Ohio 44325
| | - Yin Luo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron Akron, Ohio 44325
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Xiang Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron Akron, Ohio 44325
| | - Guanghong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
- Sackler Inst. of Molecular Medicine Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Akron Akron, Ohio 44325
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Robertson JWF, Kasianowicz JJ, Banerjee S. Analytical Approaches for Studying Transporters, Channels and Porins. Chem Rev 2012; 112:6227-49. [DOI: 10.1021/cr300317z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. F. Robertson
- Physical Measurement Laboratory,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
20899, United States
| | - John J. Kasianowicz
- Physical Measurement Laboratory,
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
20899, United States
| | - Soojay Banerjee
- National
Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland 20824, United States
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48
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Norlin N, Hellberg M, Filippov A, Sousa AA, Gröbner G, Leapman RD, Almqvist N, Antzutkin ON. Aggregation and fibril morphology of the Arctic mutation of Alzheimer's Aβ peptide by CD, TEM, STEM and in situ AFM. J Struct Biol 2012; 180:174-89. [PMID: 22750418 PMCID: PMC3466396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Revised: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Morphology of aggregation intermediates, polymorphism of amyloid fibrils and aggregation kinetics of the "Arctic" mutant of the Alzheimer's amyloid β-peptide, Aβ((1-40))(E22G), in a physiologically relevant Tris buffer (pH 7.4) were thoroughly explored in comparison with the human wild type Alzheimer's amyloid peptide, wt-Aβ((1-40)), using both in situ atomic force and electron microscopy, circular dichroism and thioflavin T fluorescence assays. For arc-Aβ((1-40)) at the end of the 'lag'-period of fibrillization an abrupt appearance of ≈ 3 nm size 'spherical aggregates' with a homogeneous morphology, was identified. Then, the aggregation proceeds with a rapid growth of amyloid fibrils with a variety of morphologies, while the spherical aggregates eventually disappeared during in situ measurements. Arc-Aβ((1-40)) was also shown to form fibrils at much lower concentrations than wt-Aβ((1-40)): ≤ 2.5 μM and 12.5 μM, respectively. Moreover, at the same concentration, 50 μM, the aggregation process proceeds more rapidly for arc-Aβ((1-40)): the first amyloid fibrils were observed after c.a. 72 h from the onset of incubation as compared to approximately 7 days for wt-Aβ((1-40)). Amyloid fibrils of arc-Aβ((1-40)) exhibit a large variety of polymorphs, at least five, both coiled and non-coiled distinct fibril structures were recognized by AFM, while at least four types of arc-Aβ((1-40)) fibrils were identified by TEM and STEM and their mass-per-length statistics were collected suggesting supramolecular structures with two, four and six β-sheet laminae. Our results suggest a pathway of fibrillogenesis for full-length Alzheimer's peptides with small and structurally ordered transient spherical aggregates as on-pathway immediate precursors of amyloid fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Norlin
- Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Magnus Hellberg
- Division of Physics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Andrei Filippov
- Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Physics, Kazan State University, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | - Alioscka A. Sousa
- Laboratory of Bioengineering and Physical Science, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5766, USA
| | - Gerhard Gröbner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-90187, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Richard D. Leapman
- Laboratory of Bioengineering and Physical Science, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5766, USA
| | - Nils Almqvist
- Division of Physics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Oleg N. Antzutkin
- Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden
- Department of Physics, Warwick University, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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49
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Zhao LN, Chiu SW, Benoit J, Chew LY, Mu Y. The Effect of Curcumin on the Stability of Aβ Dimers. J Phys Chem B 2012; 116:7428-35. [DOI: 10.1021/jp3034209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Na Zhao
- School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University
| | - See-Wing Chiu
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jérôme Benoit
- School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University
| | - Lock Yue Chew
- School of Physical and Mathematical
Sciences, Nanyang Technological University
| | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive,
Singapore
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50
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Zhao LN, Long H, Mu Y, Chew LY. The toxicity of amyloid β oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:7303-7327. [PMID: 22837695 PMCID: PMC3397527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13067303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms of Aβ oligomer toxicity which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, we discuss on the interaction of Aβ oligomers with the membrane through the process of adsorption and insertion. Such interaction gives rises to phase transitions in the sub-structures of the Aβ peptide from α-helical to β-sheet structure. By means of a coarse-grained model, we exhibit the tendency of β-sheet structures to aggregate, thus providing further insights to the process of membrane induced aggregation. We show that the aggregated oligomer causes membrane invagination, which is a precursor to the formation of pore structures and ion channels. Other pathological progressions to AD due to Aβ oligomers are also covered, such as their interaction with the membrane receptors, and their direct versus indirect effects on oxidative stress and intraneuronal accumulation. We further illustrate that the molecule curcumin is a potential Aβ toxicity inhibitor as a β-sheet breaker by having a high propensity to interact with certain Aβ residues without binding to them. The comprehensive understanding gained from these current researches on the various toxicity mechanisms show promises in the provision of better therapeutics and treatment strategies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Na Zhao
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637731, Singapore; E-Mails: (L.N.Z.); (H.W.L.)
| | - HonWai Long
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637731, Singapore; E-Mails: (L.N.Z.); (H.W.L.)
- High Performance Computing Centre, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Lock Yue Chew
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637731, Singapore; E-Mails: (L.N.Z.); (H.W.L.)
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