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Pillai M, Jha SK. Conformational Enigma of TDP-43 Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Disorders. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:40286-40297. [PMID: 39372031 PMCID: PMC11447851 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of the protein remain some of the most common phenomena observed in neurodegeneration. While there exist multiple neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulation of distinct proteins, what remains particularly interesting is the ability of these proteins to undergo a conformational change to form aggregates. TDP-43 is one such nucleic acid binding protein whose misfolding is associated with many neurogenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). TDP-43 protein assumes several different conformations and oligomeric states under the diseased condition. In this review, we explore the intrinsic relationship between the conformational variability of TDP-43 protein, with a particular focus on the RRM domains, and its propensity to undergo aggregation. We further emphasize the probable mechanism behind the formation of these conformations and suggest a potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in the context of these conformational states of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Pillai
- Physical
and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National
Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Jha
- Physical
and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National
Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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2
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Zhang S, Xiang H, Tao Y, Li J, Zeng S, Xu Q, Xiao H, Lv S, Song C, Cheng Y, Li M, Zhu Z, Zhang S, Sun B, Li D, Xiang S, Tan L, Liu C. Inhibitor Development for α-Synuclein Fibril's Disordered Region to Alleviate Parkinson's Disease Pathology. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 39327912 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c08869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The amyloid fibrils of α-synuclein (α-syn) are crucial in the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), with the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of its C-terminal playing a key role in interacting with receptors like LAG3 and RAGE, facilitating pathological neuronal spread and inflammation. In this study, we identified Givinostat (GS) as an effective inhibitor that disrupts the interaction of α-syn fibrils with receptors such as LAG3 and RAGE through high-throughput screening. By exploring the structure-activity relationship and optimizing GS, we developed several lead compounds, including GSD-16-24. Utilizing solution-state and solid-state NMR, along with cryo-EM techniques, we demonstrated that GSD-16-24 binds directly to the C-terminal IDR of α-syn monomer and fibril, preventing the fibril from binding to the receptors. Furthermore, GSD-16-24 significantly inhibits the association of α-syn fibrils with membrane receptors, thereby reducing neuronal propagation and pro-inflammatory effects of α-syn fibrils. Our findings introduce a novel approach to mitigate the pathological effects of α-syn fibrils by targeting their IDR with small molecules, offering potential leads for the development of clinical drugs to treat PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenqing Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huaijiang Xiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Youqi Tao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juan Li
- MOE Key Lab for Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, 230026 Anhui, China
| | - Shuyi Zeng
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qianhui Xu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haonan Xiao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shiran Lv
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Caiwei Song
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Martin Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zeyun Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Bo Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - ShengQi Xiang
- MOE Key Lab for Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, 230026 Anhui, China
| | - Li Tan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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3
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Gregory JA, Hickey CM, Chavez J, Cacace AM. New therapies on the horizon: Targeted protein degradation in neuroscience. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1688-1698. [PMID: 39303702 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
This minireview explores the burgeoning field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) and its promising applications in neuroscience and clinical development. TPD offers innovative strategies for modulating protein levels, presenting a paradigm shift in small-molecule drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. Importantly, small-molecule protein degraders specifically target and remove pathogenic proteins from central nervous system cells without the drug delivery challenges of genomic and antibody-based modalities. Here, we review recent advancements in TPD technologies, highlight proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) protein degrader molecules with proximity-induced degradation event-driven and iterative pharmacology, provide applications in neuroscience research, and discuss the high potential for translation of TPD into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Chavez
- Arvinas, Inc., 5 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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4
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Liu K, Tao Y, Zhao Q, Xia W, Li X, Zhang S, Yao Y, Xiang H, Han C, Tan L, Sun B, Li D, Li A, Liu C. Binding adaptability of chemical ligands to polymorphic α-synuclein amyloid fibrils. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321633121. [PMID: 39172784 PMCID: PMC11363296 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321633121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) assembles into structurally distinct fibril polymorphs seen in different synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. Targeting these unique fibril structures using chemical ligands holds diagnostic significance for different disease subtypes. However, the molecular mechanisms governing small molecules interacting with different fibril polymorphs remain unclear. Here, we investigated the interactions of small molecules belonging to four distinct scaffolds, with different α-syn fibril polymorphs. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the structures of these molecules when bound to the fibrils formed by E46K mutant α-syn and compared them to those bound with wild-type α-syn fibrils. Notably, we observed that these ligands exhibit remarkable binding adaptability, as they engage distinct binding sites across different fibril polymorphs. While the molecular scaffold primarily steered the binding locations and geometries on specific sites, the conjugated functional groups further refined this adaptable binding by fine-tuning the geometries and binding sites. Overall, our finding elucidates the adaptability of small molecules binding to different fibril structures, which sheds light on the diagnostic tracer and drug developments tailored to specific pathological fibril polymorphs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaien Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Youqi Tao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Qinyue Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Wencheng Xia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Shenqing Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Yuxuan Yao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Huaijiang Xiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Chao Han
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Li Tan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Bo Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200030, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200240, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201210, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, China
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5
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Jeon JH, Jeon SY, Baek YJ, Park CE, Choi MK, Han YT, Song IS. Pharmacokinetics and Enterohepatic Circulation of 2-(Quinoline-8-carboxamido)benzoic Acid (2-QBA) in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:934. [PMID: 39065631 PMCID: PMC11279551 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The quinoline alkaloid 2-(quinoline-8-carboxamido)benzoic acid (2-QBA), which is isolated from Aspergillus sp. SCSIO06786, a deep sea-derived fungus, has been suggested as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We developed an analytical method for 2-QBA using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in mouse plasma, in which a protein precipitation method for the sample preparation of 2-QBA in mouse plasma was used due to its simplicity and good extraction recovery rates (80.49-97.56%). The linearity of the calibration standard sample, inter- and intraday precision and accuracy, and stability of three quality control samples were suitable based on the assessment criteria and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the 2-QBA was 1 ng/mL. A pharmacokinetic study of 2-QBA was performed in mice divided into oral (2.0, 5.0, and 15 mg/kg) and intravenous (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) administration groups. The absolute oral bioavailability (BA) range of 2-QBA was calculated as 68.3-83.7%. Secondary peaks were observed at approximately 4-8 h after the oral administration of 2-QBA at all doses. The elimination half-life of the orally administered 2-QBA was significantly longer than that of the intravenous 2-QBA. In addition, glucuronide metabolites of 2-QBA were identified. They were transformed into 2-QBA using the β-glucuronidase treatment. Furthermore, the 2-QBA was readily absorbed from the jejunum to lower ileum. Taken together, the secondary peaks could be explained by the enterohepatic circulation of 2-QBA. In conclusion, the reabsorption of orally administered 2-QBA could contribute to the high oral BA of 2-QBA and could be beneficial for the efficacy of 2-QBA. Moreover, the simple and validated analytical method for 2-QBA using LC-MS/MS was applied to the pharmacokinetic study and BA assessments of 2-QBA in mice and would be helpful for subsequent pharmacokinetic studies, as well as for evaluations of the toxicokinetics and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic correlation of 2-QBA to assess its potential as a drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyeon Jeon
- BK21 FOUR Community-Based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE), College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea;
| | - So-Yeon Jeon
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheon-an 31116, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.J.); (Y.-J.B.); (C.-E.P.); (M.-K.C.)
| | - Yeon-Ju Baek
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheon-an 31116, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.J.); (Y.-J.B.); (C.-E.P.); (M.-K.C.)
| | - Chan-E Park
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheon-an 31116, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.J.); (Y.-J.B.); (C.-E.P.); (M.-K.C.)
| | - Min-Koo Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheon-an 31116, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.J.); (Y.-J.B.); (C.-E.P.); (M.-K.C.)
| | - Young Taek Han
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheon-an 31116, Republic of Korea; (S.-Y.J.); (Y.-J.B.); (C.-E.P.); (M.-K.C.)
| | - Im-Sook Song
- BK21 FOUR Community-Based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE), College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea;
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6
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Sobek J, Li J, Combes BF, Gerez JA, Henrich MT, Geibl FF, Nilsson PR, Shi K, Rominger A, Oertel WH, Nitsch RM, Nordberg A, Ågren H, Ni R. Efficient characterization of multiple binding sites of small molecule imaging ligands on amyloid-beta, tau and alpha-synuclein. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06806-7. [PMID: 38953933 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is an unmet need for compounds to detect fibrillar forms of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and 4-repeat tau, which are critical in many neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we aim to develop an efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based assay to facilitate the characterization of small molecules that can bind these fibrils. METHODS SPR measurements were conducted to characterize the binding properties of fluorescent ligands/compounds toward recombinant amyloid-beta (Aβ)42, K18-tau, full-length 2N4R-tau and αSyn fibrils. In silico modeling was performed to examine the binding pockets of ligands on αSyn fibrils. Immunofluorescence staining of postmortem brain tissue slices from Parkinson's disease patients and mouse models was performed with fluorescence ligands and specific antibodies. RESULTS We optimized the protocol for the immobilization of Aβ42, K18-tau, full-length 2N4R-tau and αSyn fibrils in a controlled aggregation state on SPR-sensor chips and for assessing their binding to ligands. The SPR results from the analysis of binding kinetics suggested the presence of at least two binding sites for all fibrils, including luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes, benzothiazole derivatives, nonfluorescent methylene blue and lansoprazole. In silico modeling studies for αSyn (6H6B) revealed four binding sites with a preference for one site on the surface. Immunofluorescence staining validated the detection of pS129-αSyn positivity in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients and αSyn preformed-fibril injected mice, 6E10-positive Aβ in arcAβ mice, and AT-8/AT-100-positivity in pR5 mice. CONCLUSION SPR measurements of small molecules binding to Aβ42, K18/full-length 2N4R-tau and αSyn fibrils suggested the existence of multiple binding sites. This approach may provide efficient characterization of compounds for neurodegenerative disease-relevant proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Sobek
- Functional Genomics Center, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Junhao Li
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Benjamin F Combes
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Juan A Gerez
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin T Henrich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Fanni F Geibl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter R Nilsson
- Divison of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kuangyu Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang H Oertel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roger M Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Divison of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Ågren
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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7
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Li B, Xiao X, Bi M, Jiao Q, Chen X, Yan C, Du X, Jiang H. Modulating α-synuclein propagation and decomposition: Implications in Parkinson's disease therapy. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102319. [PMID: 38719160 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is closely related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Under pathological conditions, the conformation of α-syn changes and different forms of α-syn lead to neurotoxicity. According to Braak stages, α-syn can propagate in different brain regions, inducing neurodegeneration and corresponding clinical manifestations through abnormal aggregation of Lewy bodies (LBs) and lewy axons in different types of neurons in PD. So far, PD lacks early diagnosis biomarkers, and treatments are mainly targeted at some clinical symptoms. There is no effective therapy to delay the progression of PD. This review first summarized the role of α-syn in physiological and pathological states, and the relationship between α-syn and PD. Then, we focused on the origin, secretion, aggregation, propagation and degradation of α-syn as well as the important regulatory factors in these processes systematically. Finally, we reviewed some potential drug candidates for alleviating the abnormal aggregation of α-syn in order to provide valuable targets for the treatment of PD to cope with the occurrence and progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingxia Bi
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qian Jiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chunling Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Xixun Du
- School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China; School of Basic Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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8
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Sanluca C, Spagnolo P, Mancinelli R, De Bartolo MI, Fava M, Maccarrone M, Carotti S, Gaudio E, Leuti A, Vivacqua G. Interaction between α-Synuclein and Bioactive Lipids: Neurodegeneration, Disease Biomarkers and Emerging Therapies. Metabolites 2024; 14:352. [PMID: 39057675 PMCID: PMC11278689 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14070352] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present review provides a comprehensive examination of the intricate dynamics between α-synuclein, a protein crucially involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, and endogenously-produced bioactive lipids, which play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The interaction of α-synuclein with bioactive lipids is emerging as a critical factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and novel perspectives in the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We delve into the molecular pathways through which α-synuclein interacts with biological membranes and bioactive lipids, influencing the aggregation of α-synuclein and triggering neuroinflammatory responses, highlighting the potential of bioactive lipids as biomarkers for early disease detection and progression monitoring. Moreover, we explore innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the interaction between α-synuclein and bioactive lipids, including the development of small molecules and nutritional interventions. Finally, the review addresses the significance of the gut-to-brain axis in mediating the effects of bioactive lipids on α-synuclein pathology and discusses the role of altered gut lipid metabolism and microbiota composition in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The present review aims to underscore the potential of targeting α-synuclein-lipid interactions as a multifaceted approach for the detection and treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sanluca
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy (E.G.)
| | | | - Marina Fava
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Simone Carotti
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomic, Histologic, Forensic and Locomotor Apparatus Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy (E.G.)
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Vivacqua
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy (S.C.)
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9
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Bonanno F, Saw RS, Bleher D, Papadopoulos I, Bowden GD, Bjerregaard-Andersen K, Windhorst AD, Pichler BJ, Herfert K, Maurer A. Advancing Parkinson's Disease Diagnostics: The Potential of Arylpyrazolethiazole Derivatives for Imaging α-Synuclein Aggregates. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:24774-24788. [PMID: 38882134 PMCID: PMC11170759 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The development of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers capable of detecting α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates in vivo would represent a breakthrough for advancing the understanding and enabling the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and related disorders. It also holds the potential to assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, this remains challenging due to different structures of α-syn aggregates, the need for selectivity over other structurally similar amyloid proteins, like amyloid-β (Aβ), which frequently coexist with α-syn pathology, and the low abundance of the target in the brain that requires the development of a high-affinity ligand. To develop a successful PET tracer for the central nervous system (CNS), stringent criteria in terms of polarity and molecular size must also be considered, as the tracer must penetrate the blood-brain barrier and have low nonspecific binding to brain tissue. Here, we report a series of arylpyrazolethiazole (APT) derivatives, rationally designed from a structure-activity relationship study centered on existing ligands for α-syn fibrils, with a particular focus on the selectivity toward α-syn fibrils and control of physicochemical properties suitable for a CNS PET tracer. In vitro competition binding assays performed against [3H]MODAG-001 using recombinant α-syn and Aβ1-42 fibrils revealed APT-13 with an inhibition constant of 27.8 ± 9.7 nM and a selectivity of more than 3.3 fold over Aβ. Radiolabeled [11C]APT-13 demonstrated excellent brain penetration in healthy mice with a peak standardized uptake value of 1.94 ± 0.29 and fast washout from the brain (t 1/2 = 9 ± 1 min). This study highlights the potential of APT-13 as a lead compound for developing PET tracers to detect α-syn aggregates in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bonanno
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ran Sing Saw
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Daniel Bleher
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ioannis Papadopoulos
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Gregory D Bowden
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | | | - Albert D Windhorst
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085c, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Kristina Herfert
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 13, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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10
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Kim J, Byun I, Kim DY, Joh H, Kim HJ, Lee MJ. Targeted protein degradation directly engaging lysosomes or proteasomes. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:3253-3272. [PMID: 38369971 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00344b] [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: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has been established as a viable alternative to attenuate the function of a specific protein of interest in both biological and clinical contexts. The unique TPD mode-of-action has allowed previously undruggable proteins to become feasible targets, expanding the landscape of "druggable" properties and "privileged" target proteins. As TPD continues to evolve, a range of innovative strategies, which do not depend on recruiting E3 ubiquitin ligases as in proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have emerged. Here, we present an overview of direct lysosome- and proteasome-engaging modalities and discuss their perspectives, advantages, and limitations. We outline the chemical composition, biochemical activity, and pharmaceutical characteristics of each degrader. These alternative TPD approaches not only complement the first generation of PROTACs for intracellular protein degradation but also offer unique strategies for targeting pathologic proteins located on the cell membrane and in the extracellular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Insuk Byun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Hyunhi Joh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Hak Joong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Min Jae Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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11
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Galkin M, Priss A, Kyriukha Y, Shvadchak V. Navigating α-Synuclein Aggregation Inhibition: Methods, Mechanisms, and Molecular Targets. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202300282. [PMID: 37919046 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a yet incurable, age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aggregation of small neuronal protein α-synuclein into amyloid fibrils. Inhibition of this process is a prospective strategy for developing a disease-modifying treatment. We overview here small molecule, peptide, and protein inhibitors of α-synuclein fibrillization reported to date. Special attention was paid to the specificity of inhibitors and critical analysis of their action mechanisms. Namely, the importance of oxidation of polyphenols and cross-linking of α-synuclein into inhibitory dimers was highlighted. We also compared strategies of targeting monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillar α-synuclein species, thoroughly discussed the strong and weak sides of different approaches to testing the inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Galkin
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anastasiia Priss
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yevhenii Kyriukha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - Volodymyr Shvadchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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12
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Uzuegbunam BC, Li J, Paslawski W, Weber W, Svenningsson P, Ågren H, Hooshyar Yousefi B. In Silico and In Vitro Study towards the Rational Design of 4,4'-Disarylbisthiazoles as a Selective α-Synucleinopathy Biomarker. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16445. [PMID: 38003637 PMCID: PMC10671360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The α-synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the deposition of α-synuclein aggregates (α-syn) in the brain. Currently, there is no suitable tracer to enable a definitive early diagnosis of these diseases. We reported candidates based on 4,4'-disarylbisthiazole (DABTA) scaffold with a high affinity towards α-syn and excellent selectivity over Aβ and tau fibrils. Based on prior in silico studies, a focused library of 23 halogen-containing and O-methylated DABTAs was prepared. The DABTAs were synthesized via a modified two-step Hantzsch thiazole synthesis, characterized, and used in competitive binding assays against [3H]PiB and [3H]DCVJ. The DABTAs were obtained with an overall chemical yield of 15-71%, and showed a calculated lipophilicity of 2.5-5.7. The ligands demonstrated an excellent affinity to α-syn with both [3H]PiB and [3H]DCVJ: Ki 0.1-4.9 nM and up to 20-3900-fold selectivity over Aβ and tau fibrils. It could be concluded that in silico simulation is useful for the rational design of a new generation of DABTAs. Further investigation of the leads in the next step is encouraged: radiolabeling of the ligands with radioisotopes such as fluorine-18 or carbon-11 for in vivo, ex vivo, and translational research and for further in vitro experiments on human-derived protein aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright C. Uzuegbunam
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Junhao Li
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wojciech Paslawski
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Per Svenningsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Ågren
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
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14
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Nikiforova A, Sedov I. Molecular Design of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Agents Binding to Amyloid Deposits. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11152. [PMID: 37446329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311152] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to detect and monitor amyloid deposition in the brain using non-invasive imaging techniques provides valuable insights into the early diagnosis and progression of Alzheimer's disease and helps to evaluate the efficacy of potential treatments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely available technique offering high-spatial-resolution imaging. It can be used to visualize amyloid deposits with the help of amyloid-binding diagnostic agents injected into the body. In recent years, a number of amyloid-targeted MRI probes have been developed, but none of them has entered clinical practice. We review the advances in the field and deduce the requirements for the molecular structure and properties of a diagnostic probe candidate. These requirements make up the base for the rational design of MRI-active small molecules targeting amyloid deposits. Particular attention is paid to the novel cryo-EM structures of the fibril aggregates and their complexes, with known binders offering the possibility to use computational structure-based design methods. With continued research and development, MRI probes may revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Nikiforova
- Chemical Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya 18, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Igor Sedov
- Chemical Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya 18, 420008 Kazan, Russia
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15
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Viles JH. Imaging Amyloid-β Membrane Interactions: Ion-Channel Pores and Lipid-Bilayer Permeability in Alzheimer's Disease. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 135:e202215785. [PMID: 38515735 PMCID: PMC10952214 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202215785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of the amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) is central to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism by which Aβ triggers a cascade of events that leads to dementia is a topic of intense investigation. Aβ self-associates into a series of complex assemblies with different structural and biophysical properties. It is the interaction of these oligomeric, protofibril and fibrillar assemblies with lipid membranes, or with membrane receptors, that results in membrane permeability and loss of cellular homeostasis, a key event in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Aβ can have an array of impacts on lipid membranes, reports have included: a carpeting effect; a detergent effect; and Aβ ion-channel pore formation. Recent advances imaging these interactions are providing a clearer picture of Aβ induced membrane disruption. Understanding the relationship between different Aβ structures and membrane permeability will inform therapeutics targeting Aβ cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Viles
- Department of Biochemistry, SBBS, Queen MaryUniversity of LondonUK
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16
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Viles JH. Imaging Amyloid-β Membrane Interactions: Ion-Channel Pores and Lipid-Bilayer Permeability in Alzheimer's Disease. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215785. [PMID: 36876912 PMCID: PMC10953358 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of the amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) is central to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism by which Aβ triggers a cascade of events that leads to dementia is a topic of intense investigation. Aβ self-associates into a series of complex assemblies with different structural and biophysical properties. It is the interaction of these oligomeric, protofibril and fibrillar assemblies with lipid membranes, or with membrane receptors, that results in membrane permeability and loss of cellular homeostasis, a key event in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Aβ can have an array of impacts on lipid membranes, reports have included: a carpeting effect; a detergent effect; and Aβ ion-channel pore formation. Recent advances imaging these interactions are providing a clearer picture of Aβ induced membrane disruption. Understanding the relationship between different Aβ structures and membrane permeability will inform therapeutics targeting Aβ cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Viles
- Department of Biochemistry, SBBS, Queen MaryUniversity of LondonUK
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17
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Di Nanni A, Saw RS, Bowden GD, Bidesi NSR, Bjerregaard-Andersen K, Korat Š, Herth MM, Pichler BJ, Herfert K, Maurer A. The Structural Combination of SIL and MODAG Scaffolds Fails to Enhance Binding to α-Synuclein but Reveals Promising Affinity to Amyloid β. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104001. [PMID: 37241742 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A technique to image α-synuclein (αSYN) fibrils in vivo is an unmet scientific and clinical need that would represent a transformative tool in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. Several classes of compounds have shown promising results as potential PET tracers, but no candidate has yet exhibited the affinity and selectivity required to reach clinical application. We hypothesized that the application of the rational drug design technique of molecular hybridization to two promising lead scaffolds could enhance the binding to αSYN up to the fulfillment of those requirements. By combining the structures of SIL and MODAG tracers, we developed a library of diarylpyrazoles (DAPs). In vitro evaluation through competition assays against [3H]SIL26 and [3H]MODAG-001 showed the novel hybrid scaffold to have preferential binding affinity for amyloid β (Aβ) over αSYN fibrils. A ring-opening modification on the phenothiazine building block to produce analogs with increased three-dimensional flexibility did not result in an improved αSYN binding but a complete loss of competition, as well as a significant reduction in Aβ affinity. The combination of the phenothiazine and the 3,5-diphenylpyrazole scaffolds into DAP hybrids did not generate an enhanced αSYN PET tracer lead compound. Instead, these efforts identified a scaffold for promising Aβ ligands that may be relevant to the treatment and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Di Nanni
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ran Sing Saw
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gregory D Bowden
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natasha S R Bidesi
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaare Bjerregaard-Andersen
- Department of Antibody Engineering and Biochemistry, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Špela Korat
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1117 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Brain Imaging, 1117 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kristina Herfert
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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18
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Dervişoğlu R, Antonschmidt L, Nimerovsky E, Sant V, Kim M, Ryazanov S, Leonov A, Carlos Fuentes-Monteverde J, Wegstroth M, Giller K, Mathies G, Giese A, Becker S, Griesinger C, Andreas LB. Anle138b interaction in α-synuclein aggregates by dynamic nuclear polarization NMR. Methods 2023; 214:18-27. [PMID: 37037308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.04.002] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Small molecules that bind to oligomeric protein species such as membrane proteins and fibrils are of clinical interest for development of therapeutics and diagnostics. Definition of the binding site at atomic resolution via NMR is often challenging due to low binding stoichiometry of the small molecule. For fibrils and aggregation intermediates grown in the presence of lipids, we report atomic-resolution contacts to the small molecule at sub nm distance via solid-state NMR using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and orthogonally labelled samples of the protein and the small molecule. We apply this approach to α-synuclein (αS) aggregates in complex with the small molecule anle138b, which is a clinical drug candidate for disease modifying therapy. The small central pyrazole moiety of anle138b is detected in close proximity to the protein backbone and differences in the contacts between fibrils and early intermediates are observed. For intermediate species, the 100 K condition for DNP helps to preserve the aggregation state, while for both fibrils and oligomers, the DNP enhancement is essential to obtain sufficient sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rıza Dervişoğlu
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leif Antonschmidt
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Evgeny Nimerovsky
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vrinda Sant
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Myeongkyu Kim
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sergey Ryazanov
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrei Leonov
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Melanie Wegstroth
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karin Giller
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Armin Giese
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Griesinger
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Loren B Andreas
- Department of NMR based structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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19
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Sun X, Dyson HJ, Wright PE. Role of conformational dynamics in pathogenic protein aggregation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 73:102280. [PMID: 36878172 PMCID: PMC10033434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of pathogenic protein oligomers and aggregates is associated with several devastating amyloid diseases. As protein aggregation is a multi-step nucleation-dependent process beginning with unfolding or misfolding of the native state, it is important to understand how innate protein dynamics influence aggregation propensity. Kinetic intermediates composed of heterogeneous ensembles of oligomers are frequently formed on the aggregation pathway. Characterization of the structure and dynamics of these intermediates is critical to the understanding of amyloid diseases since oligomers appear to be the main cytotoxic agents. In this review, we highlight recent biophysical studies of the roles of protein dynamics in driving pathogenic protein aggregation, yielding new mechanistic insights that can be leveraged for design of aggregation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Sun
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - H Jane Dyson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Peter E Wright
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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20
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Forloni G. Alpha Synuclein: Neurodegeneration and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065914. [PMID: 36982988 PMCID: PMC10059798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is one of the most important molecules involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, synucleinopathies, but also in several other neurodegenerative disorders with a more elusive role. This review analyzes the activities of α-Syn, in different conformational states, monomeric, oligomeric and fibrils, in relation to neuronal dysfunction. The neuronal damage induced by α-Syn in various conformers will be analyzed in relation to its capacity to spread the intracellular aggregation seeds with a prion-like mechanism. In view of the prominent role of inflammation in virtually all neurodegenerative disorders, the activity of α-Syn will also be illustrated considering its influence on glial reactivity. We and others have described the interaction between general inflammation and cerebral dysfunctional activity of α-Syn. Differences in microglia and astrocyte activation have also been observed when in vivo the presence of α-Syn oligomers has been combined with a lasting peripheral inflammatory effect. The reactivity of microglia was amplified, while astrocytes were damaged by the double stimulus, opening new perspectives for the control of inflammation in synucleinopathies. Starting from our studies in experimental models, we extended the perspective to find useful pointers to orient future research and potential therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
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21
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Peña-Díaz S, García-Pardo J, Ventura S. Development of Small Molecules Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation: A Promising Strategy to Treat Parkinson's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:839. [PMID: 36986700 PMCID: PMC10059018 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits in the dopaminergic neurons. These deposits are primarily composed of aggregated forms of α-Synuclein (α-Syn). Despite the extensive research on this disease, only symptomatic treatments are currently available. However, in recent years, several compounds, mainly of an aromatic character, targeting α-Syn self-assembly and amyloid formation have been identified. These compounds, discovered by different approaches, are chemically diverse and exhibit a plethora of mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a historical overview of the physiopathology and molecular aspects associated with Parkinson's disease and the current trends in small compound development to target α-Syn aggregation. Although these molecules are still under development, they constitute an important step toward discovering effective anti-aggregational therapies for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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22
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Ni R. PET imaging in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114174. [PMID: 36283568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, are characterized by aberrant accumulation of alpha-synuclein and synaptic dysfunction leading to motor and cognitive deficits. Animal models of alpha-synucleinopathy have greatly facilitated the mechanistic understanding of the disease and the development of therapeutics. Various transgenic, alpha-synuclein fibril-injected, and toxin-injected animal models of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy that recapitulate the disease pathology have been developed and widely used. Recent advances in positron emission tomography have allowed the noninvasive visualization of molecular alterations, underpinning behavioral dysfunctions in the brains of animal models and the longitudinal monitoring of treatment effects. Imaging studies in these disease animal models have employed multi-tracer PET designs to reveal dopaminergic deficits together with other molecular alterations. This review focuses on the development of new positron emission tomography tracers and studies of alpha-synuclein, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A neurotransmitter receptor deficits such as dopaminergic receptor, dopaminergic transporter, serotonergic receptor, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and leucine rich repeat kinase 2 in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The outstanding challenges and emerging applications are outlined, such as investigating the gut-brain-axis by using positron emission tomography in animal models, and provide a future outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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23
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In Silico Study of the Interactions of Anle138b Isomer, an Inhibitor of Amyloid Aggregation, with Partner Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416096. [PMID: 36555748 PMCID: PMC9786835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we aimed to highlight current "gaps" in the understanding of the potential interactions between the Anle138b isomer ligand, a promising agent for clinical research, and the intrinsically disordered alpha-synuclein protein. The presence of extensive unstructured areas in alpha-synuclein determines its existence in the cell of partner proteins, including the cyclophilin A chaperone, which prevents the aggregation of alpha-synuclein molecules that are destructive to cell life. Using flexible and cascaded molecular docking techniques, we aimed to expand our understanding of the molecular architecture of the protein complex between alpha-synuclein, cyclophilin A and the Anle138b isomer ligand. We demonstrated the possibility of intricate complex formation under cellular conditions and revealed that the main interactions that stabilize the complex are hydrophobic and involve hydrogen.
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