1
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Paschold A, Schäffler M, Miao X, Gardon L, Krüger S, Heise H, Röhr MIS, Ott M, Strodel B, Binder WH. Photocontrolled Reversible Amyloid Fibril Formation of Parathyroid Hormone-Derived Peptides. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:981-995. [PMID: 38865349 PMCID: PMC11261605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Peptide fibrillization is crucial in biological processes such as amyloid-related diseases and hormone storage, involving complex transitions between folded, unfolded, and aggregated states. We here employ light to induce reversible transitions between aggregated and nonaggregated states of a peptide, linked to the parathyroid hormone (PTH). The artificial light-switch 3-{[(4-aminomethyl)phenyl]diazenyl}benzoic acid (AMPB) is embedded into a segment of PTH, the peptide PTH25-37, to control aggregation, revealing position-dependent effects. Through in silico design, synthesis, and experimental validation of 11 novel PTH25-37-derived peptides, we predict and confirm the amyloid-forming capabilities of the AMPB-containing peptides. Quantum-chemical studies shed light on the photoswitching mechanism. Solid-state NMR studies suggest that β-strands are aligned parallel in fibrils of PTH25-37, while in one of the AMPB-containing peptides, β-strands are antiparallel. Simulations further highlight the significance of π-π interactions in the latter. This multifaceted approach enabled the identification of a peptide that can undergo repeated phototriggered transitions between fibrillated and defibrillated states, as demonstrated by different spectroscopic techniques. With this strategy, we unlock the potential to manipulate PTH to reversibly switch between active and inactive aggregated states, representing the first observation of a photostimulus-responsive hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Paschold
- Macromolecular
Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Science II, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Moritz Schäffler
- Institute
of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Xincheng Miao
- Center
for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC), Theodor-Boveri Weg, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Luis Gardon
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich 52425, Germany
- Institut
für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität
Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Krüger
- Biozentrum,
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinberweg 22, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Henrike Heise
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich 52425, Germany
- Institut
für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität
Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Merle I. S. Röhr
- Center
for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC), Theodor-Boveri Weg, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Maria Ott
- Institute
of Biophysics, Faculty of Natural Science I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Birgit Strodel
- Institute
of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Institute
of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H. Binder
- Macromolecular
Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Science II, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, Halle 06120, Germany
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2
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Ruan K, Bai G, Fang Y, Li D, Li T, Liu X, Lu B, Lu Q, Songyang Z, Sun S, Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhou W, Zhang H. Biomolecular condensates and disease pathogenesis. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2661-3. [PMID: 39037698 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates or membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) divide intracellular spaces into discrete compartments for specific functions. Dysregulation of LLPS or aberrant phase transition that disturbs the formation or material states of MLOs is closely correlated with neurodegeneration, tumorigenesis, and many other pathological processes. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in development of methods to monitor phase separation and we discuss the biogenesis and function of MLOs formed through phase separation. We then present emerging proof-of-concept examples regarding the disruption of phase separation homeostasis in a diverse array of clinical conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, hearing loss, cancers, and immunological diseases. Finally, we describe the emerging discovery of chemical modulators of phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ruan
- The First Affiliated Hospital & School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Ge Bai
- Nanhu Brain-computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China.
- Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yanshan Fang
- 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, Beijing, 100049, 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.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Boxun Lu
- Neurology Department at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Zhou Songyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Shuguo Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
| | - Wen Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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3
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Jain N. The molecular interplay between human and bacterial amyloids: Implications in neurodegenerative diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:141018. [PMID: 38641088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2024.141018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's diseases (AD) are linked with the assembly and accumulation of proteins into structured scaffold called amyloids. These diseases pose significant challenges due to their complex and multifaceted nature. While the primary focus has been on endogenous amyloids, recent evidence suggests that bacterial amyloids may contribute to the development and exacerbation of such disorders. The gut-brain axis is emerging as a communication pathway between bacterial and human amyloids. This review delves into the novel role and potential mechanism of bacterial amyloids in modulating human amyloid formation and the progression of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Jain
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Surpura Bypass, Karwar, 342030, Rajasthan, India.
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4
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Yin Z, Yang Z, Liu Y, Zhao L, Liang F. Oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38753998 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2352195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxidative stress (OS) has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases in numerous epidemiological studies; however, whether it is a pathogenesis or a downstream factor remains controversial. METHODS A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was implemented to examine evidence of causality of 15 OS injury markers with 3 major neurodegenerative diseases using available genome-wide association studies statistics. As a main approach, inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis was performed. The weighted-median (WM) analysis was used to validate the relationship. In order to investigate the existence of horizontal pleiotropy and correct the IVW estimate, the Radial MR approach was applied. To gauge the consistency and robustness of the findings, several sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses were used. For this analysis, p < 0.05 indicates a nominally causal association; according to the Bonferroni correction test, p < 0.0011 indicates a statistically significant causal association. RESULTS Via IVW and WM, in directional MR, it was genetically predicted that zinc was nominally causally correlated with the risk of Parkinson's disease but not after Bonferroni correction test; alpha-tocopherol was nominally causally correlated with the risk of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but not after Bonferroni correction test; furthermore, in reverse MR, it was genetically predicted that Alzheimer's disease was causally correlated with uric acid but not after Bonferroni correction test. These above findings were stable across sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current study, there is no authentic genetic causal association between OS biomarkers and neurodegenerative diseases. The complex relationship is required to be confirmed in future experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Yin
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuoqin Yang
- Acupuncture Department, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Pidu district, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Rehabilitation Department, the West China Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanrong Liang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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5
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Fan J, Liang L, Zhou X, Ouyang Z. Accelerating protein aggregation and amyloid fibrillation for rapid inhibitor screening. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6853-6859. [PMID: 38725489 PMCID: PMC11077537 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00437j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The accumulation and deposition of amyloid fibrils, also known as amyloidosis, in tissues and organs of patients has been found to be linked to numerous devastating neurodegenerative diseases. The aggregation of proteins to form amyloid fibrils, however, is a slow pathogenic process, and is a major issue for the evaluation of the effectiveness of inhibitors in new drug discovery and screening. Here, we used microdroplet reaction technology to accelerate the amyloid fibrillation process, monitored the process to shed light on the fundamental mechanism of amyloid self-assembly, and demonstrated the value of the technology in the rapid screening of potential inhibitor drugs. Proteins in microdroplets accelerated to form fibrils in milliseconds, enabling an entire cycle of inhibitor screening for Aβ40 within 3 minutes. The technology would be of broad interest to drug discovery and therapeutic design to develop treatments for diseases associated with protein aggregation and fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Liwen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Zheng Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments, Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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Abioye A, Akintade D, Mitchell J, Olorode S, Adejare A. Nonintuitive Immunogenicity and Plasticity of Alpha-Synuclein Conformers: A Paradigm for Smart Delivery of Neuro-Immunotherapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:609. [PMID: 38794271 PMCID: PMC11124533 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive research successes and continuous developments in modern medicine in terms of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, the lack of clinically useful disease-modifying drugs or immunotherapeutic agents that can successfully treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases is an ongoing challenge. To date, only one of the 244 drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has been approved in the past decade, indicating a failure rate of 99.6%. In corollary, the approved monoclonal antibody did not demonstrate significant cognitive benefits. Thus, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly. Therefore, there is an urgent need for creative approaches to identifying and testing biomarkers for better diagnosis, prevention, and disease-modifying strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpression of the endogenous α-synuclein has been identified as the driving force for the formation of the pathogenic α-synuclein (α-Syn) conformers, resulting in neuroinflammation, hypersensitivity, endogenous homeostatic responses, oxidative dysfunction, and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the conformational plasticity of α-Syn proffers that a certain level of α-Syn is essential for the survival of neurons. Thus, it exerts both neuroprotective and neurotoxic (regulatory) functions on neighboring neuronal cells. Furthermore, the aberrant metastable α-Syn conformers may be subtle and difficult to detect but may trigger cellular and molecular events including immune responses. It is well documented in literature that the misfolded α-Syn and its conformers that are released into the extracellular space from damaged or dead neurons trigger the innate and adaptive immune responses in PD. Thus, in this review, we discuss the nonintuitive plasticity and immunogenicity of the α-Syn conformers in the brain immune cells and their physiological and pathological consequences on the neuroimmune responses including neuroinflammation, homeostatic remodeling, and cell-specific interactions that promote neuroprotection in PD. We also critically reviewed the novel strategies for immunotherapeutic delivery interventions in PD pathogenesis including immunotherapeutic targets and potential nanoparticle-based smart drug delivery systems. It is envisioned that a greater understanding of the nonintuitive immunogenicity of aberrant α-Syn conformers in the brain's microenvironment would provide a platform for identifying valid therapeutic targets and developing smart brain delivery systems for clinically effective disease-modifying immunotherapeutics that can aid in the prevention and treatment of PD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Abioye
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Damilare Akintade
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (D.A.); (J.M.); (S.O.)
| | - James Mitchell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (D.A.); (J.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Simisade Olorode
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (D.A.); (J.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Adeboye Adejare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA;
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7
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Lopes DM, Wells JA, Ma D, Wallis L, Park D, Llewellyn SK, Ahmed Z, Lythgoe MF, Harrison IF. Glymphatic inhibition exacerbates tau propagation in an Alzheimer's disease model. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38576025 PMCID: PMC10996277 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01439-2] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aggregation and spread of misfolded amyloid structured proteins, such as tau and α-synuclein, are key pathological features associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These proteins possess a prion-like property, enabling their transmission from cell to cell leading to propagation throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. While the mechanisms underlying their intracellular spread are still being elucidated, targeting the extracellular space has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach. The glymphatic system, a brain-wide pathway responsible for clearing extracellular metabolic waste from the central nervous system, has gained attention as a promising target for removing these toxic proteins. METHODS In this study, we investigated the impact of long-term modulation of glymphatic function on tau aggregation and spread by chronically treating a mouse model of tau propagation with a pharmacological inhibitor of AQP4, TGN-020. Thy1-hTau.P301S mice were intracerebrally inoculated with tau into the hippocampus and overlying cortex, and subsequently treated with TGN-020 (3 doses/week, 50 mg/kg TGN-020, i.p.) for 10-weeks. During this time, animal memory was studied using cognitive behavioural tasks, and structural MR images were acquired of the brain in vivo prior to brain extraction for immunohistochemical characterisation. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate increased tau aggregation in the brain and transhemispheric propagation in the hippocampus following the inhibition of glymphatic clearance. Moreover, disruption of the glymphatic system aggravated recognition memory in tau inoculated mice and exacerbated regional changes in brain volume detected in the model. When initiation of drug treatment was delayed for several weeks post-inoculation, the alterations were attenuated. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that by modulating AQP4 function and, consequently, glymphatic clearance, it is possible to modify the propagation and pathological impact of tau in the brain, particularly during the initial stages of the disease. These findings highlight the critical role of the glymphatic system in preserving healthy brain homeostasis and offer valuable insights into the therapeutic implications of targeting this system for managing neurodegenerative diseases characterized by protein aggregation and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M Lopes
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Jack A Wells
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Da Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Wallis
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Daniel Park
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Sophie K Llewellyn
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Zeshan Ahmed
- Neuroscience Next Generation Therapeutics (NGTx), Eli Lilly and Company, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Ian F Harrison
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.
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8
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Jin M, Wang S, Gao X, Zou Z, Hirotsune S, Sun L. Pathological and physiological functional cross-talks of α-synuclein and tau in the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:855-862. [PMID: 37843221 PMCID: PMC10664117 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein and tau are abundant multifunctional brain proteins that are mainly expressed in the presynaptic and axonal compartments of neurons, respectively. Previous works have revealed that intracellular deposition of α-synuclein and/or tau causes many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Despite intense investigation, the normal physiological functions and roles of α-synuclein and tau are still unclear, owing to the fact that mice with knockout of either of these proteins do not present apparent phenotypes. Interestingly, the co-occurrence of α-synuclein and tau aggregates was found in post-mortem brains with synucleinopathies and tauopathies, some of which share similarities in clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the direct interaction of α-synuclein with tau is considered to promote the fibrillization of each of the proteins in vitro and in vivo. On the other hand, our recent findings have revealed that α-synuclein and tau are cooperatively involved in brain development in a stage-dependent manner. These findings indicate strong cross-talk between the two proteins in physiology and pathology. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent findings on the functional roles of α-synuclein and tau in the physiological conditions and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. A deep understanding of the interplay between α-synuclein and tau in physiological and pathological conditions might provide novel targets for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shengming Wang
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiaodie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhenyou Zou
- Department of Scientific Research, Brain Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shinji Hirotsune
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Liyuan Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Zhao W, Liu K, Fan Y, Zhao Q, Tao Y, Zhang M, Gan L, Yu W, Sun B, Li D, Liu C, Wang J. Cryo-EM structures reveal variant Tau amyloid fibrils between the rTg4510 mouse model and sporadic human tauopathies. Cell Discov 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38448404 PMCID: PMC10917778 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00637-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wanbing Zhao
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaien Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Fan
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinyue Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youqi Tao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengwei Zhang
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linhua Gan
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbo Yu
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Stepanchuk AA, Stys PK. Spectral Fluorescence Pathology of Protein Misfolding Disorders. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:898-908. [PMID: 38407017 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00798] [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] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding has been extensively studied in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and systemic amyloidoses. Due to misfolding and aggregation of proteins being highly heterogeneous and generating a variety of structures, a growing body of evidence illustrates numerous ways how the aggregates contribute to progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and prion disorders. Different misfolded species of the same protein, commonly referred to as strains, appear to play a significant role in shaping the disease clinical phenotype and clinical progression. The distinct toxicity profiles of various misfolded proteins underscore their importance. Current diagnostics struggle to differentiate among these strains early in the disease course. This review explores the potential of spectral fluorescence approaches to illuminate the complexities of protein misfolding pathology and discusses the applications of advanced spectral methods in the detection and characterization of protein misfolding disorders. By examining spectrally variable probes, current data analysis approaches, and important considerations for the use of these techniques, this review aims to provide an overview of the progress made in this field and highlights directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia A Stepanchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Peter K Stys
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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11
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Suresh K, Dahal E, Badano A. Synthetic β-sheets mimicking fibrillar and oligomeric structures for evaluation of spectral X-ray scattering technique for biomarker quantification. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:26. [PMID: 38374092 PMCID: PMC10877803 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Archetypical cross-β spines sharpen the boundary between functional and pathological proteins including β-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein and transthyretin are linked to many debilitating human neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative amyloidoses. An increased focus on development of pathogenic β-sheet specific fluid and imaging structural biomarkers and conformation-specific monoclonal antibodies in targeted therapies has been recently observed. Identification and quantification of pathogenic oligomers remain challenging for existing neuroimaging modalities. RESULTS We propose two artificial β-sheets which can mimic the nanoscopic structural characteristics of pathogenic oligomers and fibrils for evaluating the performance of a label free, X-ray based biomarker detection and quantification technique. Highly similar structure with elliptical cross-section and parallel cross-β motif is observed among recombinant α-synuclein fibril, Aβ-42 fibril and artificial β-sheet fibrils. We then use these β-sheet models to assess the performance of spectral small angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS) technique for detecting β-sheet structures. sSAXS showed quantitatively accurate detection of antiparallel, cross-β artificial oligomers from a tissue mimicking environment and significant distinction between different oligomer packing densities such as diffuse and dense packings. CONCLUSION The proposed synthetic β-sheet models mimicked the nanoscopic structural characteristics of β-sheets of fibrillar and oligomeric states of Aβ and α-synuclein based on the ATR-FTIR and SAXS data. The tunability of β-sheet proportions and shapes of structural motifs, and the low-cost of these β-sheet models can become useful test materials for evaluating β-sheet or amyloid specific biomarkers in a wide range of neurological diseases. By using the proposed synthetic β-sheet models, our study indicates that the sSAXS has potential to evaluate different stages of β-sheet-enriched structures including oligomers of pathogenic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Suresh
- Division of Imaging, Diagnostics, and Software Reliability, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
| | - Eshan Dahal
- Division of Imaging, Diagnostics, and Software Reliability, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Aldo Badano
- Division of Imaging, Diagnostics, and Software Reliability, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
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12
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Chisholm TS, Hunter CA. A closer look at amyloid ligands, and what they tell us about protein aggregates. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1354-1374. [PMID: 38116736 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00518f] [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: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid fibrils is characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease. Detecting these fibrils with fluorescent or radiolabelled ligands is one strategy for diagnosing and better understanding these diseases. A vast number of amyloid-binding ligands have been reported in the literature as a result. To obtain a better understanding of how amyloid ligands bind, we have compiled a database of 3457 experimental dissociation constants for 2076 unique amyloid-binding ligands. These ligands target Aβ, tau, or αSyn fibrils, as well as relevant biological samples including AD brain homogenates. From this database significant variation in the reported dissociation constants of ligands was found, possibly due to differences in the morphology of the fibrils being studied. Ligands were also found to bind to Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42) fibrils with similar affinities, whereas a greater difference was found for binding to Aβ and tau or αSyn fibrils. Next, the binding of ligands to fibrils was shown to be largely limited by the hydrophobic effect. Some Aβ ligands do not fit into this hydrophobicity-limited model, suggesting that polar interactions can play an important role when binding to this target. Finally several binding site models were outlined for amyloid fibrils that describe what ligands target what binding sites. These models provide a foundation for interpreting and designing site-specific binding assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Chisholm
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1 EW, UK.
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1 EW, UK.
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13
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Miao Y, Meng H. The involvement of α-synucleinopathy in the disruption of microglial homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:31. [PMID: 38216911 PMCID: PMC10785555 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01402-y] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The intracellular deposition and intercellular transmission of α-synuclein (α-syn) are shared pathological characteristics among neurodegenerative disorders collectively known as α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the precise triggers of α-synucleinopathies remain unclear, recent findings indicate that disruption of microglial homeostasis contributes to the pathogenesis of PD. Microglia play a crucial role in maintaining optimal neuronal function by ensuring a homeostatic environment, but this function is disrupted during the progression of α-syn pathology. The involvement of microglia in the accumulation, uptake, and clearance of aggregated proteins is critical for managing disease spread and progression caused by α-syn pathology. This review summarizes current knowledge on the interrelationships between microglia and α-synucleinopathies, focusing on the remarkable ability of microglia to recognize and internalize extracellular α-syn through diverse pathways. Microglia process α-syn intracellularly and intercellularly to facilitate the α-syn neuronal aggregation and cell-to-cell propagation. The conformational state of α-synuclein distinctly influences microglial inflammation, which can affect peripheral immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes and may regulate the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies. We also discuss ongoing research efforts to identify potential therapeutic approaches targeting both α-syn accumulation and inflammation in PD. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhen Miao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongrui Meng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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14
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Li X, Peng X, Zoulikha M, Boafo GF, Magar KT, Ju Y, He W. Multifunctional nanoparticle-mediated combining therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:1. [PMID: 38161204 PMCID: PMC10758001 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01668-1] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining existing drug therapy is essential in developing new therapeutic agents in disease prevention and treatment. In preclinical investigations, combined effect of certain known drugs has been well established in treating extensive human diseases. Attributed to synergistic effects by targeting various disease pathways and advantages, such as reduced administration dose, decreased toxicity, and alleviated drug resistance, combinatorial treatment is now being pursued by delivering therapeutic agents to combat major clinical illnesses, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Combinatorial therapy involves combining or co-delivering two or more drugs for treating a specific disease. Nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery systems, i.e., liposomal NPs, polymeric NPs and nanocrystals, are of great interest in combinatorial therapy for a wide range of disorders due to targeted drug delivery, extended drug release, and higher drug stability to avoid rapid clearance at infected areas. This review summarizes various targets of diseases, preclinical or clinically approved drug combinations and the development of multifunctional NPs for combining therapy and emphasizes combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on drug delivery for treating severe clinical diseases. Ultimately, we discuss the challenging of developing NP-codelivery and translation and provide potential approaches to address the limitations. This review offers a comprehensive overview for recent cutting-edge and challenging in developing NP-mediated combination therapy for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Xiuju Peng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Makhloufi Zoulikha
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - George Frimpong Boafo
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Kosheli Thapa Magar
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Yanmin Ju
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China.
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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15
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Sampson T. Microbial amyloids in neurodegenerative amyloid diseases. FEBS J 2023:10.1111/febs.17023. [PMID: 38041542 PMCID: PMC11144261 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Human-disease associated amyloidogenic proteins are not unique in their ability to form amyloid fibrillar structures. Numerous microbes produce amyloidogenic proteins that have distinct functions for their physiology in their amyloid form, rather than solely detrimental. Emerging data indicate associations between various microbial organisms, including those which produce functional amyloids, with neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review some of the evidence suggesting that microbial amyloids impact amyloid disease in host organisms. Experimental data are building a foundation for continued lines of enquiry and suggest that that direct or indirect interactions between microbial and host amyloids may be a contributor to amyloid pathologies. Inhibiting microbial amyloids or their interactions with the host may therefore represent a tangible target to limit various amyloid pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Sampson
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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16
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Liu C, Zhang X. Navigating the terrain of protein aggregation and phase separation - A chemical biology perspective. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 77:102386. [PMID: 37672839 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China.
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17
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Bai Y, Zhang S, Dong H, Liu Y, Liu C, Zhang X. Advanced Techniques for Detecting Protein Misfolding and Aggregation in Cellular Environments. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12254-12311. [PMID: 37874548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation, a key contributor to the progression of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, results in functional deficiencies and the creation of harmful intermediates. Detailed visualization of this misfolding process is of paramount importance for improving our understanding of disease mechanisms and for the development of potential therapeutic strategies. While in vitro studies using purified proteins have been instrumental in delivering significant insights into protein misfolding, the behavior of these proteins in the complex milieu of living cells often diverges significantly from such simplified environments. Biomedical imaging performed in cell provides cellular-level information with high physiological and pathological relevance, often surpassing the depth of information attainable through in vitro methods. This review highlights a variety of methodologies used to scrutinize protein misfolding within biological systems. This includes optical-based methods, strategies leaning on mass spectrometry, in-cell nuclear magnetic resonance, and cryo-electron microscopy. Recent advancements in these techniques have notably deepened our understanding of protein misfolding processes and the features of the resulting misfolded species within living cells. The progression in these fields promises to catalyze further breakthroughs in our comprehension of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Bai
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang Province, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, 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, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang Province, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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18
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Zhan L, Jin T, Zhou J, Xu W, Chen Y, Mezzenga R. Fast Probing Amyloid Polymorphism via Nanopore Translocation. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:9912-9919. [PMID: 37856435 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the presence of cross-β-sheet amyloid fibrils and a rich mesoscopic polymorphism, requiring noninvasive detection with high fidelity. Here, we introduce a methodology that can probe via a sensitive synthetic nanopore the complex polymorphism of amyloid fibrils by an automated and fast screening protocol. Statistically analyzing the translocation events on two model amyloid systems derived from β-lactoglobulin and lysozyme allows extracting the cross-sectional configuration of hydrated amyloid fibrils from current block amplitude and correlating dwell time with fibril length. These findings are consistent with the amyloid polymorphs observed in solution by atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the ionic current signal of a single translocation event can reveal abnormally aggregated conformations of amyloid fibrils without potential artifacts associated with microscopy methods. This study introduces an effective approach to physically discriminating and separating amyloid and may serve in the rapid diagnosis of early aggregating pathological amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijian Zhan
- Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Tonghui Jin
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jiangtao Zhou
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wei Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yunfei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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19
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Li D, Liu C. Molecular rules governing the structural polymorphism of amyloid fibrils in neurodegenerative diseases. Structure 2023; 31:1335-1347. [PMID: 37657437 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.08.006] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are hallmarks of various neurodegenerative diseases. The structural polymorphism of amyloid fibrils holds significant pathological importance in diseases. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview on the complexity of amyloid fibrils' structural polymorphism and its implications in disease pathogenesis. We firstly decipher the molecular rules governing the structural polymorphism of amyloid fibrils. We then discuss pivotal factors that contribute to the assortment of fibril structural polymorphs, including post-translational modifications (PTMs), disease mutations, and interacting molecules, and elucidate the structural basis of how these determinants influence amyloid fibril polymorphism. Furthermore, we underscore the need for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between diverse fibril polymorphs and pathological activities, as well as their potential roles in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, 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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20
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Han J. Copper trafficking systems in cells: insights into coordination chemistry and toxicity. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:15277-15296. [PMID: 37702384 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt02166a] [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: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Transition metal ions, such as copper, are indispensable components in the biological system. Copper ions which primarily exist in two major oxidation states Cu(I) and Cu(II) play crucial roles in various cellular processes including antioxidant defense, biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, and energy metabolism, owing to their inherent redox activity. The disturbance in copper homeostasis can contribute to the development of copper metabolism disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the significance of understanding the copper trafficking system in cellular environments. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of copper homeostatic machinery, with an emphasis on the coordination chemistry of copper transporters and trafficking proteins. While copper chaperones and the corresponding metalloenzymes are thoroughly discussed, we also explore the potential existence of low-molecular-mass metal complexes within cellular systems. Furthermore, we summarize the toxicity mechanisms originating from copper deficiency or accumulation, which include the dysregulation of oxidative stress, signaling pathways, signal transduction, and amyloidosis. This perspective review delves into the current knowledge regarding the intricate aspects of the copper trafficking system, providing valuable insights into potential treatment strategies from the standpoint of bioinorganic chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Han
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Li D, Ma Y, Xia W, Tao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Li D, Dai B, Liu C. Creating an Amyloid 'Kaleidoscope' Using Short Iodinated Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310737. [PMID: 37650358 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310737] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils formed by peptides with different sequences exhibit diversified morphologies, material properties and activities, making them valuable for developing functional bionanomaterials. However, the molecular understanding underlying the structural diversity of peptide fibrillar assembly at atomic level is still lacking. In this study, by using cryogenic electron microscopy, we first revealed the structural basis underlying the highly reversible assembly of 1 GFGGNDNFG9 (referred to as hnRAC1) peptide fibril. Furthermore, by installing iodine at different sites of hnRAC1, we generated a collection of peptide fibrils with distinct thermostability. By determining the atomic structures of the iodinated fibrils, we discovered that iodination at different sites of the peptide facilitates the formation of diverse halogen bonds and triggers the assembly of entirely different structures of iodinated fibrils. Finally, based on this structural knowledge, we designed an iodinated peptide that assembles into new atomic structures of fibrils, exhibiting superior thermostability, that aligned with our design. Our work provides an in-depth understanding of the atomic-level processes underlying the formation of diverse peptide fibril structures, and paves the way for creating an amyloid "kaleidoscope" by employing various modifications and peptide sequences to fine-tune the atomic structure and properties of fibrillar nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Li
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yeyang Ma
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wencheng Xia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, 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
| | - Yiling Zhang
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, 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, 200240, China
| | - Bin Dai
- School of Sensing Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, 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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22
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Tao Y, Xia W, Zhao Q, Xiang H, Han C, Zhang S, Gu W, Tang W, Li Y, Tan L, Li D, Liu C. Structural mechanism for specific binding of chemical compounds to amyloid fibrils. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1235-1245. [PMID: 37400537 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01370-x] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibril is an important pharmaceutical target for diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, rational design of chemical compounds that interact with amyloid fibrils is unachievable due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of the ligand-fibril interaction. Here we used cryoelectron microscopy to survey the amyloid fibril-binding mechanism of a series of compounds including classic dyes, (pre)clinical imaging tracers and newly identified binders from high-throughput screening. We obtained clear densities of several compounds in complex with an α-synuclein fibril. These structures unveil the basic mechanism of the ligand-fibril interaction, which exhibits remarkable difference from the canonical ligand-protein interaction. In addition, we discovered a druggable pocket that is also conserved in the ex vivo α-synuclein fibrils from multiple system atrophy. Collectively, these findings expand our knowledge of protein-ligand interaction in the amyloid fibril state, which will enable rational design of amyloid binders in a medicinally beneficial way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqi Tao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencheng Xia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinyue Zhao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaijiang Xiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Han
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shenqing Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Tan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Zazeri G, Povinelli APR, Pavan NM, Jones AM, Ximenes VF. Solvent-Induced Lag Phase during the Formation of Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils Triggered by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate: Biophysical Experimental and In Silico Study of Solvent Effects. Molecules 2023; 28:6891. [PMID: 37836734 PMCID: PMC10574774 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196891] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregates arise from either the partial or complete loss of the native protein structure or the inability of proteins to attain their native conformation. These aggregates have been linked to several diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and lysozyme amyloidosis. A comprehensive dataset was recently reported, demonstrating the critical role of the protein's surrounding environment in amyloid formation. In this study, we investigated the formation of lysozyme amyloid fibrils induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the effect of solvents in the medium. Experimental data obtained through fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a notable lag phase in amyloid formation when acetone solution was present. This finding suggested that the presence of acetone in the reaction medium created an unfavorable microenvironment for amyloid fibril formation and impeded the organization of the denatured protein into the fibril form. The in silico data provided insights into the molecular mechanism of the interaction between acetone molecules and the lysozyme protofibril, once acetone presented the best experimental results. It was observed that the lysozyme protofibril became highly unstable in the presence of acetone, leading to the complete loss of its β-sheet conformation and resulting in an open structure. Furthermore, the solvation layer of the protofibril in acetone solution was significantly reduced compared to that in other solvents, resulting in fewer hydrogen bonds. Consequently, the presence of acetone facilitated the exposure of the hydrophobic portion of the protofibril, precluding the amyloid fibril formation. In summary, our study underscores the pivotal role the surrounding environment plays in influencing amyloid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Zazeri
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Mato Grosso (IFMT), Campo Novo do Parecis 78360-000, Brazil;
| | - Ana Paula Ribeiro Povinelli
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Mato Grosso (IFMT), Campo Novo do Parecis 78360-000, Brazil;
| | - Nathália Mariana Pavan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, Brazil;
| | - Alan M. Jones
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Valdecir Farias Ximenes
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, Brazil;
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24
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Wu R, Wang Z, Jia Z, Li C, Wang J, Liu L, Dong M. Identification of hybrid amyloid strains assembled from amyloid- βand human islet amyloid polypeptide. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 34:505101. [PMID: 37625382 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/acf3ee] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Cross-fibrillation of amyloid-β(Aβ) peptides and human islet amyloid polypeptides (hIAPP) has revealed a close correlation between Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Importantly, different amyloid strains are likely to lead to the clinical pathological heterogeneity of degenerative diseases due to toxicity. However, given the complicated cross-interactions between different amyloid peptides, it is still challenging to identify the polymorphism of the hybrid amyloid strains and reveal mechanistic insights into aggregation, but highly anticipated due to their significance. In this study, we investigated the cross-fibrillation of Aβpeptides and different hIAPP species (monomers, oligomers, and fibrils) using combined experimental and simulation approaches. Cross-seeding and propagation of different amyloid peptides monitored by experimental techniques proved that the three species of hIAPP aggregates have successively enhanced Aβfibrillation, especially for hIAPP fibrils. Moreover, the polymorphism of these morphologically similar hybrid amyloid strains could be distinguished by testing their mechanical properties using quantitative nanomechanical mapping, where the assemblies of Aβ-hIAPP fibrils exhibited the high Young's modulus. Furthermore, the enhanced internal molecular interactions andβ-sheet structural transformation were proved by exploring the conformational ensembles of Aβ-hIAPP heterodimer and Aβ-hIAPP decamer using molecular dynamic simulations. Our findings pave the way for identifying different hybrid amyloid strains by quantitative nanomechanical mapping and molecular dynamic simulations, which is important not only for the precise classification of neurodegenerative disease subtypes but also for future molecular diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of multiple interrelated degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Wu
- Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengkai Wang
- Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Zili Jia
- Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Li
- Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Institute for Advanced Materials, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Aarhus University, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) Aarhus C DK-8000, Denmark
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25
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Tao Y, Li D. Acetylation encodes Tau aggregation. Structure 2023; 31:1005-1007. [PMID: 37683614 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.08.002] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications profoundly influence amyloid assembly. In this issue of Structure, Li et al. unravel the underlying mechanism by which specific lysine acetylation patterns facilitate fibril formation of Tau segments. Their cryo-electron microscopy structure further elucidates how acetyl groups act as stabilizers within the architecture of Tau fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqi Tao
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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26
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Yin Z, Chen J, Xia M, Zhang X, Li Y, Chen Z, Bao Q, Zhong W, Yao J, Wu K, Zhao L, Liang F. Assessing causal relationship between circulating cytokines and age-related neurodegenerative diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12325. [PMID: 37516812 PMCID: PMC10387057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39520-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported that circulating cytokines (CCs) are linked to age-related neurodegenerative diseases (ANDDs); however, there is a lack of systematic investigation for the causal association. A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian Randomisation (MR) method was utilized to evaluate the causal effect. We applied genetic variants correlated with concentrations of CCs from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis (n = 8293) as instrumental variables. Summary data of three major ANDDs [Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)] were identified from the IEU OpenGWAS platform (n = 627, 266). Inverse-variance weighted method is the main approach to analyse causal effect, and MR results are verified by several sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses. In directional MR, it suggested that several CCs were nominally correlated with the risk of ANDDs, with a causal odds ratio (OR) of Interleukin (IL)-5 of 0.909 for AD; OR of IL-2 of 1.169 for PD; and OR of Beta nerve growth factor of 1.142 for ALS). In reverse MR, there were some suggestively causal effects of ANDDs on CCs (AD on increased Basic fibroblast growth factor and IL-12 and decreased Stem cell growth factor beta; PD on decreased Monokine induced by interferon-gamma; ALS on decreased Basic fibroblast growth factor and IL-17). The findings were stable across sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses. However, after Bonferroni correction, there is no statistically significant association between CCs and ANDDs. Through the genetic epidemiological approach, our study assessed the role and presented possible causal associations between CCs and ANDDs. Further studies are warranted to verify the causal associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Yin
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Manze Xia
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaqin Li
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenghong Chen
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiongnan Bao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanqi Zhong
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Yao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Kexin Wu
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China.
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Fanrong Liang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 37 Shierqiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan, China.
- Acupuncture Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
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27
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Zhang S, Dong H, Bian J, Li D, Liu C. Targeting amyloid proteins for clinical diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:505-519. [PMID: 38933553 PMCID: PMC11197785 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal aggregation and accumulation of pathological amyloid proteins such as amyloid-β, Tau, and α-synuclein play key pathological roles and serve as histological hallmarks in different neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, various post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been identified on pathological amyloid proteins and are subjected to change during disease progression. Given the central role of amyloid proteins in NDs, tremendous efforts have been made to develop amyloid-targeting strategies for clinical diagnosis and molecular classification of NDs. In this review, we summarize two major strategies for targeting amyloid aggregates, with a focus on the trials in AD diagnosis. The first strategy is a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of protein aggregation in the brain. We mainly focus on introducing the development of small-molecule PET tracers for specifically recognizing pathological amyloid fibrils. The second strategy is the detection of PTM biomarkers on amyloid proteins in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. We discuss the pathological roles of different PTMs in diseases and how we can use the PTM profile of amyloid proteins for clinical diagnosis. Finally, we point out the potential technical challenges of these two strategies, and outline other potential strategies, as well as a combination of multiple strategies, for molecular diagnosis of NDs.
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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
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiang Bian
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, 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
- Bio-X-Renji Hospital Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, 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 Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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28
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Sun R, Zhang S, Liu Y, Li D. Chemical probes for investigating protein liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 74:102291. [PMID: 37004350 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation drives the dynamic assembly of membraneless organelles for fulfilling different physiological functions. Under diseased condition, protein may undergo liquid-to-solid condensation to form pathological amyloid aggregates closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Chemical probe serves as an important chemical tool not only for exploring the basic principle of the dynamic assembly of different protein condensates in vitro and in cell but also for clinical diagnosis and therapeutics of the related diseases. In this review, we first introduce chemical probes to image and regulate protein condensates. Then, we summarized three different categories of chemical probes including general amyloid dye, selective positron emission tomography tracer, and disaggregating binder, which feature distinct interaction pattern and activity upon binding to different pathological amyloid fibrillar aggregates. Next, we discuss the development of chemical probes for tracking protein amorphous aggregates in cells. Finally, we point out future direction in expanding the probes' chemical space and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Shenqing Zhang
- Bio-X-Renji Hospital Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; 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 200240, China
| | - Yu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X-Renji Hospital Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; 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 200240, China; WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai 201203, China.
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29
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Li X, Du Y, Chen X, Liu C. Emerging roles of O-glycosylation in regulating protein aggregation, phase separation, and functions. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102314. [PMID: 37156204 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein O-glycosylation is widely identified in various proteins involved in diverse biological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that O-glycosylation plays crucial and multifaceted roles in modulating protein amyloid aggregation and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) under physiological conditions. Dysregulation of these processes is closely associated with human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and cancers. In this review, we first summarize the distinct roles of O-glycosylation in regulating pathological aggregation of different amyloid proteins related to NDs and elaborate the underlying mechanisms of how O-glycosylation modulates protein aggregation kinetics, induces new aggregated structures, and mediates the pathogenesis of amyloid aggregates under diseased conditions. Furthermore, we introduce recent discoveries on O-GlcNAc-mediated regulation of synaptic LLPS and phase separation potency of low-complexity domain-enriched proteins. Finally, we identify challenges in future research and highlight the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies of NDs by targeting protein O-glycosylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Du
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Chen
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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30
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Razzokov J, Fazliev S, Makhkamov M, Marimuthu P, Baev A, Kurganov E. Effect of Electric Field on α-Synuclein Fibrils: Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076312. [PMID: 37047286 PMCID: PMC10094641 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076312] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-association of amylogenic proteins to the fibril form is considered a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD causes unintended or uncontrollable movements in its common symptoms. α-synuclein is the major cause of PD development and thus has been the main target of numerous studies to suppress and sequester its expression or effectively degrade it. Nonetheless, to date, there are no efficient and proven ways to prevent pathological protein aggregation. Recent investigations proposed applying an external electric field to interrupt the fibrils. This method is a non-invasive approach that has a certain benefit over others. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations by applying an electric field on highly toxic fibrils of α-synuclein to gain a molecular-level insight into fibril disruption mechanisms. The results revealed that the applied external electric field induces substantial changes in the conformation of the α-synuclein fibrils. Furthermore, we show the threshold value for electric field strength required to completely disrupt the α-synuclein fibrils by opening the hydrophobic core of the fibril. Thus, our findings might serve as a valuable foundation to better understand molecular-level mechanisms of the α-synuclein fibrils disaggregation process under an applied external electric field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamoliddin Razzokov
- Institute of Fundamental and Applied Research, National Research University TIIAME, Kori Niyoziy 39, Tashkent 100000, Uzbekistan
- R&D Center, New Uzbekistan University, Mustaqillik Avenue 54, Tashkent 100007, Uzbekistan
- Institute of Material Sciences, Academy of Sciences, Chingiz Aytmatov 2b, Tashkent 100084, Uzbekistan
- Department of Physics, National University of Uzbekistan, Universitet 4, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +998-90-116-23-20
| | - Sunnatullo Fazliev
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mukhriddin Makhkamov
- Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics, Centre for Advanced Technologies, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
| | - Parthiban Marimuthu
- Pharmaceutical Science Laboratory (PSL–Pharmacy) and Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory (SBL–Biochemistry), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Artyom Baev
- Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics, Centre for Advanced Technologies, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
- Department of Biophysics, Biological Faculty, National University of Uzbekistan, Universitet 4, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
| | - Erkin Kurganov
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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31
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Wilkinson M, Gallardo RU, Martinez RM, Guthertz N, So M, Aubrey LD, Radford SE, Ranson NA. Disease-relevant β 2-microglobulin variants share a common amyloid fold. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1190. [PMID: 36864041 PMCID: PMC9981686 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36791-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
β2-microglobulin (β2m) and its truncated variant ΔΝ6 are co-deposited in amyloid fibrils in the joints, causing the disorder dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Point mutations of β2m result in diseases with distinct pathologies. β2m-D76N causes a rare systemic amyloidosis with protein deposited in the viscera in the absence of renal failure, whilst β2m-V27M is associated with renal failure, with amyloid deposits forming predominantly in the tongue. Here we use cryoEM to determine the structures of fibrils formed from these variants under identical conditions in vitro. We show that each fibril sample is polymorphic, with diversity arising from a 'lego-like' assembly of a common amyloid building block. These results suggest a 'many sequences, one amyloid fold' paradigm in contrast with the recently reported 'one sequence, many amyloid folds' behaviour of intrinsically disordered proteins such as tau and Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wilkinson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Rodrigo U Gallardo
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Aelin Therapeutics, Bio-Incubator Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roberto Maya Martinez
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Peak Proteins, Birchwood House, Larkwood Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2XR, UK
| | - Nicolas Guthertz
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Bicycle Therapeutics, Blocks A & B, Portway Building, Grant Park, Abingdon, Cambridge, CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Masatomo So
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Liam D Aubrey
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sheena E Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Neil A Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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32
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Zhang S, Li J, Xu Q, Xia W, Tao Y, Shi C, Li D, Xiang S, Liu C. Conformational Dynamics of an α-Synuclein Fibril upon Receptor Binding Revealed by Insensitive Nuclei Enhanced by Polarization Transfer-Based Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Cryo-Electron Microscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:4473-4484. [PMID: 36794997 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Many amyloid fibrils associated with neurodegenerative diseases consist of an ordered fibril core (FC) and disordered terminal regions (TRs). The former represents a stable scaffold, while the latter is rather active in binding with various partners. Current structural studies mainly focus on the ordered FC since the high flexibility of TRs hinders structural characterization. Here, by combining insensitive nuclei enhanced by polarization transfer-based 1H-detected solid-state NMR and cryo-EM, we explored the intact structure of an α-syn fibril including both FC and TRs and further studied the conformational dynamics of the fibril upon binding to lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3)─a cell surface receptor that is involved in α-syn fibril transmission in brains. We found that both the N- and C-TRs of α-syn are disordered in free fibrils featuring similar conformation ensembles as those in soluble monomers. While in the presence of the D1 domain of LAG3 (L3D1), the C-TR directly binds to L3D1, meanwhile the N-TR folds into a β-strand and further integrates with the FC, which leads to alteration of the overall fibril structure and surface property. Our work reveals synergistic conformational transition of the intrinsically disordered TRs of α-syn, which sheds light on mechanistic understanding of the essential role of TRs in regulating the structure and pathology of amyloid fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, 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
| | - Qianhui Xu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wencheng Xia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Youqi Tao
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chaowei Shi
- MOE Key Lab for Cellular Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, 230026 Anhui, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.,Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, 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
| | - 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 Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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33
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Li M, Qian M, Jiang Q, Tan B, Yin Y, Han X. Evidence of Flavonoids on Disease Prevention. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020527. [PMID: 36830086 PMCID: PMC9952065 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence highlights the properties of flavonoids in natural foods for disease prevention. Due to their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities, flavonoids have been revealed to benefit skeletal muscle, liver, pancreas, adipocytes, and neural cells. In this review, we introduced the basic classification, natural sources, and biochemical properties of flavonoids, then summarize the experimental results and underlying molecular mechanisms concerning the effects of flavonoid consumption on obesity, cancers, and neurogenerative diseases that greatly threaten public health. Especially, the dosage and duration of flavonoids intervening in these diseases are discussed, which might guide healthy dietary habits for people of different physical status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Mengqi Qian
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Bie Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xinyan Han
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0571-88982446
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So RWL, Watts JC. α-Synuclein Conformational Strains as Drivers of Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Mol Biol 2023:168011. [PMID: 36792008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The synucleinopathies, which include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy, are a class of human neurodegenerative disorders unified by the presence of α-synuclein aggregates in the brain. Considerable clinical and pathological heterogeneity exists within and among the individual synucleinopathies. A potential explanation for this variability is the existence of distinct conformational strains of α-synuclein aggregates that cause different disease manifestations. Like prion strains, α-synuclein strains can be delineated based on their structural architecture, with structural differences among α-synuclein aggregates leading to unique biochemical attributes and neuropathological properties in humans and animal models. Bolstered by recent high-resolution structural data from patient brain-derived material, it has now been firmly established that there are conformational differences among α-synuclein aggregates from different human synucleinopathies. Moreover, recombinant α-synuclein can be polymerized into several structurally distinct aggregates that exhibit unique pathological properties. In this review, we outline the evidence supporting the existence of α-synuclein strains and highlight how they can act as drivers of phenotypic heterogeneity in the human synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaella W L So
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. https://twitter.com/xsakuraphie
| | - Joel C Watts
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. https://twitter.com/JoelWattsLab
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Pradhan R, Panigrahi S, Sahu PK. Conformational Search for the Building Block of Proteins Based on the Gradient Gravitational Search Algorithm (ConfGGS) Using Force Fields: CHARMM, AMBER, and OPLS-AA. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:670-690. [PMID: 36625780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01398] [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: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are linear polymers built from a repertoire of 20 different amino acids, which are considered building blocks of proteins. The diversity and versatility of these 20 building blocks with regard to their conformations are key to adopting three-dimensional structures that facilitate proteins to undergo important mechanistic biological processes in living systems. The present investigation reports a conformational search of 20 different amino acids, building blocks of proteins, using three different force fields, CHARMM, AMBER, and OPLS-AA, implemented in the gradient gravitational search algorithm. The search technique (ConfGGS) includes the contribution from both bonded and nonbonded terms using Cartesian coordinates. The efficiency of such conformational searches has also been compared with other optimization algorithms: DE/Best, DE/Rand, and PSO algorithms with respect to computational time and accuracy based on the minimum number of iteration steps and computed lowest mean absolute error (MAE) and mean standard deviation (MSD) values for dihedral angles of respective near-optimal structures. Moreover, the ConfGGS technique has also been extended to an ordered protein fragment (PQITL) extracted from HIV-1 protease (PDB ID: 1YTH), an intrinsically disordered protein fragment, i.e., an amyloid-forming segment (AVVTGVTAV), from the NAC domain of Parkinson's disease protein α-synuclein, residues 69-77 (PDB ID: 4RIK), the experimental NMR atomic-resolution structure of α-synuclein fibrils (PDB ID: 2N0A), and a disulfide bond-containing protein fragment sequence (PCYGWPVCY), residues 59-67 (PDB ID: 6Y4F) toward structure prediction as a close homologue compared with experimental accuracy, using the CHARMM force field. The MolProbity validation results for the protein fragment (PQITL) obtained by ConfGGS/CHARMM are in better agreement with the native protein fragment structure of HIV-1 protease (PDB ID: 1YTH). Furthermore, the computed results have also been compared with the coordinates obtained from the AlphaFold network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojalin Pradhan
- Computational Modeling Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry (Autonomous), Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla768019, India
| | - Sibarama Panigrahi
- Computational Modeling Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry (Autonomous), Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla768019, India
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology, Jyoti Vihar, Burla768019, India
| | - Prabhat K Sahu
- Computational Modeling Research Laboratory, School of Chemistry (Autonomous), Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla768019, India
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Ranasinghe JC, Wang Z, Huang S. Raman Spectroscopy on Brain Disorders: Transition from Fundamental Research to Clinical Applications. BIOSENSORS 2022; 13:27. [PMID: 36671862 PMCID: PMC9855372 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Brain disorders such as brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are accompanied by chemical alterations in the tissues. Early diagnosis of these diseases will provide key benefits for patients and opportunities for preventive treatments. To detect these sophisticated diseases, various imaging modalities have been developed such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). However, they provide inadequate molecule-specific information. In comparison, Raman spectroscopy (RS) is an analytical tool that provides rich information about molecular fingerprints. It is also inexpensive and rapid compared to CT, MRI, and PET. While intrinsic RS suffers from low yield, in recent years, through the adoption of Raman enhancement technologies and advanced data analysis approaches, RS has undergone significant advancements in its ability to probe biological tissues, including the brain. This review discusses recent clinical and biomedical applications of RS and related techniques applicable to brain tumors and NDs.
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Li X, Zhang S, Liu Z, Tao Y, Xia W, Sun Y, Liu C, Le W, Sun B, Li D. Subtle change of fibrillation condition leads to substantial alteration of recombinant Tau fibril structure. iScience 2022; 25:105645. [PMID: 36505939 PMCID: PMC9732399 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro assembly of amyloid fibrils that recapitulate those in human brains is very useful for fundamental and applied research on the amyloid formation, pathology, and clinical detection. Recent success in the assembly of Tau fibrils in vitro enables the recapitulation of the paired helical filament (PHF) of Tau extracted from brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, following the protocol, we observed that Tau constructs including 297-391 and a mixture of 266-391 (3R)/297-391, which are expected to predominantly form PHF-like fibrils, form highly heterogeneous fibrils instead. Moreover, the seemingly PHF-like fibril formed by Tau 297-391 exhibits a distinctive atomic structure with a spindle-like fold, that is neither PHF-like or similar to any known Tau fibril structures revealed by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Our work highlights the high sensitivity of amyloid fibril formation to subtle conditional changes and suggests high-resolution structural characterization to in vitro assembled fibrils prior to further laboratory use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - 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
| | - Zhengtao Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 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
| | - Wencheng Xia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunpeng Sun
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, 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 Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weidong Le
- Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences-Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Chengdu 610072, 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 200240, China,WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai 201203, China,Corresponding author
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Cell-free synthesis of amyloid fibrils with infectious properties and amenable to sub-milligram magic-angle spinning NMR analysis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1202. [DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractStructural investigations of amyloid fibrils often rely on heterologous bacterial overexpression of the protein of interest. Due to their inherent hydrophobicity and tendency to aggregate as inclusion bodies, many amyloid proteins are challenging to express in bacterial systems. Cell-free protein expression is a promising alternative to classical bacterial expression to produce hydrophobic proteins and introduce NMR-active isotopes that can improve and speed up the NMR analysis. Here we implement the cell-free synthesis of the functional amyloid prion HET-s(218-289). We present an interesting case where HET-s(218-289) directly assembles into infectious fibril in the cell-free expression mixture without the requirement of denaturation procedures and purification. By introducing tailored 13C and 15N isotopes or CF3 and 13CH2F labels at strategic amino-acid positions, we demonstrate that cell-free synthesized amyloid fibrils are readily amenable to high-resolution magic-angle spinning NMR at sub-milligram quantity.
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