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Paul S, Biswas P. Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of the Self-Assembly of Tau-Derived PHF6 and Its Inhibition by Oleuropein Aglycone from Extra Virgin Olive Oil. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5630-5641. [PMID: 38814052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02393] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other taupathies are neurodegenerative disorders associated with the amyloid deposition of the Tau protein in the brain. This amyloid formation may be inhibited by small molecules, which is recognized as one of the best therapeutic strategies to stop the progression of the disease. This work focuses on the small nucleating segment, hexapeptide-paired helical filament 6 (PHF6), responsible for Tau aggregation. Using computational modeling and classical molecular dynamics simulations, we show that PHF6 monomers collapse in water to form β-sheet rich structures, and the main olive oil polyphenol oleuropein aglycone (OleA) prevents peptide aggregation significantly. We gradually increase the ratio of the PHF6-OleA from 1:1 to 1:3 and find that for the 1:1 ratio, the peptide monomers are prone to form aggregated structures, while for the 1:2 ratio, the formation of the extended β-sheet structure is significantly less. For a 1:3 ratio of protein/OleA, the peptide residues are sufficiently crowded by OleA molecules through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π stacking; hence, the peptide chains prefer to exist in a monomeric random coil conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Paul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Parbati Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
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Odorskaya MV, Mavletova DA, Nesterov AA, Tikhonova OV, Soloveva NA, Reznikova DA, Galanova OO, Vatlin AA, Slynko NM, Vasilieva AR, Peltek SE, Danilenko VN. The use of omics technologies in creating LBP and postbiotics based on the Limosilactobacillus fermentum U-21. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1416688. [PMID: 38919499 PMCID: PMC11197932 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1416688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency to create drugs based on certain commensal bacteria of the human microbiota and their ingredients, primarily focusing on live biotherapeutics (LBPs) and postbiotics. The creation of such drugs, termed pharmacobiotics, necessitates an understanding of their mechanisms of action and the identification of pharmacologically active ingredients that determine their target properties. Typically, these are complexes of biologically active substances synthesized by specific strains, promoted as LBPs or postbiotics (including vesicles): proteins, enzymes, low molecular weight metabolites, small RNAs, etc. This study employs omics technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to explore the potential of Limosilactobacillus fermentum U-21 for innovative LBP and postbiotic formulations targeting neuroinflammatory processes. Proteomic techniques identified and quantified proteins expressed by L. fermentum U-21, highlighting their functional attributes and potential applications. Key identified proteins include ATP-dependent Clp protease (ClpL), chaperone protein DnaK, protein GrpE, thioredoxin reductase, LysM peptidoglycan-binding domain-containing protein, and NlpC/P60 domain-containing protein, which have roles in disaggregase, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. Metabolomic analysis provided insights into small-molecule metabolites produced during fermentation, revealing compounds with anti-neuroinflammatory activity. Significant metabolites produced by L. fermentum U-21 include GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), niacin, aucubin, and scyllo-inositol. GABA was found to stabilize neuronal activity, potentially counteracting neurodegenerative processes. Niacin, essential for optimal nervous system function, was detected in vesicles and culture fluid, and it modulates cytokine production, maintaining immune homeostasis. Aucubin, an iridoid glycoside usually secreted by plants, was identified as having antioxidant properties, addressing issues of bioavailability for therapeutic use. Scyllo-inositol, identified in vesicles, acts as a chemical chaperone, reducing abnormal protein clumps linked to neurodegenerative diseases. These findings demonstrate the capability of L. fermentum U-21 to produce bioactive substances that could be harnessed in the development of pharmacobiotics for neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to their immunomodulatory, anti-neuroinflammatory, and neuromodulatory activities. Data of the HPLC-MS/MS analysis are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD050857.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya V. Odorskaya
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dilara A. Mavletova
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Nesterov
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Diana A. Reznikova
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olesya O. Galanova
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Aleksey A. Vatlin
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai M. Slynko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Asya R. Vasilieva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey E. Peltek
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valery N. Danilenko
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
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3
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Shi H, Zhao Y. Modulation of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease by Dietary Bioactive Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:831. [PMID: 38255905 PMCID: PMC10815728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020831] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein essential for microtubule assembly and stability in neurons. The abnormal intracellular accumulation of tau aggregates is a major characteristic of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. In AD, the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which is composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, is positively correlated with the severity of the cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that the accumulation and aggregation of tau cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. Thus, the prevention of abnormal tau phosphorylation and elimination of tau aggregates have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for AD. However, currently tau-targeting therapies for AD and other tauopathies are limited. A number of dietary bioactive compounds have been found to modulate the posttranslational modifications of tau, including phosphorylation, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) mediated modification (SUMOylation) and acetylation, as well as inhibit tau aggregation and/or promote tau degradation. The advantages of using these dietary components over synthetic substances in AD prevention and intervention are their safety and accessibility. This review summarizes the mechanisms leading to tau pathology in AD and highlights the effects of bioactive compounds on the hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and clearance of tau protein. The potential of using these bioactive compounds for AD prevention and intervention is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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Yin HH, Han YL, Yan X, Guan YX. Hematoxylin modulates tau-RD protein fibrillization and ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in a yeast model. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 250:126140. [PMID: 37543268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126140] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most serious neurodegenerative diseases with no effective treatment options available. The formation of insoluble amyloid fibrils of the hyperphosphorylated tau protein is intimately associated with AD, hence the tau protein has been a key target for AD drug development. In this work, hematoxylin was discovered as a dual functional compound, that is, acting in the inhibition of repeat domain of tau (tau-RD) protein fibrillogenesis and remodeling of pre-formed tau-RD fibrils in vitro. Meanwhile, hematoxylin was able to reduce the accumulation of tau-RD aggregates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Experimental and computational studies indicated that hematoxylin directly interacts with tau-RD protein through hydrophobic forces, hydrogen bonds, π-cation interactions, and π-π stackings. In addition, cellular viability assays showed that hematoxylin greatly reduced cytotoxicity induced by tau-RD aggregates. In summary, hematoxylin might be a promising candidate for further development as a potential therapeutic drug for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Yin
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yin-Lei Han
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao Yan
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Yi-Xin Guan
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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5
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Arsiccio A, Liu X, Ganguly P, Buratto SK, Bowers MT, Shea JE. Effect of Cosolutes on the Aggregation of a Tau Fragment: A Combined Experimental and Simulation Approach. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:4022-4031. [PMID: 37129599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsically disordered protein Tau represents the main component of neurofibrillary tangles that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. A small fragment of Tau, known as paired helical filament 6 (PHF6), is considered to be important for the formation of the β-structure core of the fibrils. Here we study the aggregation of this fragment in the presence of different cosolutes, including urea, TMAO, sucrose and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-HPβCD), using both experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. A novel implicit solvation approach (MIST - Model with Implicit Solvation Thermodynamics) is used, where an energetic contribution based on the concept of transfer free energies describes the effect of the cosolutes. The simulation predictions are compared to thioflavin-T and atomic force microscopy results, and the good agreement observed confirms the predictive ability of the computational approach herein proposed. Both simulations and experiments indicate that PHF6 aggregation is inhibited in the presence of urea and 2-HPβCD, while TMAO and sucrose stabilize associated conformations. The remarkable ability of HPβCD to inhibit aggregation represents an extremely promising result for future applications, especially considering the widespread use of this molecule as a drug carrier to the brain and as a solubilizer/excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Arsiccio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Xikun Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Pritam Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Steven K Buratto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Michael T Bowers
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Joan-Emma Shea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
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Qiao L, Shen Y, Li G, Lv G, Li C. Hypochlorous Acid-Activated UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK Multifunctional Nanosystem for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:jfb14040207. [PMID: 37103297 PMCID: PMC10143957 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14040207] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of nanosystems, which can photooxygenate amyloid-β (Aβ), detect the Tau protein, and inhibit effectively the Tau aggregation, is increasingly important in the diagnosis and therapy of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK (UCNPs: upconversion nanoparticles, LMB: Leucomethylene blue, and VQIVYK: Biocompatible peptide) is designed as a HOCl-controlled released nanosystem for AD synergistic treatment. Under exposure to high levels of HOCl, the released MB from UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK will produce singlet oxygen (1O2) under red light to depolymerize Aβ aggregation and reduce cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK can act as an inhibitor to decrease Tau-induced neurotoxicity. Besides, UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK can be used for upconversion luminescence (UCL) due to its unexceptionable luminescence properties. This HOCl-responsive nanosystem offers a new therapy for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Qiao
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinarity Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Guangzhi Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Guanglei Lv
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinarity Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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Khan AN, Khan RH. Protein misfolding and related human diseases: A comprehensive review of toxicity, proteins involved, and current therapeutic strategies. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 223:143-160. [PMID: 36356861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Most of the cell's chemical reactions and structural components are facilitated by proteins. But proteins are highly dynamic molecules, where numerous modifications or changes in the cellular environment can affect their native conformational fold leading to protein aggregation. Various stress conditions, such as oxidative stress, mutations and metal toxicity may cause protein misfolding and aggregation by shifting the conformational equilibrium towards more aggregation-prone states. Most of the protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) involve aggregation of protein. We have discussed such proteins like Aβ peptide, α-synuclein, amylin and lysozyme involved in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type II diabetes and non-neuropathic systemic amyloidosis respectively. Till date, all advances in PMDs therapeutics help symptomatically but do not prevent the root cause of the disease, i.e., the aggregation of protein involved in the diseases. Current efforts focused on developing therapies for PMDs have employed diverse strategies; repositioning pre-existing drugs as it saves time and money; natural compounds that are touted as potential drug candidates have an advantage of being taken in diet normally and will induce lesser side effects. This review also covers recently developed therapeutic strategies like antisense drugs and disaggregases which has yielded therapeutic agents that have transitioned from preclinical studies into human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asra Nasir Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, AMU, Aligarh 202002, India
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Almeida ZL, Brito RMM. Amyloid Disassembly: What Can We Learn from Chaperones? Biomedicines 2022; 10:3276. [PMID: 36552032 PMCID: PMC9776232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation and subsequent accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils with cross-β structure is an intrinsic characteristic of amyloid diseases, i.e., amyloidoses. Amyloid formation involves a series of on-pathway and off-pathway protein aggregation events, leading to mature insoluble fibrils that eventually accumulate in multiple tissues. In this cascade of events, soluble oligomeric species are formed, which are among the most cytotoxic molecular entities along the amyloid cascade. The direct or indirect action of these amyloid soluble oligomers and amyloid protofibrils and fibrils in several tissues and organs lead to cell death in some cases and organ disfunction in general. There are dozens of different proteins and peptides causing multiple amyloid pathologies, chief among them Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid fibril disassembly is among the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies being pursued to overcome amyloid pathologies. The clearance of preformed amyloids and consequently the arresting of the progression of organ deterioration may increase patient survival and quality of life. In this review, we compiled from the literature many examples of chemical and biochemical agents able to disaggregate preformed amyloids, which have been classified as molecular chaperones, chemical chaperones, and pharmacological chaperones. We focused on their mode of action, chemical structure, interactions with the fibrillar structures, morphology and toxicity of the disaggregation products, and the potential use of disaggregation agents as a treatment option in amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui M. M. Brito
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre—Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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Yin HH, Han YL, Yan X, Guan YX. Proanthocyanidins prevent tau protein aggregation and disintegrate tau filaments. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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Zhu L, Zhang MQ, Jing HR, Zhang XP, Xu LL, Ma RJ, Huang F, Shi LQ. Bioinspired Self-assembly Nanochaperone Inhibits Tau-Derived PHF6 Peptide Aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-022-2799-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Pal S, Roy R, Paul S. Deciphering the Role of ATP on PHF6 Aggregation. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4761-4775. [PMID: 35759245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c01768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aggregation of Tau protein, which are involved in Alzheimer's disease, are associated with the self-assembly of the hexapeptide sequence, paired helical filament 6 (PHF6) from repeat 3 of Tau. In order to treat Alzheimer's disease and other such tauopathies, one of the therapeutic strategies is to inhibit aggregation of Tau and its nucleating segments. Therefore, we have studied the effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on the aggregation of PHF6. ATP has, interestingly, demonstrated its ability to inhibit and dissolve protein aggregates. Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that the hydrophobic core of PHF6 segment displays extended β-sheet conformation, which stabilizes PHF6 aggregates. However, the distribution of ATP around the vicinity of the peptides enables PHF6 to remain discrete and attain random coil conformers. The interpeptide interactions are substituted by PHF6-ATP interactions through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions (including π-π stacking). Furthermore, the adenosine moiety of ATP contributes more than the triphosphate chain toward PHF6-ATP interaction. Ultimately, this work establishes the inhibitory activity of ATP against Tau aggregation; hence, the therapeutic effect of ATP should be explored further in regard to the effective treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Rituparna Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
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Sharma M, Tiwari V, Chaturvedi S, Wahajuddin M, Shukla S, Panda JJ. Self-Fluorescent Lone Tryptophan Nanoparticles as Theranostic Agents Against Alzheimer's Disease. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13079-13093. [PMID: 35263093 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ42) peptide in the neural extracellular space leads to cellular dysfunction, resulting in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The hydrophobic core of the amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide contains aromatic residues that play an important role in the self-assembly and subsequent aggregation of the peptide. Hence, targeting these hydrophobic core residues by potent low molecular agents can be a promising therapeutic approach toward AD. In the current work, we have developed self-fluorescent solo tryptophan nanoparticles (TNPs) as nanotheranostic systems against AD. We demonstrated that TNPs could significantly inhibit as well as disrupt the fibrils formed by both Aβ42 peptide and another reductionist approach-based amyloid model dipeptide, phenylalanine-phenylalanine (FF). More importantly, these nanostructures were nontoxic to neural cells and could protect the neurons from Aβ42 peptide and FF aggregate-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, efficacy studies performed in animal model further revealed that the TNPs could rescue spatial and learning memory in intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-administration-induced AD phenotype in rats. Moreover, our pharmacokinetics study further established the BBB permeability and brain delivery potency of TNPs. The inherent excellent fluorescent properties of these nanoparticles could be exploited further to use them as imaging modalities for tagging and detecting FF and Aβ42 peptide fibrils. Overall, our results clearly illustrated that the solo TNPs could serve as promising nanotheranostic agents for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Virendra Tiwari
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Swati Chaturvedi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Muhammad Wahajuddin
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Shubha Shukla
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
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13
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Low KJY, Venkatraman A, Mehta JS, Pervushin K. Molecular mechanisms of amyloid disaggregation. J Adv Res 2022; 36:113-132. [PMID: 35127169 PMCID: PMC8799873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance of disaggregation mechanism and innate disaggregation in living systems. Different types and mechanism of disaggregation reported in literature. Structural details of the interactions and the disaggregation mechanisms. Amyloid disaggregation in protein aggregation disorders as a potential treatment. Proposed amyloid disaggregation mechanism of an ATP-independent chaperone (L-PGDS).
Introduction Protein aggregation and deposition of uniformly arranged amyloid fibrils in the form of plaques or amorphous aggregates is characteristic of amyloid diseases. The accumulation and deposition of proteins result in toxicity and cause deleterious effects on affected individuals known as amyloidosis. There are about fifty different proteins and peptides involved in amyloidosis including neurodegenerative diseases and diseases affecting vital organs. Despite the strenuous effort to find a suitable treatment option for these amyloid disorders, very few compounds had made it to unsuccessful clinical trials. It has become a compelling challenge to understand and manage amyloidosis with the increased life expectancy and ageing population. Objective While most of the currently available literature and knowledge base focus on the amyloid inhibitory mechanism as a treatment option, it is equally important to organize and understand amyloid disaggregation strategies. Disaggregation strategies are important and crucial as they are present innately functional in many living systems and dissolution of preformed amyloids may provide a direct benefit in many pathological conditions. In this review, we have compiled the known amyloid disaggregation mechanism, interactions, and possibilities of using disaggregases as a treatment option for amyloidosis. Methods We have provided the structural details using protein-ligand docking models to visualize the interaction between these disaggregases with amyloid fibrils and their respective proposed amyloid disaggregation mechanisms. Results After reviewing and comparing the different amyloid disaggregase systems and their proposed mechanisms, we presented two different hypotheses for ATP independent disaggregases using L-PGDS as a model. Conclusion Finally, we have highlighted the importance of understanding the underlying disaggregation mechanisms used by these chaperones and organic compounds before the implementation of these disaggregases as a potential treatment option for amyloidosis.
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Yang Y, Tapias V, Acosta D, Xu H, Chen H, Bhawal R, Anderson ET, Ivanova E, Lin H, Sagdullaev BT, Chen J, Klein WL, Viola KL, Gandy S, Haroutunian V, Beal MF, Eliezer D, Zhang S, Gibson GE. Altered succinylation of mitochondrial proteins, APP and tau in Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2022; 13:159. [PMID: 35013160 PMCID: PMC8748865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27572-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in brain glucose metabolism and accumulation of abnormal protein deposits called plaques and tangles are neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their relationship to disease pathogenesis and to each other remains unclear. Here we show that succinylation, a metabolism-associated post-translational protein modification (PTM), provides a potential link between abnormal metabolism and AD pathology. We quantified the lysine succinylomes and proteomes from brains of individuals with AD, and healthy controls. In AD, succinylation of multiple mitochondrial proteins declined, and succinylation of small number of cytosolic proteins increased. The largest increases occurred at critical sites of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and microtubule-associated tau. We show that in vitro, succinylation of APP disrupted its normal proteolytic processing thereby promoting Aβ accumulation and plaque formation and that succinylation of tau promoted its aggregation to tangles and impaired microtubule assembly. In transgenic mouse models of AD, elevated succinylation associated with soluble and insoluble APP derivatives and tau. These findings indicate that a metabolism-linked PTM may be associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Integrated Medicine Research Center for Neurological Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, 314001, Jiaxing, China
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Victor Tapias
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Diana Acosta
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hui Xu
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Huanlian Chen
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Ruchika Bhawal
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Anderson
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Imaging Core, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Hening Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Botir T Sagdullaev
- Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Laboratory for Visual Plasticity and Repair, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Jianer Chen
- Integrated Medicine Research Center for Neurological Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, 314001, Jiaxing, China
| | - William L Klein
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Kirsten L Viola
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Sam Gandy
- Department of Neurology and Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health and NFL Neurological Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Research and Development Service and Division of Neurology, James J Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
- James J Peters Veterans Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
- Department of Psychiatry Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- JJ Peters VA Medical Center MIRECC, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
- Mount Sinai NIH Neurobiobank, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - M Flint Beal
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - David Eliezer
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gary E Gibson
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA.
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15
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Tsuchida T, Susa K, Kibiki T, Tsuchiya T, Miyamoto K, In Y, Minoura K, Taniguchi T, Ishida T, Tomoo K. Structural study of the recognition mechanism of tau antibody Tau2r3 with the key sequence (VQIINK) in tau aggregation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 585:36-41. [PMID: 34784549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
One of the histopathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is higher order neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormally aggregated tau protein. The sequence 275VQIINK280 in the microtubule-binding domain of tau plays a key role in tau aggregation. Therefore, an aggregation inhibitor targeting the VQIINK region in tau may be an effective therapeutic agent for AD. We have previously shown that the Fab domain (Fab2r3) of a tau antibody that recognizes the VQIINK sequence can inhibit tau aggregation, and we have determined the tertiary structure of the Fab2r3-VQIINK complex. In this report, we determined the tertiary structure of apo Fab2r3 and analyzed differences in the structures of apo Fab2r3 and Fab2r3-VQIINK to examine the ligand recognition mechanism of Fab2r3. In comparison with the Fab2r3-VQIINK structure, there were large differences in the arrangement of the constant and variable domains in apo Fab2r3. Remarkable structural changes were especially observed in the H3 and L3 loop regions of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) in apo Fab2r3 and the Fab2r3-VQIINK complex. These structural differences in CDRs suggest that formation of hydrophobic pockets suitable for the antigen is important for antigen recognition by tau antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tsuchida
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Kouki Susa
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kibiki
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Katsushiro Miyamoto
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Yasuko In
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Minoura
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Taizo Taniguchi
- Pharma Crea Kobe Co. Ltd., Showajutaku・Fukumoto Bldg. 8F, 4-2-18, Hachimandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-0085, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Ishida
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan
| | - Koji Tomoo
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1, Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-1094, Japan.
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16
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Curcumin-Piperlongumine Hybrids with a Multitarget Profile Elicit Neuroprotection in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010028. [PMID: 35052532 PMCID: PMC8773050 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin shows a broad spectrum of activities of relevance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, it is poorly absorbed and is also chemically and metabolically unstable, leading to a very low oral bioavailability. A small library of hybrid compounds designed as curcumin analogues and incorporating the key structural fragment of piperlongumine, a natural neuroinflammation inhibitor, were synthesized by a two-step route that combines a three-component reaction between primary amines, β-ketoesters and α-haloesters and a base-promoted acylation with cinnamoyl chlorides. These compounds were predicted to have good oral absorption and CNS permeation, had good scavenging properties in the in vitro DPPH experiment and in a cellular assay based on the oxidation of dichlorofluorescin to a fluorescent species. The compounds showed low toxicity in two cellular models, were potent inductors of the Nrf2-ARE phase II antioxidant response, inhibited PHF6 peptide aggregation, closely related to Tau protein aggregation and were active against the LPS-induced inflammatory response. They also afforded neuroprotection against an oxidative insult induced by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with the rotenone-oligomycin A combination and against Tau hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. This multitarget pharmacological profile is highly promising in the development of treatments for AD and provides a good hit structure for future optimization efforts.
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17
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Li Y, Peng X. Comparison of the force fields on monomeric and fibrillar PHF6 of tau protein. Biophys Chem 2021; 277:106631. [PMID: 34116358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The hexapeptide 306VQIVYK311 (PHF6) plays an important role in the aggregation of Tau protein, which is a hallmark of the Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this article, we systematically compare the effects of eight popular all-atom force fields on the monomeric and fibrillar PHF6 in the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which could be helpful in the computer-aided drug design against PHF6. We show that the fibrillar PHF6 prefers β-strand-like structures in all the force fields while the monomer has different structural preferences depending on the force fields. The interactions for stabilizing the fibril are further investigated. In the end, according to the interactions revealed by NMR and the stability of the fibril in the literature, we benchmark the force fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Li
- Center for Quantum Technology Research, Key Laboratory of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurements (MOE), School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xubiao Peng
- Center for Quantum Technology Research, Key Laboratory of Advanced Optoelectronic Quantum Architecture and Measurements (MOE), School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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18
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Aggregated Tau-PHF6 (VQIVYK) Potentiates NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression and Autophagy in Human Microglial Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071652. [PMID: 34209408 PMCID: PMC8304967 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-neuronal misfolding of monomeric tau protein to toxic β-sheet rich neurofibrillary tangles is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau pathology correlates not only with progressive dementia but also with microglia-mediated inflammation in AD. Amyloid-beta (Aβ), another pathogenic peptide involved in AD, has been shown to activate NLRP3 inflammasome (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), triggering the secretion of proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL1β) and interleukin-18 (IL18). However, the effect of tau protein on microglia concerning inflammasome activation, microglial polarization, and autophagy is poorly understood. In this study, human microglial cells (HMC3) were stimulated with the unaggregated and aggregated forms of the tau-derived PHF6 peptide (VQIVYK). Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome was examined by qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot. We demonstrate that fibrillar aggregates of VQIVYK upregulated the NLRP3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, leading to increased expression of IL1β and IL18 in HMC3 cells. Aggregated PHF6-peptide also activated other related inflammation and microglial polarization markers. Furthermore, we also report a time-dependent effect of the aggregated PHF6 on BECN1 (Beclin-1) expression and autophagy. Overall, the PHF6 model system-based study may help to better understand the complex interconnections between Alzheimer’s PHF6 peptide aggregation and microglial inflammation, polarization, and autophagy.
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19
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Naveh Tassa S, Ben Zichri S, Lacham-Hartman S, Oren O, Slobodnik Z, Eremenko E, Toiber D, Jelinek R, Papo N. A Mechanism for the Inhibition of Tau Neurotoxicity: Studies with Artificial Membranes, Isolated Mitochondria, and Intact Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1563-1577. [PMID: 33904703 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is currently believed that molecular agents that specifically bind to and neutralize the toxic proteins/peptides, amyloid β (Aβ42), tau, and the tau-derived peptide PHF6, hold the key to attenuating the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We thus tested our previously developed nonaggregating Aβ42 double mutant (Aβ42DM) as a multispecific binder for three AD-associated molecules, wild-type Aβ42, the tauK174Q mutant, and a synthetic PHF6 peptide. Aβ42DM acted as a functional inhibitor of these molecules in in vitro assays and in neuronal cell-based models of AD. The double mutant bound both cytotoxic tauK174Q and synthetic PHF6 and protected neuronal cells from the accumulation of tau in cell lysates and mitochondria. Aβ42DM also reduced toxic intracellular levels of calcium and the overall cell toxicity induced by overexpressed tau, synthetic PHF6, Aβ42, or a combination of PHF6and Aβ42. Aβ42DM inhibited PHF6-induced overall mitochondrial dysfunction: In particular, Aβ42DM inhibited PHF6-induced damage to submitochondrial particles (SMPs) and suppressed PHF6-induced elevation of the ζ-potential of inverted SMPs (proxy for the inner mitochondrial membrane, IMM). PHF6 reduced the lipid fluidity of cardiolipin/DOPC vesicles (that mimic the IMM) but not DOPC (which mimics the outer mitochondrial membrane), and this effect was inhibited by Aβ42DM. This inhibition may be explained by the conformational changes in PHF6 induced by Aβ42DM in solution and in membrane mimetics. On this basis, the paper presents a mechanistic explanation for the inhibitory activity of Aβ42DM against Aβ42- and tau-induced membrane permeability and cell toxicity and provides confirmatory evidence for its protective function in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segev Naveh Tassa
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shani Ben Zichri
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shiran Lacham-Hartman
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ofek Oren
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Zeev Slobodnik
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Ekaterina Eremenko
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Debra Toiber
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Niv Papo
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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20
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Paul A, Viswanathan GK, Huber A, Arad E, Engel H, Jelinek R, Gazit E, Segal D. Inhibition of tau amyloid formation and disruption of its preformed fibrils by Naphthoquinone-Dopamine hybrid. FEBS J 2021; 288:4267-4290. [PMID: 33523571 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of tau protein, into pathological amyloids, are hallmarks of a group of neurodegenerative diseases collectively termed tauopathies and their modulation may be therapeutically valuable. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a dopamine-based hybrid molecule, naphthoquinone-dopamine (NQDA). Using thioflavin S assay, CD, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Congo Red birefringence, and large unilamellar vesicle leakage assays, we demonstrated its efficacy in inhibiting the in vitro aggregation of key tau-derived amyloidogenic fragments, PHF6 (VQIVYK) and PHF6* (VQIINK), prime drivers of aggregation of full-length tau in disease pathology. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis revealed that the interaction between NQDA and PHF6 is spontaneous and has significant binding efficiency driven by both entropic and enthalpic processes. Furthermore, NQDA efficiently disassembled preformed fibrils of PHF6 and PHF6* into nontoxic species. Molecular dynamic simulations supported the in vitro results and provided a plausible mode of binding of NQDA with PHF6 fibril. NQDA was also capable of inhibiting the aggregation of full-length tau protein and disrupting its preformed fibrils in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In a comparative study, the IC50 value (50% inhibition of fibril formation) of NQDA in inhibiting the aggregation of PHF6 (25 µm) was ~ 17 µm, which is lower than for other bona fide amyloid inhibitors, naphthoquinone-tryptophan, rosmarinic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, ~ 21, ~ 77, or ~ 19 µm, respectively. Comparable superiority of NQDA was observed for inhibition of PHF6*. These findings suggest that NQDA can be a useful scaffold for designing new therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Guru KrishnaKumar Viswanathan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Adi Huber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Elad Arad
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology & Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hamutal Engel
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology & Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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21
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Campora M, Francesconi V, Schenone S, Tasso B, Tonelli M. Journey on Naphthoquinone and Anthraquinone Derivatives: New Insights in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:33. [PMID: 33466332 PMCID: PMC7824805 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and functional decline leading to dementia and death. AD imposes neuronal death by the intricate interplay of different neurochemical factors, which continue to inspire the medicinal chemist as molecular targets for the development of new agents for the treatment of AD with diverse mechanisms of action, but also depict a more complex AD scenario. Within the wide variety of reported molecules, this review summarizes and offers a global overview of recent advancements on naphthoquinone (NQ) and anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives whose more relevant chemical features and structure-activity relationship studies will be discussed with a view to providing the perspective for the design of viable drugs for the treatment of AD. In particular, cholinesterases (ChEs), β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau proteins have been identified as key targets of these classes of compounds, where the NQ or AQ scaffold may contribute to the biological effect against AD as main unit or significant substructure. The multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) strategy will be described, as a chance for these molecules to exhibit significant potential on the road to therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michele Tonelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.); (B.T.)
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22
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Recent studies of atomic-resolution structures of tau protein and structure-based inhibitors. QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.15302/j-qb-021-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhong M, Zhao P, Guo C, Li Y, Wang T, Gao H. Selection of a d-Enantiomeric Peptide Specifically Binding to PHF6 for Inhibiting Tau Aggregation in Transgenic Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4240-4253. [PMID: 33284003 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies refer to a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of insoluble hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in the brain. The inhibition and interruption of Tau aggregation are considered important strategies to ameliorate the neurodegenerative process. Previous work has shown that hexapeptide 306VQIVYK311 (PHF6) located in the repeat domain 3 of Tau protein drives Tau aggregation and itself forms a β-sheet structure similar to those of Tau-oligomers and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). In this study, a mirror image phage display technology was used to screen protease-resistant and low-immunogenic d-enantiomeric peptides for their capacity to inhibit Tau aggregation. Following the preparation of d-enantiomeric PHF6 fibrils and M13 phage peptide library biopanning, 7 sets of high specificity peptides were obtained. Through ELISA and competition inhibition assays, we chose a highly specific peptide p-NH with the sequence N-I-T-M-N-S-R-R-R-R-N-H. The molecular docking results showed that p-NH interacted with PHF6 fibrils mainly through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding and could inhibit PHF6 aggregation in a d-configuration and concentration-dependent manner. In vitro, p-NH prohibited the formation of PHF6 fibrils and was able to enter into mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells (N2a cells) to inhibit Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. Intranasal administration of p-NH reduced NFTs and improved the cognitive ability of TauP301S transgenic mice. These findings represent a straightforward methodology to find therapeutic peptides with potential applications in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancheng Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Manli Zhong
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Pu Zhao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - You Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Huiling Gao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
- Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry, Northeastern University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110819, China
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24
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Dominguez-Meijide A, Vasili E, Outeiro TF. Pharmacological Modulators of Tau Aggregation and Spreading. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E858. [PMID: 33203009 PMCID: PMC7696562 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the deposition of aggregates composed of abnormal tau protein in the brain. Additionally, misfolded forms of tau can propagate from cell to cell and throughout the brain. This process is thought to lead to the templated misfolding of the native forms of tau, and thereby, to the formation of newer toxic aggregates, thereby propagating the disease. Therefore, modulation of the processes that lead to tau aggregation and spreading is of utmost importance in the fight against tauopathies. In recent years, several molecules have been developed for the modulation of tau aggregation and spreading. In this review, we discuss the processes of tau aggregation and spreading and highlight selected chemicals developed for the modulation of these processes, their usefulness, and putative mechanisms of action. Ultimately, a stronger understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved, and the properties of the substances developed to modulate them, will lead to the development of safer and better strategies for the treatment of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Dominguez-Meijide
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany; (A.D.-M.); (E.V.)
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Dept. of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Eftychia Vasili
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany; (A.D.-M.); (E.V.)
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37073 Goettingen, Germany; (A.D.-M.); (E.V.)
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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25
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Paul A, Huber A, Rand D, Gosselet F, Cooper I, Gazit E, Segal D. Naphthoquinone–Dopamine Hybrids Inhibit α‐Synuclein Aggregation, Disrupt Preformed Fibrils, and Attenuate Aggregate‐Induced Toxicity. Chemistry 2020; 26:16486-16496. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202003374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Adi Huber
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Daniel Rand
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer Ramat Gan 52621 Israel
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- UR 2465 Blood-brain barrier Laboratory (LBHE) Artois University 62300 Lens France
| | - Itzik Cooper
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer Ramat Gan 52621 Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neuroscience Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv Tel Aviv 6997801 Israel
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26
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Paul A, Frenkel-Pinter M, Escobar Alvarez D, Milordini G, Gazit E, Zacco E, Segal D. Tryptophan-galactosylamine conjugates inhibit and disaggregate amyloid fibrils of Aβ42 and hIAPP peptides while reducing their toxicity. Commun Biol 2020; 3:484. [PMID: 32879439 PMCID: PMC7468108 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembly of proteins into amyloid fibrils is a hallmark of various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type-2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Aggregation of specific peptides, like Aβ42 in AD and hIAPP in T2DM, causes cellular dysfunction resulting in the respective pathology. While these amyloidogenic proteins lack sequence homology, they all contain aromatic amino acids in their hydrophobic core that play a major role in their self-assembly. Targeting these aromatic residues by small molecules may be an attractive approach for inhibiting amyloid aggregation. Here, various biochemical and biophysical techniques revealed that a panel of tryptophan-galactosylamine conjugates significantly inhibit fibril formation of Aβ42 and hIAPP, and disassemble their pre-formed fibrils in a dose-dependent manner. They are also not toxic to mammalian cells and can reduce the cytotoxicity induced by Aβ42 and hIAPP aggregates. These tryptophan-galactosylamine conjugates can therefore serve as a scaffold for the development of therapeutics towards AD and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Moran Frenkel-Pinter
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Daniela Escobar Alvarez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Giulia Milordini
- The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, Brixton, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Elsa Zacco
- The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, Brixton, London, SE5 9RT, UK.
- RNA Central Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16152, Genova, Italy.
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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Viswanathan GK, Shwartz D, Losev Y, Arad E, Shemesh C, Pichinuk E, Engel H, Raveh A, Jelinek R, Cooper I, Gosselet F, Gazit E, Segal D. Purpurin modulates Tau-derived VQIVYK fibrillization and ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in animal model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2795-2813. [PMID: 31562564 PMCID: PMC11104911 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles of the Tau protein and plaques of the amyloid β peptide are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by the conversion of monomeric proteins/peptides into misfolded β-sheet rich fibrils. Halting the fibrillation process and disrupting the existing aggregates are key challenges for AD drug development. Previously, we performed in vitro high-throughput screening for the identification of potent inhibitors of Tau aggregation using a proxy model, a highly aggregation-prone hexapeptide fragment 306VQIVYK311 (termed PHF6) derived from Tau. Here we have characterized a hit molecule from that screen as a modulator of Tau aggregation using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo techniques. This molecule, an anthraquinone derivative named Purpurin, inhibited ~ 50% of PHF6 fibrillization in vitro at equimolar concentration and disassembled pre-formed PHF6 fibrils. In silico studies showed that Purpurin interacted with key residues of PHF6, which are responsible for maintaining its β-sheets conformation. Isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance experiments with PHF6 and full-length Tau (FL-Tau), respectively, indicated that Purpurin interacted with PHF6 predominantly via hydrophobic contacts and displayed a dose-dependent complexation with FL-Tau. Purpurin was non-toxic when fed to Drosophila and it significantly ameliorated the AD-related neurotoxic symptoms of transgenic flies expressing WT-FL human Tau (hTau) plausibly by inhibiting Tau accumulation and reducing Tau phosphorylation. Purpurin also reduced hTau accumulation in cell culture overexpressing hTau. Importantly, Purpurin efficiently crossed an in vitro human blood-brain barrier model. Our findings suggest that Purpurin could be a potential lead molecule for AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guru Krishnakumar Viswanathan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Shwartz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yelena Losev
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elad Arad
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Chen Shemesh
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Edward Pichinuk
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hamutal Engel
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Raveh
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Itzik Cooper
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Blood-Brain Barrier Laboratory (LBHE), Université d'Artois, Lens, France
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The Interdisciplinary Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Tsuchida T, Susa K, Kibiki T, Tsuchiya T, Miyamoto K, In Y, Minoura K, Taniguchi T, Ishida T, Tomoo K. Crystal structure of the human tau PHF core domain VQIINK complexed with the Fab domain of monoclonal antibody Tau2r3. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2140-2149. [PMID: 32282060 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormally aggregated tau protein are a histopathological feature of tauopathies. A tau aggregation inhibitor is a potential therapeutic agent for tauopathies. In this study, we prepared a monoclonal antibody for tau, monoclonal antibody to tau protein (Tau2r3), using as epitope the 272 GGKVQIINKKLD283 peptide in the microtubule-binding domain of tau, the key region mediating tau aggregation. We show that Tau2r3 clearly inhibits tau aggregation. To analyze the inhibition mechanism of Tau2r3, we solved the crystal structure of the Fab domain of Tau2r3 (Fab2r3) in complex with the VQIINK peptide. In the Fab2r3-VQIINK structure, the second and sixth polar residues and the fourth hydrophobic residue of VQIINK are crucial for binding to Fab2r3. The structural data for the Fab2r3-VQIINK complex could contribute to the design of new tau aggregation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tsuchida
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Kouki Susa
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kibiki
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Infection Control, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Katsushiro Miyamoto
- Department of Infection Control, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Yasuko In
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Minoura
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | | | - Toshimasa Ishida
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Koji Tomoo
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
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Horváth D, Menyhárd DK, Perczel A. Protein Aggregation in a Nutshell: The Splendid Molecular Architecture of the Dreaded Amyloid Fibrils. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 20:1077-1088. [PMID: 31553291 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190925102832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The recent high-resolution structures of amyloid fibrils show that the organization of peptide segments into amyloid aggregate architecture is a general process, though the morphology is more complex and intricate than suspected previously. The amyloid fibrils are often cytotoxic, accumulating as intracellular inclusions or extracellular plaques and have the ability to interfere with cellular physiology causing various cellular malfunctions. At the same time, the highly ordered amyloid structures also present an opportunity for nature to store and protect peptide chains under extreme conditions - something that might be used for designing storage, formulation, and delivery of protein medications or for contriving bio-similar materials of great resistance or structure-ordering capacity. Here we summarize amyloid characteristics; discussing the basic morphologies, sequential requirements and 3D-structure that are required for the understanding of this newly (re)discovered protein structure - a prerequisite for developing either inhibitors or promoters of amyloid-forming processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Horváth
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry & Biology and MTA-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group at the Institute of Chemistry, Eotvos Lorand University, H-1518, 112, PO Box 32, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra K Menyhárd
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry & Biology and MTA-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group at the Institute of Chemistry, Eotvos Lorand University, H-1518, 112, PO Box 32, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry & Biology and MTA-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group at the Institute of Chemistry, Eotvos Lorand University, H-1518, 112, PO Box 32, Budapest, Hungary
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Dangi A, Balmik AA, Ghorpade AK, Gorantla NV, Sonawane SK, Chinnathambi S, Marelli UK. Residue-based propensity of aggregation in the Tau amyloidogenic hexapeptides AcPHF6* and AcPHF6. RSC Adv 2020; 10:27331-27335. [PMID: 35516938 PMCID: PMC9055513 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03809a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies, the aggregation of microtubule-associated protein, Tau, into fibrils occurs via the interaction of two hexapeptide motifs PHF* 275VQIINK280 and PHF 306VQIVYK311 as β-sheets. To understand the role of the constituent amino acids of PHF and PHF* in the aggregation, a set of 12 alanine mutant peptides was synthesized by replacing each amino acid in PHF and PHF* with alanine and they were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ThS/ANS fluorescence assay. Our studies show that while the aggregation was suppressed in most of the alanine mutant peptides, replacement of glutamine by alanine in both PHF and PHF* enhanced the fibrillization. In the alanine mutant peptides of AcPHF6* and AcPHF6, only the peptides with glutamine to alanine substitution show aggregation akin to that of the parent peptides.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Dangi
- Central NMR Facility
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- 411008 Pune
- India
- Division of Organic Chemistry
| | - Abhishek Ankur Balmik
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)
- 110025 New Delhi
- India
- Neurobiology Group
- Division of Biochemical Sciences
| | - Archana Kisan Ghorpade
- Central NMR Facility
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- 411008 Pune
- India
- Division of Organic Chemistry
| | - Nalini Vijay Gorantla
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)
- 110025 New Delhi
- India
- Neurobiology Group
- Division of Biochemical Sciences
| | - Shweta Kishor Sonawane
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)
- 110025 New Delhi
- India
- Neurobiology Group
- Division of Biochemical Sciences
| | - Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)
- 110025 New Delhi
- India
- Neurobiology Group
- Division of Biochemical Sciences
| | - Udaya Kiran Marelli
- Central NMR Facility
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
- 411008 Pune
- India
- Division of Organic Chemistry
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De Simone A, Naldi M, Tedesco D, Bartolini M, Davani L, Andrisano V. Advanced analytical methodologies in Alzheimer’s disease drug discovery. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 178:112899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Viswanathan GK, Paul A, Gazit E, Segal D. Naphthoquinone Tryptophan Hybrids: A Promising Small Molecule Scaffold for Mitigating Aggregation of Amyloidogenic Proteins and Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:242. [PMID: 31750300 PMCID: PMC6843079 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A current challenge faced by researchers is the lack of disease-modifying therapeutics for amyloid formation that is associated with several human diseases. Although the monomeric proteins or peptides involved in various amyloidogenic diseases do not have amino acid sequence homology, there appears to be a structural correlation among the amyloid assemblies, which are responsible for distinct pathological conditions. Here, we review our work on Naphthoquinone Tryptophan (NQTrp) hybrids, a small molecule scaffold that can generically modulate neuronal and non-neuronal amyloid aggregation both in vitro and in vivo. NQTrp reduces the net amyloid load by inhibiting the process of amyloid formation and disassembling the pre-formed fibrils, both in a dose-dependent manner. As a plausible mechanism of action, NQTrp effectively forms hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, such as π-π stacking, with the vital residues responsible for the initial nucleation of protein/peptide aggregation. This review highlights the effectiveness of the NQTrp hybrid scaffold for developing novel small molecule modulators of amyloid aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guru KrishnaKumar Viswanathan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Interdisciplinary Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Paul A, Viswanathan GK, Mahapatra S, Balboni G, Pacifico S, Gazit E, Segal D. Antagonistic Activity of Naphthoquinone-Based Hybrids toward Amyloids Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Type-2 Diabetes. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3510-3520. [PMID: 31282646 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and amyloid formation are associated with various human diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Type-2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). No disease-modifying therapeutics are available for them. Despite the lack of sequence homology between the corresponding proteins, aromatic residues are recognized as common key motifs in the formation and stabilization of amyloid structures via π-π stacking. Thus, targeting aromatic recognition interfaces could be a useful approach for inhibiting amyloid formation as well as disrupting the preformed amyloid fibrils. Combining experimental and computational approaches, we demonstrated the anti-amyloidogenic effect of naphthoquinone-tryptophan-based hybrid molecules toward PHF6 (τ-derived aggregative peptide), Amyloid β (Aβ42), and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) implicated in AD and T2DM, respectively. These hybrid molecules significantly inhibited the aggregation and disrupted their preformed fibrillar aggregates in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner as evident from Thioflavin T/S binding assay, CD spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Dye leakage assay from LUVs and cell-based experiments indicated that the hybrid molecules inhibit membrane disruption and cytotoxicity induced by these amyloids. Furthermore, in silico studies provided probable mechanistic insights into the interaction of these molecules with the amyloidogenic proteins in their monomeric or aggregated forms, including the role of hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bond formation, and packing during inhibition of aggregation and fibril disassembly. Our findings may help in designing novel therapeutics toward AD, T2DM, and other proteinopathies based on the naphthoquinone derived hybrid molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gianfranco Balboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences - Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, I-09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Paul A, Li WH, Viswanathan GK, Arad E, Mohapatra S, Li G, Jelinek R, Gazit E, Li YM, Segal D. Tryptophan–glucosamine conjugates modulate tau-derived PHF6 aggregation at low concentrations. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:14621-14624. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc06868f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan–glucosamine conjugates efficiently inhibit tau-derived PHF6-peptide fibrillization and disrupt its preformed fibrils at very low concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
| | - Wen-Hao Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | | | - Elad Arad
- Department of Chemistry
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer Sheva 84105
- Israel
| | - Satabdee Mohapatra
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
| | - Gao Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Department of Chemistry
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer Sheva 84105
- Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders
| | - Daniel Segal
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neurosciences
- Tel Aviv University
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Inhibitory Effect of Naphthoquinone-Tryptophan Hybrid towards Aggregation of PAP f39 Semen Amyloid. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123279. [PMID: 30544943 PMCID: PMC6320874 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PAP248–286, a 39 amino acid peptide fragment, derived from the prostatic acid phosphatase secreted in human semen, forms amyloid fibrils and facilitates the attachment of retroviruses to host cells that results in the enhancement of viral infection. Therefore, the inhibition of amyloid formation by PAP248–286 (termed PAP f39) may likely reduce HIV transmission in AIDS. In this study, we show that the naphthoquinone tryptophan (NQTrp) hybrid molecule significantly inhibited PAP f39 aggregation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner as observed from the ThT assay, ANS assay, and transmission electron microscopy imaging. We found that even at a sub-molar concentration of 20:1 [PAP f39:NQTrp], NQTrp could reduce >50% amyloid formation. NQTrp inhibition of PAP f39 aggregation resulted in non-toxic intermediate species as determined by the vesicle leakage assay. Isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular docking revealed that the binding of NQTrp and PAP f39 is spontaneous, and NQTrp predominantly interacts with the polar and charged residues of the peptide by forming hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with a strong binding energy. Collectively, these findings indicate that NQTrp holds significant potential as a small molecule inhibitor of semen amyloids.
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Carbamylation promotes amyloidogenesis and induces structural changes in Tau-core hexapeptide fibrils. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2590-2604. [PMID: 30071272 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbamylation is a non-enzymatic post-translational modification (PTM), which involves the covalent modification of N-terminus of protein or ε-amino group of Lys. The role of carbamylation in several age-related disorders is well documented, however, the relationship between carbamylation and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease remains uncharted. METHODS In the present study, using aggregation-prone tau-core hexapeptide fragments 306VQIVYK311 (PHF6) and 275VQIINK280 (PHF6*) as models, we have elucidated the effect of carbamylation on aggregation kinetics and the changes occurring in the 3-dimensional architecture of fibrils using biophysical assays and molecular dynamics simulations. RESULTS We found that carbamylation aids in amyloid formation and can convert the unstructured off-pathway aggregates into robust amyloids, which were toxic to cells. Electron microscopy images and molecular dynamics simulations of PHF6 fibrils showed that carbamylated peptides can form excess hydrogen bonds and modulate the pitch length and twist of peptides fibrils. We have also compared N-terminal carbamylation to acetylation and further extended our finding to full length tau that exhibits aggregation upon carbamylation even in the absence of any external inducer. CONCLUSION Our in vitro and in silico results together suggest that carbamylation can modulate the aggregation pathway of the amyloidegenic sequences and cause structural changes in fibril assemblies. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Carbamylation acts as a switch, which triggers the aggregation in short amyloidogenic peptide fragments and modulate the structural changes in resulting amyloid fibrils.
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Haj E, Losev Y, Guru KrishnaKumar V, Pichinuk E, Engel H, Raveh A, Gazit E, Segal D. Integrating in vitro and in silico approaches to evaluate the "dual functionality" of palmatine chloride in inhibiting and disassembling Tau-derived VQIVYK peptide fibrils. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:1565-1575. [PMID: 29634991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by the deposits of intra-cellular tau protein and extra-cellular amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the human brain. Understanding the mechanism of protein aggregation and finding compounds that are capable of inhibiting its aggregation is considered to be highly important for disease therapy. METHODS We used an in vitro High-Throughput Screening for the identification of potent inhibitors of tau aggregation using a proxy model; a highly aggregation-prone hexapeptide fragment 306VQIVYK311 derived from tau. Using ThS fluorescence assay we screened a library of 2401 FDA approved, bio-active and natural compounds in attempt to find molecules which can efficiently modulate tau aggregation. RESULTS Among the screened compounds, palmatine chloride (PC) alkaloid was able to dramatically reduce the aggregation propensity of PHF6 at sub-molar concentrations. PC was also able to disassemble preformed aggregates of PHF6 and reduce the amyloid content in a dose-dependent manner. Insights obtained from MD simulation showed that PC interacted with the key residues of PHF6 responsible for β-sheet formation, which could likely be the mechanism of inhibition and disassembly. Furthermore, PC could effectively inhibit the aggregation of full-length tau and disassemble preformed aggregates. CONCLUSIONS We found that PC possesses "dual functionality" towards PHF6 and full-length tau, i.e. inhibit their aggregation and disassemble pre-formed fibrils. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The "dual functionality" of PC is valuable as a disease modifying strategy for AD, and other tauopathies, by inhibiting their progress and reducing the effect of fibrils already present in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Haj
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yelena Losev
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - V Guru KrishnaKumar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Edward Pichinuk
- BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Hamutal Engel
- BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Avi Raveh
- BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; The Interdisciplinary Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Belostozky A, Richman M, Lisniansky E, Tovchygrechko A, Chill JH, Rahimipour S. Inhibition of tau-derived hexapeptide aggregation and toxicity by a self-assembled cyclic d,l-α-peptide conformational inhibitor. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:5980-5983. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cc01233d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled cyclic d,l-α-peptide CP-2 cross-interacts with tau-derived AcPHF6 peptide to inhibit its aggregation, membrane perturbation and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Belostozky
- Department of Chemistry
- Bar-Ilan University
- Ramat-Gan 5290002
- Israel
| | - M. Richman
- Department of Chemistry
- Bar-Ilan University
- Ramat-Gan 5290002
- Israel
| | - E. Lisniansky
- Department of Chemistry
- Bar-Ilan University
- Ramat-Gan 5290002
- Israel
| | - A. Tovchygrechko
- Department of Chemistry
- Bar-Ilan University
- Ramat-Gan 5290002
- Israel
| | - J. H. Chill
- Department of Chemistry
- Bar-Ilan University
- Ramat-Gan 5290002
- Israel
| | - S. Rahimipour
- Department of Chemistry
- Bar-Ilan University
- Ramat-Gan 5290002
- Israel
| |
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