1
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Krainer G, Jacquat RPB, Schneider MM, Welsh TJ, Fan J, Peter QAE, Andrzejewska EA, Šneiderienė G, Czekalska MA, Ausserwoeger H, Chai L, Arter WE, Saar KL, Herling TW, Franzmann TM, Kosmoliaptsis V, Alberti S, Hartl FU, Lee SF, Knowles TPJ. Single-molecule digital sizing of proteins in solution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7740. [PMID: 39231922 PMCID: PMC11375031 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50825-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The physical characterization of proteins in terms of their sizes, interactions, and assembly states is key to understanding their biological function and dysfunction. However, this has remained a difficult task because proteins are often highly polydisperse and present as multicomponent mixtures. Here, we address this challenge by introducing single-molecule microfluidic diffusional sizing (smMDS). This approach measures the hydrodynamic radius of single proteins and protein assemblies in microchannels using single-molecule fluorescence detection. smMDS allows for ultrasensitive sizing of proteins down to femtomolar concentrations and enables affinity profiling of protein interactions at the single-molecule level. We show that smMDS is effective in resolving the assembly states of protein oligomers and in characterizing the size of protein species within complex mixtures, including fibrillar protein aggregates and nanoscale condensate clusters. Overall, smMDS is a highly sensitive method for the analysis of proteins in solution, with wide-ranging applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, and nanobiotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Krainer
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences (IMB), University of Graz, Humboldtstraße 50, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Raphael P B Jacquat
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Matthias M Schneider
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Timothy J Welsh
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Jieyuan Fan
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Quentin A E Peter
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ewa A Andrzejewska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Greta Šneiderienė
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Magdalena A Czekalska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Hannes Ausserwoeger
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Lin Chai
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - William E Arter
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Kadi L Saar
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Therese W Herling
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Titus M Franzmann
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vasilis Kosmoliaptsis
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Simon Alberti
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - F Ulrich Hartl
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Steven F Lee
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
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2
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Dada ST, Toprakcioglu Z, Cali MP, Röntgen A, Hardenberg MC, Morris OM, Mrugalla LK, Knowles TPJ, Vendruscolo M. Pharmacological inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation within liquid condensates. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3835. [PMID: 38714700 PMCID: PMC11076612 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47585-x] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregated forms of α-synuclein constitute the major component of Lewy bodies, the proteinaceous aggregates characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Emerging evidence suggests that α-synuclein aggregation may occur within liquid condensates formed through phase separation. This mechanism of aggregation creates new challenges and opportunities for drug discovery for Parkinson's disease, which is otherwise still incurable. Here we show that the condensation-driven aggregation pathway of α-synuclein can be inhibited using small molecules. We report that the aminosterol claramine stabilizes α-synuclein condensates and inhibits α-synuclein aggregation within the condensates both in vitro and in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Parkinson's disease. By using a chemical kinetics approach, we show that the mechanism of action of claramine is to inhibit primary nucleation within the condensates. These results illustrate a possible therapeutic route based on the inhibition of protein aggregation within condensates, a phenomenon likely to be relevant in other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel T Dada
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Mariana P Cali
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Alexander Röntgen
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Maarten C Hardenberg
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Owen M Morris
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Lena K Mrugalla
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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3
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Jebali A, Rashidi M, Keikha R, Daliri K, Outeiro TF. Novel multifunctional nanoliposomes inhibit α-synuclein fibrillization, attenuate microglial activation, and silence the expression of SNCA gene. Neurologia 2024; 39:321-328. [PMID: 38616059 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to compare the effect of five types of PEGlated nanoliposomes (PNLs) on α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrillization, attenuation of microglial activation, and silence of the SNCA gene, which encodes α-syn. METHODS To evaluate the inhibition of α-syn fibrillization, we used standard in vitro assay based on Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence. Next, to evaluate the attenuation of microglial activation, the concentration of TNF-a and IL-6 was quantified by ELISA assay in BV2 microglia cells treated with 100nM A53T α-syn and PNLs. In order to determine the silencing of the SNCA, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis was used. Finally, the efficacy of PNLs was confirmed in a transgenic mouse model expressing human α-syn. RESULTS ThT assay showed both PNL1 and PNL2 significantly inhibited a-syn fibrillization. ELISA test also showed the production of TNF-a and IL-6 was significantly attenuated when microglial cells treated with PNL1 or PNL2. We also found that SNCA gene, at both mRNA and protein levels, was significantly silenced when BV2 microglia cells were treated with PNL1 or PNL2. Importantly, the efficacy of PNL1 and PNL2 was finally confirmed in vivo in a transgenic mouse model. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the novel multifunctional nanoliposomes tested in our study inhibit α-syn fibrillization, attenuate microglial activation, and silence SNCA gene. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of PNL1 and PNL2 for treating synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jebali
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - M Rashidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - R Keikha
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - K Daliri
- Child Development Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Dehkadeh Salamat Faroq, Faroq, Fars, Iran
| | - T F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Gottingen, Gottingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom; Scientific employee with an honorary contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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4
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Horne RI, Andrzejewska EA, Alam P, Brotzakis ZF, Srivastava A, Aubert A, Nowinska M, Gregory RC, Staats R, Possenti A, Chia S, Sormanni P, Ghetti B, Caughey B, Knowles TPJ, Vendruscolo M. Discovery of potent inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation using structure-based iterative learning. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:634-645. [PMID: 38632492 PMCID: PMC11062903 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01580-x] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Machine learning methods hold the promise to reduce the costs and the failure rates of conventional drug discovery pipelines. This issue is especially pressing for neurodegenerative diseases, where the development of disease-modifying drugs has been particularly challenging. To address this problem, we describe here a machine learning approach to identify small molecule inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation, a process implicated in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Because the proliferation of α-synuclein aggregates takes place through autocatalytic secondary nucleation, we aim to identify compounds that bind the catalytic sites on the surface of the aggregates. To achieve this goal, we use structure-based machine learning in an iterative manner to first identify and then progressively optimize secondary nucleation inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that this approach leads to the facile identification of compounds two orders of magnitude more potent than previously reported ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Horne
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ewa A Andrzejewska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Parvez Alam
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Z Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Alice Aubert
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Magdalena Nowinska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca C Gregory
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Rinauro DJ, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. Misfolded protein oligomers: mechanisms of formation, cytotoxic effects, and pharmacological approaches against protein misfolding diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:20. [PMID: 38378578 PMCID: PMC10877934 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The conversion of native peptides and proteins into amyloid aggregates is a hallmark of over 50 human disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Increasing evidence implicates misfolded protein oligomers produced during the amyloid formation process as the primary cytotoxic agents in many of these devastating conditions. In this review, we analyze the processes by which oligomers are formed, their structures, physicochemical properties, population dynamics, and the mechanisms of their cytotoxicity. We then focus on drug discovery strategies that target the formation of oligomers and their ability to disrupt cell physiology and trigger degenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon J Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, 10996, USA.
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6
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Horne R, Wilson-Godber J, González Díaz A, Brotzakis ZF, Seal S, Gregory RC, Possenti A, Chia S, Vendruscolo M. Using Generative Modeling to Endow with Potency Initially Inert Compounds with Good Bioavailability and Low Toxicity. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:590-596. [PMID: 38261763 PMCID: PMC10865343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In the early stages of drug development, large chemical libraries are typically screened to identify compounds of promising potency against the chosen targets. Often, however, the resulting hit compounds tend to have poor drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), with negative developability features that may be difficult to eliminate. Therefore, starting the drug discovery process with a "null library", compounds that have highly desirable DMPK properties but no potency against the chosen targets, could be advantageous. Here, we explore the opportunities offered by machine learning to realize this strategy in the case of the inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation, a process associated with Parkinson's disease. We apply MolDQN, a generative machine learning method, to build an inhibitory activity against α-synuclein aggregation into an initial inactive compound with good DMPK properties. Our results illustrate how generative modeling can be used to endow initially inert compounds with desirable developability properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert
I. Horne
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Jared Wilson-Godber
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Alicia González Díaz
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Z. Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Srijit Seal
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Imaging
Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rebecca C. Gregory
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Bioprocessing
Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138668 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
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7
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Sandler S, Horne RI, Rocchetti S, Novak R, Hsu NS, Castellana Cruz M, Faidon Brotzakis Z, Gregory RC, Chia S, Bernardes GJL, Keyser UF, Vendruscolo M. Multiplexed Digital Characterization of Misfolded Protein Oligomers via Solid-State Nanopores. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25776-25788. [PMID: 37972287 PMCID: PMC10690769 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Misfolded protein oligomers are of central importance in both the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, accurate high-throughput methods to detect and quantify oligomer populations are still needed. We present here a single-molecule approach for the detection and quantification of oligomeric species. The approach is based on the use of solid-state nanopores and multiplexed DNA barcoding to identify and characterize oligomers from multiple samples. We study α-synuclein oligomers in the presence of several small-molecule inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation as an illustration of the potential applicability of this method to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah
E. Sandler
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Robert I. Horne
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sara Rocchetti
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Robert Novak
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Nai-Shu Hsu
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Marta Castellana Cruz
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Z. Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Rebecca C. Gregory
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Bioprocessing
Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research
(A*STAR), Singapore 138668
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Ulrich F. Keyser
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Maxwell Centre, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
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8
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Staats R, Brotzakis ZF, Chia S, Horne RI, Vendruscolo M. Optimization of a small molecule inhibitor of secondary nucleation in α-synuclein aggregation. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1155753. [PMID: 37701726 PMCID: PMC10493395 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1155753] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterised by the deposition in the brain of amyloid aggregates of α-synuclein. The surfaces of these amyloid aggregates can catalyse the formation of new aggregates, giving rise to a positive feedback mechanism responsible for the rapid proliferation of α-synuclein deposits. We report a procedure to enhance the potency of a small molecule to inhibit the aggregate proliferation process using a combination of in silico and in vitro methods. The optimized small molecule shows potency already at a compound:protein stoichiometry of 1:20. These results illustrate a strategy to accelerate the optimisation of small molecules against α-synuclein aggregation by targeting secondary nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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9
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Vendruscolo M. Thermodynamic and kinetic approaches for drug discovery to target protein misfolding and aggregation. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37276120 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2221024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein misfolding diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are characterized by the aberrant aggregation of proteins. These conditions are still largely untreatable, despite having a major impact on our healthcare systems and societies. AREAS COVERED We describe drug discovery strategies to target protein misfolding and aggregation. We compare thermodynamic approaches, which are based on the stabilization of the native states of proteins, with kinetic approaches, which are based on the slowing down of the aggregation process. This comparison is carried out in terms of the current knowledge of the process of protein misfolding and aggregation, the mechanisms of disease and the therapeutic targets. EXPERT OPINION There is an unmet need for disease-modifying treatments that target protein misfolding and aggregation for the over 50 human disorders known to be associated with this phenomenon. With the approval of the first drugs that can prevent misfolding or inhibit aggregation, future efforts will be focused on the discovery of effective compounds with these mechanisms of action for a wide range of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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10
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Horne RI, Murtada MH, Huo D, Brotzakis ZF, Gregory RC, Possenti A, Chia S, Vendruscolo M. Exploration and Exploitation Approaches Based on Generative Machine Learning to Identify Potent Small Molecule Inhibitors of α-Synuclein Secondary Nucleation. J Chem Theory Comput 2023. [PMID: 36939645 PMCID: PMC10373478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
The high attrition rate in drug discovery pipelines is an especially pressing issue for Parkinson's disease, for which no disease-modifying drugs have yet been approved. Numerous clinical trials targeting α-synuclein aggregation have failed, at least in part due to the challenges in identifying potent compounds in preclinical investigations. To address this problem, we present a machine learning approach that combines generative modeling and reinforcement learning to identify small molecules that perturb the kinetics of aggregation in a manner that reduces the production of oligomeric species. Training data were obtained by an assay reporting on the degree of inhibition of secondary nucleation, which is the most important mechanism of α-synuclein oligomer production. This approach resulted in the identification of small molecules with high potency against secondary nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Horne
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Mhd Hussein Murtada
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Donghui Huo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.,College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Z Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca C Gregory
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom.,Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138668, Singapore
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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11
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Oeller M, Kang R, Bell R, Ausserwöger H, Sormanni P, Vendruscolo M. Sequence-based prediction of pH-dependent protein solubility using CamSol. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:7017367. [PMID: 36719110 PMCID: PMC10025429 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad004] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Solubility is a property of central importance for the use of proteins in research in molecular and cell biology and in applications in biotechnology and medicine. Since experimental methods for measuring protein solubility are material intensive and time consuming, computational methods have recently emerged to enable the rapid and inexpensive screening of solubility for large libraries of proteins, as it is routinely required in development pipelines. Here, we describe the development of one such method to include in the predictions the effect of the pH on solubility. We illustrate the resulting pH-dependent predictions on a variety of antibodies and other proteins to demonstrate that these predictions achieve an accuracy comparable with that of experimental methods. We make this method publicly available at https://www-cohsoftware.ch.cam.ac.uk/index.php/camsolph, as the version 3.0 of CamSol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Oeller
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ryan Kang
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosie Bell
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannes Ausserwöger
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Bell R, Vendruscolo M, Kumita JR. Probing the effects of N-terminal acetylation on α-synuclein structure, aggregation and cytotoxicity. Methods Enzymol 2023; 686:45-65. [PMID: 37532408 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.09.003] [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] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is associated with the aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein within brain cells. Although the causes of this process are still unclear, post-translational modifications of α-synuclein are likely to play a modulatory role. Since α-synuclein is constitutively N-terminally acetylated, we previously investigated how this protein modification affects the aggregation behavior of the protein using a variety of methods in vitro and in cell systems. This chapter describes the production of N-terminally acetylated (NTA) α-synuclein, the preparation of different seeds of NTA α-synuclein for aggregation assays and the experimental methods for the kinetic analysis of the aggregation process of NTA α-synuclein. We also detail our protocol to evaluate the effects of preformed protofibrils of NTA α-synuclein in cell-based assays. These methods can be applied to study other post-translational modifications of α-synuclein, or adapted for the study of N-acetylation of other aggregation-prone proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bell
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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13
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Peña-Díaz S, García-Pardo J, Ventura S. Development of Small Molecules Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation: A Promising Strategy to Treat Parkinson's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:839. [PMID: 36986700 PMCID: PMC10059018 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits in the dopaminergic neurons. These deposits are primarily composed of aggregated forms of α-Synuclein (α-Syn). Despite the extensive research on this disease, only symptomatic treatments are currently available. However, in recent years, several compounds, mainly of an aromatic character, targeting α-Syn self-assembly and amyloid formation have been identified. These compounds, discovered by different approaches, are chemically diverse and exhibit a plethora of mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a historical overview of the physiopathology and molecular aspects associated with Parkinson's disease and the current trends in small compound development to target α-Syn aggregation. Although these molecules are still under development, they constitute an important step toward discovering effective anti-aggregational therapies for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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14
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Bell R, Castellana-Cruz M, Nene A, Thrush RJ, Xu CK, Kumita JR, Vendruscolo M. Effects of N-terminal Acetylation on the Aggregation of Disease-related α-synuclein Variants. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167825. [PMID: 36099961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the SNCA gene, which encodes the protein α-synuclein, have been linked with early onset Parkinson's disease. The exact nature of this association, however, is still poorly understood. To investigate this problem, we started from the observation that α-synuclein is constitutively N-terminally acetylated, a post-translational modification that alters the charge and structure of α-synuclein molecules and affects their interaction with lipid membranes, as well as their aggregation process. We thus studied five N-terminal acetylated familial variants (A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D and A53T) of α-synuclein through a wide range of biophysical assays to probe the microscopic steps in their aggregation process and the structures of the resulting aggregates. Our results reveal a great complexity in the combined effects of the disease-related mutations with N-terminal acetylation on the aggregation of α-synuclein, which underscores the great sensitivity to even relatively small perturbations of the behaviour of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bell
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Aishwarya Nene
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rebecca J Thrush
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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15
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Chia S, Faidon Brotzakis Z, Horne RI, Possenti A, Mannini B, Cataldi R, Nowinska M, Staats R, Linse S, Knowles TPJ, Habchi J, Vendruscolo M. Structure-Based Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Autocatalytic Proliferation of α-Synuclein Aggregates. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:183-193. [PMID: 36374974 PMCID: PMC9811465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The presence of amyloid fibrils of α-synuclein is closely associated with Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. It is still very challenging, however, to systematically discover small molecules that prevent the formation of these aberrant aggregates. Here, we describe a structure-based approach to identify small molecules that specifically inhibit the surface-catalyzed secondary nucleation step in the aggregation of α-synuclein by binding to the surface of the amyloid fibrils. The resulting small molecules are screened using a range of kinetic and thermodynamic assays for their ability to bind α-synuclein fibrils and prevent the further generation of α-synuclein oligomers. This study demonstrates that the combination of structure-based and kinetic-based drug discovery methods can lead to the identification of small molecules that selectively inhibit the autocatalytic proliferation of α-synuclein aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Chia
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Z. Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Robert I. Horne
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Benedetta Mannini
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Rodrigo Cataldi
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Magdalena Nowinska
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sara Linse
- Department
of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Center for Molecular Protein
Science, Lund University, 221 00Lund, Sweden
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
- Department
of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Johnny Habchi
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, U.K.
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16
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Figueira AJ, Saavedra J, Cardoso I, Gomes CM. S100B chaperone multimers suppress the formation of oligomers during Aβ42 aggregation. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1162741. [PMID: 37025373 PMCID: PMC10070764 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1162741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular aggregation of the amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ42) peptide is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with recent data suggesting that Aβ intermediate oligomers (AβO) are more cytotoxic than mature amyloid fibrils. Understanding how chaperones harness such amyloid oligomers is critical toward establishing the mechanisms underlying regulation of proteostasis in the diseased brain. This includes S100B, an extracellular signaling Ca2+-binding protein which is increased in AD as a response to neuronal damage and whose holdase-type chaperone activity was recently unveiled. Driven by this evidence, we here investigate how different S100B chaperone multimers influence the formation of oligomers during Aβ42 fibrillation. Resorting to kinetic analysis coupled with simulation of AβO influx distributions, we establish that supra-stoichiometric ratios of dimeric S100B-Ca2+ drastically decrease Aβ42 oligomerization rate by 95% and AβO levels by 70% due to preferential inhibition of surface-catalyzed secondary nucleation, with a concomitant redirection of aggregation toward elongation. We also determined that sub-molar ratios of tetrameric apo-S100B decrease Aβ42 oligomerization influx down to 10%, while precluding both secondary nucleation and, more discreetly, fibril elongation. Coincidently, the mechanistic predictions comply with the independent screening of AβO using a combination of the thioflavin-T and X-34 fluorophores. Altogether, our findings illustrate that different S100B multimers act as complementary suppressors of Aβ42 oligomerization and aggregation, further underpinning their potential neuroprotective role in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- António J. Figueira
- BioISI–Instituto de Biosistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Saavedra
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC–Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS–Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Cardoso
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC–Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS–Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudio M. Gomes
- BioISI–Instituto de Biosistemas e Ciências Integrativas, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Cláudio M. Gomes,
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17
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Controlling amyloid formation of intrinsically disordered proteins and peptides: slowing down or speeding up? Essays Biochem 2022; 66:959-975. [PMID: 35975807 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The pathological assembly of intrinsically disordered proteins/peptides (IDPs) into amyloid fibrils is associated with a range of human pathologies, including neurodegeneration, metabolic diseases and systemic amyloidosis. These debilitating disorders affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, and the number of people affected is increasing sharply. However, the discovery of therapeutic agents has been immensely challenging largely because of (i) the diverse number of aggregation pathways and the multi-conformational and transient nature of the related proteins or peptides and (ii) the under-development of experimental pipelines for the identification of disease-modifying molecules and their mode-of-action. Here, we describe current approaches used in the search for small-molecule modulators able to control or arrest amyloid formation commencing from IDPs and review recently reported accelerators and inhibitors of amyloid formation for this class of proteins. We compare their targets, mode-of-action and effects on amyloid-associated cytotoxicity. Recent successes in the control of IDP-associated amyloid formation using small molecules highlight exciting possibilities for future intervention in protein-misfolding diseases, despite the challenges of targeting these highly dynamic precursors of amyloid assembly.
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18
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Kulenkampff K, Emin D, Staats R, Zhang YP, Sakhnini L, Kouli A, Rimon O, Lobanova E, Williams-Gray CH, Aprile FA, Sormanni P, Klenerman D, Vendruscolo M. An antibody scanning method for the detection of α-synuclein oligomers in the serum of Parkinson's disease patients. Chem Sci 2022; 13:13815-13828. [PMID: 36544716 PMCID: PMC9710209 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00066k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolded α-synuclein oligomers are closely implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. The elusive nature of these aberrant assemblies makes it challenging to develop quantitative methods to detect them and modify their behavior. Existing detection methods use antibodies to bind α-synuclein aggregates in biofluids, although it remains challenging to raise antibodies against α-synuclein oligomers. To address this problem, we used an antibody scanning approach in which we designed a panel of 9 single-domain epitope-specific antibodies against α-synuclein. We screened these antibodies for their ability to inhibit the aggregation process of α-synuclein, finding that they affected the generation of α-synuclein oligomers to different extents. We then used these antibodies to investigate the size distribution and morphology of soluble α-synuclein aggregates in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples from Parkinson's disease patients. Our results indicate that the approach that we present offers a promising route for the development of antibodies to characterize soluble α-synuclein aggregates in biofluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Kulenkampff
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Derya Emin
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 0XY UK
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Yu P Zhang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Laila Sakhnini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Antonina Kouli
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge UK
| | - Oded Rimon
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Evgeniia Lobanova
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 0XY UK
| | - Caroline H Williams-Gray
- John Van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge UK
| | - Francesco A Aprile
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 0XY UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
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19
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Sedov I, Khaibrakhmanova D. Molecular Mechanisms of Inhibition of Protein Amyloid Fibril Formation: Evidence and Perspectives Based on Kinetic Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13428. [PMID: 36362217 PMCID: PMC9657184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of fibril formation is considered a possible treatment strategy for amyloid-related diseases. Understanding the molecular nature of inhibitor action is crucial for the design of drug candidates. In the present review, we describe the common kinetic models of fibril formation and classify known inhibitors by the mechanism of their interactions with the aggregating protein and its oligomers. This mechanism determines the step or steps of the aggregation process that become inhibited and the observed changes in kinetics and equilibrium of fibril formation. The results of numerous studies indicate that possible approaches to antiamyloid inhibitor discovery include the search for the strong binders of protein monomers, cappers blocking the ends of the growing fibril, or the species absorbing on the surface of oligomers preventing nucleation. Strongly binding inhibitors stabilizing the native state can be promising for the structured proteins while designing the drug candidates targeting disordered proteins is challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Sedov
- Chemical Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya 18, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS, 420111 Kazan, Russia
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
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20
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Mishra RP, Gupta S, Rathore AS, Goel G. Multi-Level High-Throughput Screening for Discovery of Ligands That Inhibit Insulin Aggregation. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3770-3783. [PMID: 36173709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a multi-level virtual screening protocol to identify lead molecules from the FDA inactives database that can inhibit insulin aggregation. The method is based on the presence of structural and interaction specificity in non-native aggregation pathway protein-protein interactions. Some key challenges specific to the present problem, when compared with native protein association, include structural heterogeneity of the protein species involved, multiple association pathways, and relatively higher probability of conformational rearrangement of the association complex. In this multi-step method, the inactives database was first screened using the dominant pharmacophore features of previously identified molecules shown to significantly inhibit insulin aggregation nucleation by binding to its aggregation-prone conformers. We then performed ensemble docking of several low-energy ligand conformations on these aggregation-prone conformers followed by molecular dynamics simulations and binding affinity calculations on a subset of docked complexes to identify a final set of five potential lead molecules to inhibit insulin aggregation nucleation. Their effect on aggregation inhibition was extensively investigated by incubating insulin under aggregation-prone aqueous buffer conditions (low pH, high temperature). Aggregation kinetics were characterized using size exclusion chromatography and Thioflavin T fluorescence assay, and the secondary structure was determined using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Riboflavin provided the best aggregation inhibition, with 85% native monomer retention after 48 h incubation under aggregation-prone conditions, whereas the no-ligand formulation showed complete monomer loss after 36 h. Further, insulin incubated with two of the screened inactives (aspartame, riboflavin) had the characteristic α-helical dip in CD spectra, while the no-ligand formulation showed a change to β-sheet rich conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rit Pratik Mishra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Surbhi Gupta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anurag Singh Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Gaurav Goel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
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21
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Bell R, Thrush RJ, Castellana-Cruz M, Oeller M, Staats R, Nene A, Flagmeier P, Xu CK, Satapathy S, Galvagnion C, Wilson MR, Dobson CM, Kumita JR, Vendruscolo M. N-Terminal Acetylation of α-Synuclein Slows down Its Aggregation Process and Alters the Morphology of the Resulting Aggregates. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1743-1756. [PMID: 35944093 PMCID: PMC9454101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is associated with the aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein. Although the causes of this process are still unclear, post-translational modifications of α-synuclein are likely to play a modulatory role. Since α-synuclein is constitutively N-terminally acetylated, we investigated how this post-translational modification alters the aggregation behavior of this protein. By applying a three-pronged aggregation kinetics approach, we observed that N-terminal acetylation results in a reduced rate of lipid-induced aggregation and slows down both elongation and fibril-catalyzed aggregate proliferation. An analysis of the amyloid fibrils produced by the aggregation process revealed different morphologies for the acetylated and non-acetylated forms in both lipid-induced aggregation and seed-induced aggregation assays. In addition, we found that fibrils formed by acetylated α-synuclein exhibit a lower β-sheet content. These findings indicate that N-terminal acetylation of α-synuclein alters its lipid-dependent aggregation behavior, reduces its rate of in vitro aggregation, and affects the structural properties of its fibrillar aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bell
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Rebecca J. Thrush
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Marc Oeller
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Aishwarya Nene
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Patrick Flagmeier
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Catherine K. Xu
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sandeep Satapathy
- Department
of Cell Biology, Blavantik Institute, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Celine Galvagnion
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Mark R. Wilson
- School
of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Janet R. Kumita
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, U.K.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for
Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
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22
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Tahirbegi B, Magness AJ, Piersimoni ME, Teng X, Hooper J, Guo Y, Knöpfel T, Willison KR, Klug DR, Ying L. Toward high-throughput oligomer detection and classification for early-stage aggregation of amyloidogenic protein. Front Chem 2022; 10:967882. [PMID: 36110142 PMCID: PMC9468268 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.967882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation kinetics of proteins and peptides have been studied extensively due to their significance in many human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, and the roles they play in some key physiological processes. However, most of these studies have been performed as bulk measurements using Thioflavin T or other fluorescence turn-on reagents as indicators of fibrillization. Such techniques are highly successful in making inferences about the nucleation and growth mechanism of fibrils, yet cannot directly measure assembly reactions at low protein concentrations which is the case for amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide under physiological conditions. In particular, the evolution from monomer to low-order oligomer in early stages of aggregation cannot be detected. Single-molecule methods allow direct access to such fundamental information. We developed a high-throughput protocol for single-molecule photobleaching experiments using an automated fluorescence microscope. Stepwise photobleaching analysis of the time profiles of individual foci allowed us to determine stoichiometry of protein oligomers and probe protein aggregation kinetics. Furthermore, we investigated the potential application of supervised machine learning with support vector machines (SVMs) as well as multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural networks to classify bleaching traces into stoichiometric categories based on an ensemble of measurable quantities derivable from individual traces. Both SVM and MLP models achieved a comparable accuracy of more than 80% against simulated traces up to 19-mer, although MLP offered considerable speed advantages, thus making it suitable for application to high-throughput experimental data. We used our high-throughput method to study the aggregation of Aβ40 in the presence of metal ions and the aggregation of α-synuclein in the presence of gold nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogachan Tahirbegi
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair J. Magness
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Xiangyu Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Hooper
- School of Food Science and Nutrition and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Yuan Guo
- School of Food Science and Nutrition and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R. Willison
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David R. Klug
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liming Ying
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Menon S, Armstrong S, Hamzeh A, Visanji NP, Sardi SP, Tandon A. Alpha-Synuclein Targeting Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease and Related Synucleinopathies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:852003. [PMID: 35614915 PMCID: PMC9124903 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.852003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (asyn) is a key pathogenetic factor in a group of neurodegenerative diseases generically known as synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Although the initial triggers of pathology and progression are unclear, multiple lines of evidence support therapeutic targeting of asyn in order to limit its prion-like misfolding. Here, we review recent pre-clinical and clinical work that offers promising treatment strategies to sequester, degrade, or silence asyn expression as a means to reduce the levels of seed or substrate. These diverse approaches include removal of aggregated asyn with passive or active immunization or by expression of vectorized antibodies, modulating kinetics of misfolding with small molecule anti-aggregants, lowering asyn gene expression by antisense oligonucleotides or inhibitory RNA, and pharmacological activation of asyn degradation pathways. We also discuss recent technological advances in combining low intensity focused ultrasound with intravenous microbubbles to transiently increase blood-brain barrier permeability for improved brain delivery and target engagement of these large molecule anti-asyn biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Menon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina Armstrong
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amir Hamzeh
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naomi P. Visanji
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anurag Tandon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Yu G, Wang Y, Zhao J. Inhibitory effect of mitoquinone against the α-synuclein fibrillation and relevant neurotoxicity: possible role in inhibition of Parkinson's disease. Biol Chem 2021; 403:253-263. [PMID: 34653323 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0312] [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: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extensive studies have reported that interaction of α-synuclein amyloid species with neurons is a crucial mechanistic characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD) and small molecules can downregulate the neurotoxic effects induced by protein aggregation. However, the exact mechanism(s) of these neuroprotective effects by small molecules remain widely unknown. In the present study, α-synuclein samples in the amyloidogenic condition were aged for 120 h with or without different concentrations of mitoquinone (MitoQ) as a quinone derivative compound and the amyloid characteristics and the relevant neurotoxicity were evaluated by Thioflavin T (ThT)/Nile red fluorescence, Congo red absorption, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and caspase-9/-3 activity assays. Results clearly showed the capacity of MitoQ on the inhibition of the formation of α-synuclein fibrillation products through modulation of the aggregation pathway by an effect on the kinetic parameters. Also, it was shown that α-synuclein samples aged for 120 h with MitoQ trigger less neurotoxic effects against SH-SY5Y cells than α-synuclein amyloid alone. Indeed, co-incubation of α-synuclein with MitoQ reduced the membrane leakage, oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress, modifications of macromolecules, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gege Yu
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, 471009, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 262500, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Qingzhou People's Hospital, Weifang, 262500, China
| | - Jinhua Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, Xianyang, 712000, China
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Jebali A, Rashidi M, Keikha R, Daliri K, Outeiro T. Novel multifunctional nanoliposomes inhibit α-synuclein fibrillization, attenuate microglial activation, and silence the expression of SNCA gene. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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26
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Bell R, Vendruscolo M. Modulation of the Interactions Between α-Synuclein and Lipid Membranes by Post-translational Modifications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661117. [PMID: 34335440 PMCID: PMC8319954 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterised by the presence in brain tissue of aberrant inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are deposits composed by α-synuclein and a variety of other cellular components, including in particular lipid membranes. The dysregulation of the balance between lipid homeostasis and α-synuclein homeostasis is therefore likely to be closely involved in the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies. As our understanding of this balance is increasing, we describe recent advances in the characterisation of the role of post-translational modifications in modulating the interactions of α-synuclein with lipid membranes. We then discuss the impact of these advances on the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Disease, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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