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Agha MM, Aziziyan F, Uversky VN. Each big journey starts with a first step: Importance of oligomerization. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:111-141. [PMID: 38811079 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Protein oligomers, widely found in nature, have significant physiological and pathological functions. They are classified into three groups based on their function and toxicity. Significant advancements are being achieved in the development of functional oligomers, with a focus on various applications and their engineering. The antimicrobial peptides oligomers play roles in death of bacterial and cancer cells. The predominant pathogenic species in neurodegenerative disorders, as shown by recent results, are amyloid oligomers, which are the main subject of this chapter. They are generated throughout the aggregation process, serving as both intermediates in the subsequent aggregation pathways and ultimate products. Some of them may possess potent cytotoxic properties and through diverse mechanisms cause cellular impairment, and ultimately, the death of cells and disease progression. Information regarding their structure, formation mechanism, and toxicity is limited due to their inherent instability and structural variability. This chapter aims to provide a concise overview of the current knowledge regarding amyloid oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoureh Mirza Agha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Pushchino, Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United Staes.
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2
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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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3
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Bigi A, Napolitano L, Vadukul DM, Chiti F, Cecchi C, Aprile FA, Cascella R. A single-domain antibody detects and neutralises toxic Aβ 42 oligomers in the Alzheimer's disease CSF. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:13. [PMID: 38238842 PMCID: PMC10795411 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) aggregation consists of a complex chain of nucleation events producing soluble oligomeric intermediates, which are considered the major neurotoxic agents in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cerebral lesions in the brain of AD patients start to develop 20 years before symptom onset; however, no preventive strategies, effective treatments, or specific and sensitive diagnostic tests to identify people with early-stage AD are currently available. In addition, the isolation and characterisation of neurotoxic Aβ42 oligomers are particularly difficult because of their transient and heterogeneous nature. To overcome this challenge, a rationally designed method generated a single-domain antibody (sdAb), named DesAb-O, targeting Aβ42 oligomers. METHODS We investigated the ability of DesAb-O to selectively detect preformed Aβ42 oligomers both in vitro and in cultured neuronal cells, by using dot-blot, ELISA immunoassay and super-resolution STED microscopy, and to counteract the toxicity induced by the oligomers, monitoring their interaction with neuronal membrane and the resulting mitochondrial impairment. We then applied this approach to CSF samples (CSFs) from AD patients as compared to age-matched control subjects. RESULTS DesAb-O was found to selectively detect synthetic Aβ42 oligomers both in vitro and in cultured cells, and to neutralise their associated neuronal dysfunction. DesAb-O can also identify Aβ42 oligomers present in the CSFs of AD patients with respect to healthy individuals, and completely prevent cell dysfunction induced by the administration of CSFs to neuronal cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data indicate a promising method for the improvement of an early diagnosis of AD and for the generation of novel therapeutic approaches based on sdAbs for the treatment of AD and other devastating neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Liliana Napolitano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Devkee M Vadukul
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco A Aprile
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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4
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Qiang W, Kengwerere M, Zhao W, Scott FJ, Wutoh-Hughes X, Wang T, Mentink-Vigier F. Heterotypic Interactions between the 40- and 42-Residue Isoforms of β-Amyloid Peptides on Lipid Bilayer Surfaces. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4153-4162. [PMID: 37991929 PMCID: PMC10867818 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00523] [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: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-aggregation involving different amyloidogenic sequences has been emphasized recently in the modified amyloid cascade hypothesis. Yet, molecular-level interactions between two predominant β-amyloid peptide sequences, Aβ40 and Aβ42, in the fibrillation process in membrane-mimicked environments remain unclear. Here, we report biophysical evidence that demonstrates the molecular-level interactions between Aβ40 and Aβ42 at the membrane-associated conucleation stage using dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy. These residue-specific contacts are distinguished from those reported in mature fibrils formed by either Aβ40 or Aβ42. Meanwhile, site-specific interactions between Aβ and lipid molecules and modulation of microsecond-time-scale lipid dynamics are observed, which may be responsible for the more rapid and significant membrane content leakage compared to that with Aβ40 alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qiang
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Maurine Kengwerere
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Wancheng Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Faith J. Scott
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - Xyomara Wutoh-Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Frederic Mentink-Vigier
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
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5
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Bigi A, Cascella R, Cecchi C. α-Synuclein oligomers and fibrils: partners in crime in synucleinopathies. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2332-2342. [PMID: 37282450 PMCID: PMC10360081 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein is the general hallmark of a group of devastating neurodegenerative pathologies referred to as synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. In such conditions, a range of different misfolded aggregates, including oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils, are present both in neurons and glial cells. Growing experimental evidence supports the proposition that soluble oligomeric assemblies, formed during the early phases of the aggregation process, are the major culprits of neuronal toxicity; at the same time, fibrillar conformers appear to be the most efficient at propagating among interconnected neurons, thus contributing to the spreading of α-synuclein pathology. Moreover, α-synuclein fibrils have been recently reported to release soluble and highly toxic oligomeric species, responsible for an immediate dysfunction in the recipient neurons. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the plethora of mechanisms of cellular dysfunction caused by α-synuclein oligomers and fibrils, both contributing to neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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6
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Rudajev V, Novotny J. Cholesterol-dependent amyloid β production: space for multifarious interactions between amyloid precursor protein, secretases, and cholesterol. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:171. [PMID: 37705117 PMCID: PMC10500844 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01127-y] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β is considered a key player in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many studies investigating the effect of statins on lowering cholesterol suggest that there may be a link between cholesterol levels and AD pathology. Since cholesterol is one of the most abundant lipid molecules, especially in brain tissue, it affects most membrane-related processes, including the formation of the most dangerous form of amyloid β, Aβ42. The entire Aβ production system, which includes the amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase, and the complex of γ-secretase, is highly dependent on membrane cholesterol content. Moreover, cholesterol can affect amyloidogenesis in many ways. Cholesterol influences the stability and activity of secretases, but also dictates their partitioning into specific cellular compartments and cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts, where the amyloidogenic machinery is predominantly localized. The most complicated relationships have been found in the interaction between cholesterol and APP, where cholesterol affects not only APP localization but also the precise character of APP dimerization and APP processing by γ-secretase, which is important for the production of Aβ of different lengths. In this review, we describe the intricate web of interdependence between cellular cholesterol levels, cholesterol membrane distribution, and cholesterol-dependent production of Aβ, the major player in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Rudajev
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Novotny
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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7
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Chatterjee T, Das G, Chatterjee BK, Ghosh S, Chakrabarti P. The Role of Protein- L-isoaspartyl Methyltransferase (PIMT) in the Suppression of Toxicity of the Oligomeric Form of Aβ42, in Addition to the Inhibition of Its Fibrillization. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2888-2901. [PMID: 37535852 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The oligomeric form of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ42) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is responsible for cognitive deficits. The soluble oligomers are believed to be more toxic compared to the fibril form. Protein-L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) is a repair enzyme that converts aberrant isoAsp residues, formed spontaneously on isomerization of normal Asp and Asn residues, back to typical Asp. It was shown to inhibit the fibrillization of Aβ42 (containing three Asp residues), and here, we investigate its effect on the size, conformation, and toxicity of Aβ42 oligomers (AβO). Far-UV CD indicated a shift in the conformational feature of AβOs from the random coil to β-sheet in the presence of PIMT. Binding of bis-ANS to different AβOs (obtained using different concentrations of Aβ42 monomer) indicated the correlation of size of oligomers to hydrophobicity: the smallest AβO having the highest hydrophobicity is the most toxic. Dynamic light scattering showed an increase in size of AβO with the addition of PIMT, a contrasting role to that on Aβ fibril. Assays using PC12-derived neurons showed the neuroprotective role of PIMT against AβO-induced toxicity. Furthermore, we have elaborated on the molecular mechanism of the antifibrillar action of PIMT and how this function is correlated with its enzymatic activity. PIMT has a more pronounced effect on AβO as compared to a small heat shock protein, pointing to its importance for the amelioration of the adverse effect of both Aβ42 oligomers and fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaya Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Gaurav Das
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Barun K Chatterjee
- Department of Physics, Bose Institute, 93/1 A.P.C. Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Pinak Chakrabarti
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata 700054, India
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8
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Viles JH. Imaging Amyloid-β Membrane Interactions: Ion-Channel Pores and Lipid-Bilayer Permeability in Alzheimer's Disease. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 135:e202215785. [PMID: 38515735 PMCID: PMC10952214 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202215785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of the amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) is central to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism by which Aβ triggers a cascade of events that leads to dementia is a topic of intense investigation. Aβ self-associates into a series of complex assemblies with different structural and biophysical properties. It is the interaction of these oligomeric, protofibril and fibrillar assemblies with lipid membranes, or with membrane receptors, that results in membrane permeability and loss of cellular homeostasis, a key event in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Aβ can have an array of impacts on lipid membranes, reports have included: a carpeting effect; a detergent effect; and Aβ ion-channel pore formation. Recent advances imaging these interactions are providing a clearer picture of Aβ induced membrane disruption. Understanding the relationship between different Aβ structures and membrane permeability will inform therapeutics targeting Aβ cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Viles
- Department of Biochemistry, SBBS, Queen MaryUniversity of LondonUK
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9
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Viles JH. Imaging Amyloid-β Membrane Interactions: Ion-Channel Pores and Lipid-Bilayer Permeability in Alzheimer's Disease. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215785. [PMID: 36876912 PMCID: PMC10953358 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of the amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) is central to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism by which Aβ triggers a cascade of events that leads to dementia is a topic of intense investigation. Aβ self-associates into a series of complex assemblies with different structural and biophysical properties. It is the interaction of these oligomeric, protofibril and fibrillar assemblies with lipid membranes, or with membrane receptors, that results in membrane permeability and loss of cellular homeostasis, a key event in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Aβ can have an array of impacts on lipid membranes, reports have included: a carpeting effect; a detergent effect; and Aβ ion-channel pore formation. Recent advances imaging these interactions are providing a clearer picture of Aβ induced membrane disruption. Understanding the relationship between different Aβ structures and membrane permeability will inform therapeutics targeting Aβ cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Viles
- Department of Biochemistry, SBBS, Queen MaryUniversity of LondonUK
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10
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Bulgart HR, Goncalves I, Weisleder N. Leveraging Plasma Membrane Repair Therapeutics for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:1660. [PMID: 37371130 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121660] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane repair is an essential cellular mechanism that reseals membrane disruptions after a variety of insults, and compromised repair capacity can contribute to the progression of many diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are marked by membrane damage from many sources, reduced membrane integrity, elevated intracellular calcium concentrations, enhanced reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and widespread neuronal death. While the toxic intracellular effects of these changes in cellular physiology have been defined, the specific mechanism of neuronal death in certain neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. An abundance of recent evidence indicates that neuronal membrane damage and pore formation in the membrane are key contributors to neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. In this review, we have outlined evidence supporting the hypothesis that membrane damage is a contributor to neurodegenerative diseases and that therapeutically enhancing membrane repair can potentially combat neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Bulgart
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Isabella Goncalves
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Noah Weisleder
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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11
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Maccari R, Ottanà R. Can Allostery Be a Key Strategy for Targeting PTP1B in Drug Discovery? A Lesson from Trodusquemine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119621. [PMID: 37298571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119621] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an enzyme crucially implicated in aberrations of various signaling pathways that underlie the development of different human pathologies, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Its inhibition can prevent these pathogenetic events, thus providing a useful tool for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. The search for allosteric PTP1B inhibitors can represent a successful strategy to identify drug-like candidates by offering the opportunity to overcome some issues related to catalytic site-directed inhibitors, which have so far hampered the development of drugs targeting this enzyme. In this context, trodusquemine (MSI-1436), a natural aminosterol that acts as a non-competitive PTP1B inhibitor, appears to be a milestone. Initially discovered as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, trodusquemine exhibited a variety of unexpected properties, ranging from antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities to effects useful to counteract cancer and neurodegeneration, which prompted its evaluation in several preclinical and clinical studies. In this review article, we provide an overview of the main findings regarding the activities and therapeutic potential of trodusquemine and their correlation with PTP1B inhibition. We also included some aminosterol analogues and related structure-activity relationships that could be useful for further studies aimed at the discovery of new allosteric PTP1B inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Maccari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Ottanà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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12
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Grover S, Pham T, Jones A, Sinobas-Pereira C, Villoch Diaz Maurino M, Garrad EC, Makoni NJ, Parks A, Domalewski RJ, Riggio G, An H, Chen K, Nichols MR. A new class of monoclonal Aβ antibodies selectively targets and triggers deposition of Aβ protofibrils. J Neurochem 2023; 165:860-873. [PMID: 37002186 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) are a critical trigger for the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the plaques are the most outstanding Aβ pathological feature, much of the recent research emphasis has been on soluble Aβ species because of their diffusible, proinflammatory, and toxic properties. The focus on soluble aggregated Aβ species has also increased the interest in antibodies that are selective for different Aβ conformations. In the current study, we developed and characterized a new class of monoclonal antibodies (referred to as mAbSL) that are selective for Aβ protofibrils. Cloning and sequencing of the heavy and light chain variable regions for multiple antibodies identified sequence characteristics that may impart the conformational selectivity by the antibodies. Transfection of FreeStyle 293F cells with the plasmids permitted in-house expression and purification of mAbSL antibodies along with non-conformation-selective Aβ monoclonal antibodies (Aβ mAbs). Several of the purified mAbSL antibodies demonstrated significant affinity and selectivity for Aβ42 protofibrils compared with Aβ42 monomers and Aβ42 fibrils. Competition ELISA assays assessing the best overall antibody, mAbSL 113, yielded affinity constants of 7 nM for the antibody-Aβ42 protofibril interaction, while the affinity for either Aβ42 monomers or Aβ42 fibrils was roughly 80 times higher. mAbSL 113 significantly inhibited Aβ42 monomer aggregation by a unique mechanism compared with the inhibition displayed by Aβ mAb 513. Aβ42 protofibril dynamics were also markedly altered in the presence of mAbSL 113, whereby insoluble complex formation and protofibril deposition were stimulated by the antibody at low substoichiometric molar ratios. As the field contemplates the therapeutic effectiveness of Aβ conformation-selective antibodies, the findings presented here demonstrate new information on a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets Aβ protofibrils and impacts Aβ dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Grover
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Thao Pham
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anna Jones
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Cristina Sinobas-Pereira
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Evan C Garrad
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nyasha J Makoni
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Antanisha Parks
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ryan J Domalewski
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gabriel Riggio
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hannah An
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Michael R Nichols
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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13
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Mañucat-Tan NB, Chowdhury A, Cataldi R, Abdullah RZ, Kumita JR, Wyatt AR. Hypochlorite-induced oxidation promotes aggregation and reduces toxicity of amyloid beta 1-42. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102736. [PMID: 37216700 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102736] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exacerbated hypochlorite (OCl-) production is linked to neurodegenerative processes, but there is growing evidence that lower levels of hypochlorite activity are important to protein homeostasis. In this study we characterise the effects of hypochlorite on the aggregation and toxicity of amyloid beta peptide 1-42 (Aβ1-42), a major component of amyloid plaques that form in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Our results demonstrate that treatment with hypochlorite promotes the formation of Aβ1-42 assemblies ≥100 kDa that have reduced surface exposed hydrophobicity compared to the untreated peptide. This effect is the result of the oxidation of Aβ1-42 at a single site as determined by mass spectrometry analysis. Although treatment with hypochlorite promotes the aggregation of Aβ1-42, the solubility of the peptide is enhanced and amyloid fibril formation is inhibited as assessed by filter trap assay, thioflavin T assay and transmission electron microscopy. The results of in vitro assays using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells show that pre-treatment of Aβ1-42 with a sub-stoichiometric amount of hypochlorite substantially reduces its toxicity. The results of flow cytometry analysis and internalisation assays indicate that hypochlorite-induced modification of Aβ1-42 reduces its toxicity via at least two-distinct mechanism, reducing the total binding of Aβ1-42 to the surface of cells and facilitating the cell surface clearance of Aβ1-42 to lysosomes. Our data is consistent with a model in which tightly regulated production of hypochlorite in the brain is protective against Aβ-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noralyn B Mañucat-Tan
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia, 5048
| | - Ashfaq Chowdhury
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rodrigo Cataldi
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rafaa Zeineddine Abdullah
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2500
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Yusef Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Amy R Wyatt
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, Australia, 5048.
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14
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Limbocker R, Cremades N, Cascella R, Tessier PM, Vendruscolo M, Chiti F. Characterization of Pairs of Toxic and Nontoxic Misfolded Protein Oligomers Elucidates the Structural Determinants of Oligomer Toxicity in Protein Misfolding Diseases. Acc Chem Res 2023. [PMID: 37071750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusThe aberrant misfolding and aggregation of peptides and proteins into amyloid aggregates occurs in over 50 largely incurable protein misfolding diseases. These pathologies include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, which are global medical emergencies owing to their prevalence in increasingly aging populations worldwide. Although the presence of mature amyloid aggregates is a hallmark of such neurodegenerative diseases, misfolded protein oligomers are increasingly recognized as of central importance in the pathogenesis of many of these maladies. These oligomers are small, diffusible species that can form as intermediates in the amyloid fibril formation process or be released by mature fibrils after they are formed. They have been closely associated with the induction of neuronal dysfunction and cell death. It has proven rather challenging to study these oligomeric species because of their short lifetimes, low concentrations, extensive structural heterogeneity, and challenges associated with producing stable, homogeneous, and reproducible populations. Despite these difficulties, investigators have developed protocols to produce kinetically, chemically, or structurally stabilized homogeneous populations of protein misfolded oligomers from several amyloidogenic peptides and proteins at experimentally ameneable concentrations. Furthermore, procedures have been established to produce morphologically similar but structurally distinct oligomers from the same protein sequence that are either toxic or nontoxic to cells. These tools offer unique opportunities to identify and investigate the structural determinants of oligomer toxicity by a close comparative inspection of their structures and the mechanisms of action through which they cause cell dysfunction.This Account reviews multidisciplinary results, including from our own groups, obtained by combining chemistry, physics, biochemistry, cell biology, and animal models for pairs of toxic and nontoxic oligomers. We describe oligomers comprised of the amyloid-β peptide, which underlie Alzheimer's disease, and α-synuclein, which are associated with Parkinson's disease and other related neurodegenerative pathologies, collectively known as synucleinopathies. Furthermore, we also discuss oligomers formed by the 91-residue N-terminal domain of [NiFe]-hydrogenase maturation factor from E. coli, which we use as a model non-disease-related protein, and by an amyloid stretch of Sup35 prion protein from yeast. These oligomeric pairs have become highly useful experimental tools for studying the molecular determinants of toxicity characteristic of protein misfolding diseases. Key properties have been identified that differentiate toxic from nontoxic oligomers in their ability to induce cellular dysfunction. These characteristics include solvent-exposed hydrophobic regions, interactions with membranes, insertion into lipid bilayers, and disruption of plasma membrane integrity. By using these properties, it has been possible to rationalize in model systems the responses to pairs of toxic and nontoxic oligomers. Collectively, these studies provide guidance for the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies to target rationally the cytotoxicity of misfolded protein oligomers in neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Nunilo Cremades
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Peter M Tessier
- Departments of Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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15
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Kerdegari S, Canepa P, Odino D, Oropesa-Nuñez R, Relini A, Cavalleri O, Canale C. Insights in Cell Biomechanics through Atomic Force Microscopy. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2980. [PMID: 37109816 PMCID: PMC10142950 DOI: 10.3390/ma16082980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We review the advances obtained by using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based approaches in the field of cell/tissue mechanics and adhesion, comparing the solutions proposed and critically discussing them. AFM offers a wide range of detectable forces with a high force sensitivity, thus allowing a broad class of biological issues to be addressed. Furthermore, it allows for the accurate control of the probe position during the experiments, providing spatially resolved mechanical maps of the biological samples with subcellular resolution. Nowadays, mechanobiology is recognized as a subject of great relevance in biotechnological and biomedical fields. Focusing on the past decade, we discuss the intriguing issues of cellular mechanosensing, i.e., how cells sense and adapt to their mechanical environment. Next, we examine the relationship between cell mechanical properties and pathological states, focusing on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We show how AFM has contributed to the characterization of pathological mechanisms and discuss its role in the development of a new class of diagnostic tools that consider cell mechanics as new tumor biomarkers. Finally, we describe the unique ability of AFM to study cell adhesion, working quantitatively and at the single-cell level. Again, we relate cell adhesion experiments to the study of mechanisms directly or secondarily involved in pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Kerdegari
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Paolo Canepa
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Davide Odino
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Reinier Oropesa-Nuñez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University, Ångströmlaboratoriet, Box 35, SE-751 03 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Annalisa Relini
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Ornella Cavalleri
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Claudio Canale
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy; (S.K.); (P.C.); (D.O.); (A.R.)
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16
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Development of Small Molecules Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation: A Promising Strategy to Treat Parkinson’s Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030839. [PMID: 36986700 PMCID: PMC10059018 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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17
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Sebastiao M, Babych M, Quittot N, Kumar K, Arnold AA, Marcotte I, Bourgault S. Development of a novel fluorescence assay for studying lipid bilayer perturbation induced by amyloidogenic peptides using cell plasma membrane vesicles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184118. [PMID: 36621762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Numerous pathophysiological conditions are associated with the misfolding and aggregation of proteins into insoluble amyloid fibrils. The mechanisms by which this process leads to cellular dysfunction remain elusive, though several hypotheses point toward the perturbation of the cell plasma membrane by pre-fibrillar intermediates and/or amyloid growth. However, current models to study membrane perturbations are largely limited to synthetic lipid vesicles and most of experimental approaches cannot be transposed to complex cell-derived plasma membrane systems. Herein, vesicles originating from the plasma membrane of erythrocytes and β-pancreatic cells were used to study the perturbations induced by an amyloidogenic peptide, the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). These biologically relevant lipid vesicles displayed a characteristic clustering in the presence of the amyloidogenic peptide, which was able to rupture membranes. By exploiting Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), a rapid, simple, and potentially high-throughput assay to detect membrane perturbations of intact mammalian cell plasma membrane vesicles was implemented. The FRET kinetics of membrane perturbations closely correlated with the kinetics of thioflavin-T fluorescence associated with amyloid formation. This novel kinetics assay expands the toolbox available to study amyloid-associated membrane damage, bridging the gap between synthetic lipid vesicles and living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Sebastiao
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Margaryta Babych
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Noé Quittot
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Kiran Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Marcotte
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada.
| | - Steve Bourgault
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada.
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18
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Gabriel JM, Tan T, Rinauro DJ, Hsu CM, Buettner CJ, Gilmer M, Kaur A, McKenzie TL, Park M, Cohen S, Errico S, Wright AK, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. EGCG inactivates a pore-forming toxin by promoting its oligomerization and decreasing its solvent-exposed hydrophobicity. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 371:110307. [PMID: 36535315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110307] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Natural proteinaceous pore-forming agents can bind and permeabilize cell membranes, leading to ion dyshomeostasis and cell death. In the search for antidotes that can protect cells from peptide toxins, we discovered that the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) interacts directly with melittin from honeybee venom, resulting in the elimination of its binding to the cell membrane and toxicity by markedly lowering the extent of its solvent-exposed hydrophobicity and promoting its oligomerization into larger species. These physicochemical parameters have also been shown to play a key role in the binding to cells of misfolded protein oligomers in a host of neurodegenerative diseases, where oligomer-membrane binding and associated toxicity have been shown to correlate negatively with oligomer size and positively with solvent-exposed hydrophobicity. For melittin, which is not an amyloid-forming protein and has a very distinct mechanism of toxicity compared to misfolded oligomers, we find that the size-hydrophobicity-toxicity relationship also rationalizes the pharmacological attenuation of melittin toxicity by EGCG. These results highlight the importance of the physicochemical properties of pore forming agents in mediating their interactions with cell membranes and suggest a possible therapeutic approach based on compounds with a similar mechanism of action as EGCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Gabriel
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Thomas Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Dillon J Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Claire M Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Caleb J Buettner
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Marshall Gilmer
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Amrita Kaur
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Tristan L McKenzie
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Martin Park
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Sophie Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Silvia Errico
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aidan K Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, 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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19
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Bigi A, Cascella R, Fani G, Bernacchioni C, Cencetti F, Bruni P, Chiti F, Donati C, Cecchi C. Sphingosine 1-phosphate attenuates neuronal dysfunction induced by amyloid-β oligomers through endocytic internalization of NMDA receptors. FEBS J 2023; 290:112-133. [PMID: 35851748 PMCID: PMC10087929 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Soluble oligomers arising from the aggregation of the amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) have been identified as the main pathogenic agents in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prefibrillar oligomers of the 42-residue form of Aβ (Aβ42 O) show membrane-binding capacity and trigger the disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis, a causative event in neuron degeneration. Since bioactive lipids have been recently proposed as potent protective agents against Aβ toxicity, we investigated the involvement of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signalling pathway in Ca2+ homeostasis in living neurons exposed to Aβ42 O. We show that both exogenous and endogenous S1P rescued neuronal Ca2+ dyshomeostasis induced by toxic Aβ42 O in primary rat cortical neurons and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Further analysis revealed a strong neuroprotective effect of S1P1 and S1P4 receptors, and to a lower extent of S1P3 and S1P5 receptors, which activate the Gi -dependent signalling pathways, thus resulting in the endocytic internalization of the extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Notably, the S1P beneficial effect can be sustained over time by sphingosine kinase-1 overexpression, thus counteracting the down-regulation of the S1P signalling induced by Aβ42 O. Our findings disclose underlying mechanisms of S1P neuronal protection against harmful Aβ42 O, suggesting that S1P and its signalling axis can be considered promising targets for therapeutic approaches for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Fani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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20
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Fišar Z. Linking the Amyloid, Tau, and Mitochondrial Hypotheses of Alzheimer's Disease and Identifying Promising Drug Targets. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1676. [PMID: 36421690 PMCID: PMC9687482 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage or loss of brain cells and impaired neurochemistry, neurogenesis, and synaptic and nonsynaptic plasticity of the brain lead to dementia in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Injury to synapses and neurons and accumulation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are considered the main morphological and neuropathological features of AD. Age, genetic and epigenetic factors, environmental stressors, and lifestyle contribute to the risk of AD onset and progression. These risk factors are associated with structural and functional changes in the brain, leading to cognitive decline. Biomarkers of AD reflect or cause specific changes in brain function, especially changes in pathways associated with neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, bioenergetics, apoptosis, and oxidative and nitrosative stress. Even in the initial stages, AD is associated with Aβ neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and tau neurotoxicity. The integrative amyloid-tau-mitochondrial hypothesis assumes that the primary cause of AD is the neurotoxicity of Aβ oligomers and tau oligomers, mitochondrial dysfunction, and their mutual synergy. For the development of new efficient AD drugs, targeting the elimination of neurotoxicity, mutual potentiation of effects, and unwanted protein interactions of risk factors and biomarkers (mainly Aβ oligomers, tau oligomers, and mitochondrial dysfunction) in the early stage of the disease seems promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Fišar
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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21
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Bigi A, Cascella R, Chiti F, Cecchi C. Amyloid fibrils act as a reservoir of soluble oligomers, the main culprits in protein deposition diseases. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200086. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Section of Biochemistry University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Section of Biochemistry University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Section of Biochemistry University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences Section of Biochemistry University of Florence Florence Italy
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22
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Misfolded protein oligomers induce an increase of intracellular Ca 2+ causing an escalation of reactive oxidative species. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:500. [PMID: 36030306 PMCID: PMC9420098 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04513-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation in the brain of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide in the form of senile plaques. According to the amyloid hypothesis, the aggregation process of Aβ also generates smaller soluble misfolded oligomers that contribute to disease progression. One of the mechanisms of Aβ oligomer cytotoxicity is the aberrant interaction of these species with the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes, with a consequent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ levels, flowing from the extracellular space, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we investigated the relationship between the increase in Ca2+ and ROS levels immediately after the exposure to misfolded protein oligomers, asking whether they are simultaneous or instead one precedes the other. Using Aβ42-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) and type A HypF-N model oligomers (OAs), we followed the kinetics of ROS production and Ca2+ influx in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and rat primary cortical neurons in a variety of conditions. In all cases we found a faster increase of intracellular Ca2+ than ROS levels, and a lag phase in the latter process. A Ca2+-deprived cell medium prevented the increase of intracellular Ca2+ ions and abolished ROS production. By contrast, treatment with antioxidant agents prevented ROS formation, did not prevent the initial Ca2+ flux, but allowed the cells to react to the initial calcium dyshomeostasis, restoring later the normal levels of the ions. These results reveal a mechanism in which the entry of Ca2+ causes the production of ROS in cells challenged by aberrant protein oligomers.
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23
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Rudajev V, Novotny J. Cholesterol as a key player in amyloid β-mediated toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:937056. [PMID: 36090253 PMCID: PMC9453481 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.937056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is one of the most devastating and widespread diseases worldwide, mainly affecting the aging population. One of the key factors contributing to AD-related neurotoxicity is the production and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ). Many studies have shown the ability of Aβ to bind to the cell membrane and disrupt its structure, leading to cell death. Because amyloid damage affects different parts of the brain differently, it seems likely that not only Aβ but also the nature of the membrane interface with which the amyloid interacts, helps determine the final neurotoxic effect. Because cholesterol is the dominant component of the plasma membrane, it plays an important role in Aβ-induced toxicity. Elevated cholesterol levels and their regulation by statins have been shown to be important factors influencing the progression of neurodegeneration. However, data from many studies have shown that cholesterol has both neuroprotective and aggravating effects in relation to the development of AD. In this review, we attempt to summarize recent findings on the role of cholesterol in Aβ toxicity mediated by membrane binding in the pathogenesis of AD and to consider it in the broader context of the lipid composition of cell membranes.
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24
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Forloni G, La Vitola P, Balducci C. Oligomeropathies, inflammation and prion protein binding. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:822420. [PMID: 36081661 PMCID: PMC9445368 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.822420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role of oligomers, small soluble aggregates of misfolded proteins, in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders is recognized in numerous experimental conditions and is compatible with clinical evidence. To underline this concept, some years ago we coined the term oligomeropathies to define the common mechanism of action of protein misfolding diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson or prion diseases. Using simple experimental conditions, with direct application of synthetic β amyloid or α-synuclein oligomers intraventricularly at micromolar concentrations, we could detect differences and similarities in the biological consequences. The two oligomer species affected cognitive behavior, neuronal dysfunction and cerebral inflammatory reactions with distinct mechanisms. In these experimental conditions the proposed mediatory role of cellular prion protein in oligomer activities was not confirmed. Together with oligomers, inflammation at different levels can be important early in neurodegenerative disorders; both β amyloid and α-synuclein oligomers induce inflammation and its control strongly affects neuronal dysfunction. This review summarizes our studies with β-amyloid or α-synuclein oligomers, also considering the potential curative role of doxycycline, a well-known antibiotic with anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. These actions are analyzed in terms of the therapeutic prospects.
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25
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Kreiser RP, Wright AK, Sasser LR, Rinauro DJ, Gabriel JM, Hsu CM, Hurtado JA, McKenzie TL, Errico S, Albright JA, Richardson L, Jaffett VA, Riegner DE, Nguyen LT, LeForte K, Zasloff M, Hollows JE, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. A Brain-Permeable Aminosterol Regulates Cell Membranes to Mitigate the Toxicity of Diverse Pore-Forming Agents. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1219-1231. [PMID: 35404569 PMCID: PMC9026273 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
The molecular composition
of the plasma membrane plays a key role
in mediating the susceptibility of cells to perturbations induced
by toxic molecules. The pharmacological regulation of the properties
of the cell membrane has therefore the potential to enhance cellular
resilience to a wide variety of chemical and biological compounds.
In this study, we investigate the ability of claramine, a blood–brain
barrier permeable small molecule in the aminosterol class, to neutralize
the toxicity of acute biological threat agents, including melittin
from honeybee venom and α-hemolysin from Staphylococcus
aureus. Our results show that claramine neutralizes
the toxicity of these pore-forming agents by preventing their interactions
with cell membranes without perturbing their structures in a detectable
manner. We thus demonstrate that the exogenous administration of an
aminosterol can tune the properties of lipid membranes and protect
cells from diverse biotoxins, including not just misfolded protein
oligomers as previously shown but also biological protein-based toxins.
Our results indicate that the investigation of regulators of the physicochemical
properties of cell membranes offers novel opportunities to develop
countermeasures against an extensive set of cytotoxic effects associated
with cell membrane disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. Kreiser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Aidan K. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Liam R. Sasser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Dillon J. Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Justus M. Gabriel
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Claire M. Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Jorge A. Hurtado
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Tristan L. McKenzie
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Silvia Errico
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - J. Alex Albright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Lance Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Victor A. Jaffett
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Dawn E. Riegner
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Lam T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Kathleen LeForte
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Michael Zasloff
- MedStar-Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, United States
| | - Jared E. Hollows
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
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Zhang S, Yoo S, Snyder DT, Katz BB, Henrickson A, Demeler B, Wysocki VH, Kreutzer AG, Nowick JS. A Disulfide-Stabilized Aβ that Forms Dimers but Does Not Form Fibrils. Biochemistry 2022; 61:252-264. [PMID: 35080857 PMCID: PMC9083094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aβ dimers are a basic building block of many larger Aβ oligomers and are among the most neurotoxic and pathologically relevant species in Alzheimer's disease. Homogeneous Aβ dimers are difficult to prepare, characterize, and study because Aβ forms heterogeneous mixtures of oligomers that vary in size and can rapidly aggregate into more stable fibrils. This paper introduces AβC18C33 as a disulfide-stabilized analogue of Aβ42 that forms stable homogeneous dimers in lipid environments but does not aggregate to form insoluble fibrils. The AβC18C33 peptide is readily expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by reverse-phase HPLC to give ca. 8 mg of pure peptide per liter of bacterial culture. SDS-PAGE establishes that AβC18C33 forms homogeneous dimers in the membrane-like environment of SDS and that conformational stabilization of the peptide with a disulfide bond prevents the formation of heterogeneous mixtures of oligomers. Mass spectrometric (MS) studies in the presence of dodecyl maltoside (DDM) further confirm the formation of stable noncovalent dimers. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy establishes that AβC18C33 adopts a β-sheet conformation in detergent solutions and supports a model in which the intramolecular disulfide bond induces β-hairpin folding and dimer formation in lipid environments. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies indicate that AβC18C33 does not undergo fibril formation in aqueous buffer solutions and demonstrate that the intramolecular disulfide bond prevents fibril formation. The recently published NMR structure of an Aβ42 tetramer (PDB: 6RHY) provides a working model for the AβC18C33 dimer, in which two β-hairpins assemble through hydrogen bonding to form a four-stranded antiparallel β-sheet. It is anticipated that AβC18C33 will serve as a stable, nonfibrilizing, and noncovalent Aβ dimer model for amyloid and Alzheimer's disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Stan Yoo
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Dalton T. Snyder
- Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Benjamin B. Katz
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Vicki H. Wysocki
- Resource for Native Mass Spectrometry Guided Structural Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Adam G. Kreutzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States,Corresponding Authors: James S. Nowick – Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States. , Adam G. Kreutzer – Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States.
| | - James S. Nowick
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States,Corresponding Authors: James S. Nowick – Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States. , Adam G. Kreutzer – Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States.
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Pathak BK, Dey S, Mozumder S, Sengupta J. The role of membranes in function and dysfunction of intrinsically disordered amyloidogenic proteins. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 128:397-434. [PMID: 35034725 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-protein interactions play a major role in human physiology as well as in diseases pathology. Interaction of a protein with the membrane was previously thought to be dependent on well-defined three-dimensional structure of the protein. In recent decades, however, it has become evident that a large fraction of the proteome, particularly in eukaryotes, stays disordered in solution and these proteins are termed as intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Also, a vast majority of human proteomes have been reported to contain substantially long disordered regions, called intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), in addition to the structurally ordered regions. IDPs exist in an ensemble of conformations and the conformational flexibility enables IDPs to achieve functional diversity. IDPs (and IDRs) are found to be important players in cell signaling, where biological membranes act as anchors for signaling cascades. Therefore, IDPs modulate the membrane architectures, at the same time membrane composition also affects the binding of IDPs. Because of intrinsic disorders, misfolding of IDPs often leads to formation of oligomers, protofibrils and mature fibrils through progressive self-association. Accumulation of amyloid-like aggregates of some of the IDPs is a known causative agent for numerous diseases. In this chapter we highlight recent advances in understanding membrane interactions of some of the intrinsically disordered proteins involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bani Kumar Pathak
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India
| | - Sandip Dey
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India
| | - Sukanya Mozumder
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Jayati Sengupta
- Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Jadavpur, Kolkata, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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Errico S, Ramshini H, Capitini C, Canale C, Spaziano M, Barbut D, Calamai M, Zasloff M, Oropesa-Nuñez R, Vendruscolo M, Chiti F. Quantitative Measurement of the Affinity of Toxic and Nontoxic Misfolded Protein Oligomers for Lipid Bilayers and of its Modulation by Lipid Composition and Trodusquemine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3189-3202. [PMID: 34382791 PMCID: PMC8414483 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the self-assembly of peptides and proteins into fibrillar aggregates. Soluble misfolded oligomers formed during the aggregation process, or released by mature fibrils, play a relevant role in neurodegenerative processes through their interactions with neuronal membranes. However, the determinants of the cytotoxicity of these oligomers are still unclear. Here we used liposomes and toxic and nontoxic oligomers formed by the same protein to measure quantitatively the affinity of the two oligomeric species for lipid membranes. To this aim, we quantified the perturbation to the lipid membranes caused by the two oligomers by using the fluorescence quenching of two probes embedded in the polar and apolar regions of the lipid membranes and a well-defined protein-oligomer binding assay using fluorescently labeled oligomers to determine the Stern-Volmer and dissociation constants, respectively. With both approaches, we found that the toxic oligomers have a membrane affinity 20-25 times higher than that of nontoxic oligomers. Circular dichroism, intrinsic fluorescence, and FRET indicated that neither oligomer type changes its structure upon membrane interaction. Using liposomes enriched with trodusquemine, a potential small molecule drug known to penetrate lipid membranes and make them refractory to toxic oligomers, we found that the membrane affinity of the oligomers was remarkably lower. At protective concentrations of the small molecule, the binding of the oligomers to the lipid membranes was fully prevented. Furthermore, the affinity of the toxic oligomers for the lipid membranes was found to increase and slightly decrease with GM1 ganglioside and cholesterol content, respectively, indicating that physicochemical properties of lipid membranes modulate their affinity for misfolded oligomeric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Errico
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Ramshini
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department
of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran 19395-4697, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Claudia Capitini
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Florence, Sesto
Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Claudio Canale
- Department
of Physics, University of Genoa, Genoa 16146, Italy
| | - Martina Spaziano
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Denise Barbut
- Enterin
Inc., 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, United States
| | - Martino Calamai
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- National
Institute of Optics, National Research Council
of Italy (CNR), Florence 50125, Italy
| | - Michael Zasloff
- Enterin
Inc., 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, United States
- MedStar-Georgetown
Transplant Institute, Georgetown University
School of Medicine, Washington D.C. 20007, United States
| | - Reinier Oropesa-Nuñez
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala
University, Uppsala SE-751 03, Sweden
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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29
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Koike H, Iguchi Y, Sahashi K, Katsuno M. Significance of Oligomeric and Fibrillar Species in Amyloidosis: Insights into Pathophysiology and Treatment. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26165091. [PMID: 34443678 PMCID: PMC8401015 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis is a term referring to a group of various protein-misfolding diseases wherein normally soluble proteins form aggregates as insoluble amyloid fibrils. How, or whether, amyloid fibrils contribute to tissue damage in amyloidosis has been the topic of debate. In vitro studies have demonstrated the appearance of small globular oligomeric species during the incubation of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). Nerve biopsy specimens from patients with systemic amyloidosis have suggested that globular structures similar to Aβ oligomers were generated from amorphous electron-dense materials and later developed into mature amyloid fibrils. Schwann cells adjacent to amyloid fibrils become atrophic and degenerative, suggesting that the direct tissue damage induced by amyloid fibrils plays an important role in systemic amyloidosis. In contrast, there is increasing evidence that oligomers, rather than amyloid fibrils, are responsible for cell death in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Disease-modifying therapies based on the pathophysiology of amyloidosis have now become available. Aducanumab, a human monoclonal antibody against the aggregated form of Aβ, was recently approved for Alzheimer’s disease, and other monoclonal antibodies, including gantenerumab, solanezumab, and lecanemab, could also be up for approval. As many other agents for amyloidosis will be developed in the future, studies to develop sensitive clinical scales for identifying improvement and markers that can act as surrogates for clinical scales should be conducted.
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Identification of transmissible proteotoxic oligomer-like fibrils that expand conformational diversity of amyloid assemblies. Commun Biol 2021; 4:939. [PMID: 34354242 PMCID: PMC8342456 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and amyloid deposition are associated with numerous diseases. The detailed characterization of the proteospecies mediating cell death remains elusive owing to the (supra)structural polymorphism and transient nature of the assemblies populating the amyloid pathway. Here we describe the identification of toxic amyloid fibrils with oligomer-like characteristics, which were assembled from an islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) derivative containing an Asn-to-Gln substitution (N21Q). While N21Q filaments share structural properties with cytocompatible fibrils, including the 4.7 Å inter-strand distance and β-sheet-rich conformation, they concurrently display characteristics of oligomers, such as low thioflavin-T binding, high surface hydrophobicity and recognition by the A11 antibody, leading to high potency to disrupt membranes and cause cellular dysfunction. The toxic oligomer-like conformation of N21Q fibrils, which is preserved upon elongation, is transmissible to naïve IAPP. These stable fibrils expanding the conformational diversity of amyloid assemblies represent an opportunity to elucidate the structural basis of amyloid disorders. Nguyen et al identified cytotoxic amyloid fibrils with oligomer-like characteristics, which were assembled from an islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) derivative containing an Asn-to-Gln substitution (N21Q). They presented evidence to show that these stable fibrils expand the conformational diversity of amyloid assemblies, which represents an opportunity to elucidate the structural basis of amyloid disorders.
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31
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Madhu P, Das D, Mukhopadhyay S. Conformation-specific perturbation of membrane dynamics by structurally distinct oligomers of Alzheimer's amyloid-β peptide. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:9686-9694. [PMID: 33908427 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp06456d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of toxic soluble oligomers of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is a key step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. There are mainly two conformationally distinct oligomers, namely, prefibrillar and fibrillar oligomers, that are recognized by conformation-specific antibodies, anti-amyloid oligomer antibody (A11) and anti-amyloid fibrillar antibody (OC), respectively. Previous studies have shown that the interaction of Aβ oligomers with the lipid membrane is one of the key mechanisms of toxicity produced by Aβ oligomers. However, the mechanism by which structurally distinct Aβ oligomers interact with the lipid membrane remains elusive. In this work, we dissect the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction of structurally distinct Aβ42 oligomers with the lipid membrane derived from the brain total lipid extract. Using picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that the A11-positive Aβ42 oligomers undergo a membrane-induced conformational change that promotes the deeper immersion of these oligomers into the lipid hydrocarbon region and results in an increase in the membrane micro-viscosity. In sharp contrast, OC-positive Aβ42 oligomers interact with the lipid membrane via electrostatic interactions between the negatively-charged lipid headgroup and positively-charged residues of Aβ42 without perturbing the membrane dynamics. We show that the two structurally distinct Aβ42 oligomers demonstrating different interaction mechanisms with the lipid membrane eventually lead to the formation of typical amyloid fibrils. Our findings provide the mechanistic underpinning of the perturbation of lipid membranes by two conformationally distinct Aβ42 oligomers and can be of prime importance in designing anti-Alzheimer's therapeutic agents targeting Aβ-membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Madhu
- Centre for Protein Science Design and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali 140306, Punjab, India.
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32
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Perni M, Mannini B, Xu CK, Kumita JR, Dobson CM, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M. Exogenous misfolded protein oligomers can cross the intestinal barrier and cause a disease phenotype in C. elegans. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14391. [PMID: 34257326 PMCID: PMC8277765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolded protein oligomers are increasingly recognized as highly cytotoxic agents in a wide range of human disorders associated with protein aggregation. In this study, we assessed the possible uptake and resulting toxic effects of model protein oligomers administered to C. elegans through the culture medium. We used an automated machine-vision, high-throughput screening procedure to monitor the phenotypic changes in the worms, in combination with confocal microscopy to monitor the diffusion of the oligomers, and oxidative stress assays to detect their toxic effects. Our results suggest that the oligomers can diffuse from the intestinal lumen to other tissues, resulting in a disease phenotype. We also observed that pre-incubation of the oligomers with a molecular chaperone (αB-crystallin) or a small molecule inhibitor of protein aggregation (squalamine), reduced the oligomer absorption. These results indicate that exogenous misfolded protein oligomers can be taken up by the worms from their environment and spread across tissues, giving rise to pathological effects in regions distant from their place of absorbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Perni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Benedetta Mannini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Christopher M Dobson
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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Limbocker R, Staats R, Chia S, Ruggeri FS, Mannini B, Xu CK, Perni M, Cascella R, Bigi A, Sasser LR, Block NR, Wright AK, Kreiser RP, Custy ET, Meisl G, Errico S, Habchi J, Flagmeier P, Kartanas T, Hollows JE, Nguyen LT, LeForte K, Barbut D, Kumita JR, Cecchi C, Zasloff M, Knowles TPJ, Dobson CM, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M. Squalamine and Its Derivatives Modulate the Aggregation of Amyloid-β and α-Synuclein and Suppress the Toxicity of Their Oligomers. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:680026. [PMID: 34220435 PMCID: PMC8249941 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant aggregation of proteins is a key molecular event in the development and progression of a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders. We have shown previously that squalamine and trodusquemine, two natural products in the aminosterol class, can modulate the aggregation of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and of α-synuclein (αS), which are associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this work, we expand our previous analyses to two squalamine derivatives, des-squalamine and α-squalamine, obtaining further insights into the mechanism by which aminosterols modulate Aβ and αS aggregation. We then characterize the ability of these small molecules to alter the physicochemical properties of stabilized oligomeric species in vitro and to suppress the toxicity of these aggregates to varying degrees toward human neuroblastoma cells. We found that, despite the fact that these aminosterols exert opposing effects on Aβ and αS aggregation under the conditions that we tested, the modifications that they induced to the toxicity of oligomers were similar. Our results indicate that the suppression of toxicity is mediated by the displacement of toxic oligomeric species from cellular membranes by the aminosterols. This study, thus, provides evidence that aminosterols could be rationally optimized in drug discovery programs to target oligomer toxicity in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Limbocker
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco S. Ruggeri
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Benedetta Mannini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine K. Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Perni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Liam R. Sasser
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Natalie R. Block
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Aidan K. Wright
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Ryan P. Kreiser
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Edward T. Custy
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Georg Meisl
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Errico
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Johnny Habchi
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Flagmeier
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tadas Kartanas
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jared E. Hollows
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Lam T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Kathleen LeForte
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, United States
| | | | - Janet R. Kumita
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michael Zasloff
- Enterin Inc., Philadelphia, PA, United States
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Palazzi L, Fongaro B, Leri M, Acquasaliente L, Stefani M, Bucciantini M, Polverino de Laureto P. Structural Features and Toxicity of α-Synuclein Oligomers Grown in the Presence of DOPAC. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116008. [PMID: 34199427 PMCID: PMC8199589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The interplay between α-synuclein and dopamine derivatives is associated with oxidative stress-dependent neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The formation in the dopaminergic neurons of intraneuronal inclusions containing aggregates of α-synuclein is a typical hallmark of PD. Even though the biochemical events underlying the aberrant aggregation of α-synuclein are not completely understood, strong evidence correlates this process with the levels of dopamine metabolites. In vitro, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) and the other two metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET), share the property to inhibit the growth of mature amyloid fibrils of α-synuclein. Although this effect occurs with the formation of differently toxic products, the molecular basis of this inhibition is still unclear. Here, we provide information on the effect of DOPAC on the aggregation properties of α-synuclein and its ability to interact with membranes. DOPAC inhibits α-synuclein aggregation, stabilizing monomer and inducing the formation of dimers and trimers. DOPAC-induced oligomers did not undergo conformational transition in the presence of membranes, and penetrated the cell, where they triggered autophagic processes. Cellular assays showed that DOPAC reduced cytotoxicity and ROS production induced by α-synuclein aggregates. Our findings show that the early radicals resulting from DOPAC autoxidation produced covalent modifications of the protein, which were not by themselves a primary cause of either fibrillation or membrane binding inhibition. These findings are discussed in the light of the potential mechanism of DOPAC protection against the toxicity of α-synuclein aggregates to better understand protein and catecholamine biology and to eventually suggest a scaffold that can help in the design of candidate molecules able to interfere in α-synuclein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Palazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (B.F.); (L.A.)
| | - Benedetta Fongaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (B.F.); (L.A.)
| | - Manuela Leri
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (M.L.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (B.F.); (L.A.)
| | - Massimo Stefani
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (M.L.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Monica Bucciantini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (M.L.); (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Patrizia Polverino de Laureto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (B.F.); (L.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Exploring the Release of Toxic Oligomers from α-Synuclein Fibrils with Antibodies and STED Microscopy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050431. [PMID: 34064766 PMCID: PMC8150853 DOI: 10.3390/life11050431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αS) is an intrinsically disordered and highly dynamic protein involved in dopamine release at presynaptic terminals. The abnormal aggregation of αS as mature fibrils into intraneuronal inclusion bodies is directly linked to Parkinson’s disease. Increasing experimental evidence suggests that soluble oligomers formed early during the aggregation process are the most cytotoxic forms of αS. This study investigated the uptake by neuronal cells of pathologically relevant αS oligomers and fibrils exploiting a range of conformation-sensitive antibodies, and the super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. We found that prefibrillar oligomers promptly penetrate neuronal membranes, thus resulting in cell dysfunction. By contrast, fibril docking to the phospholipid bilayer is accompanied by αS conformational changes with a progressive release of A11-reactive oligomers, which can enter into the neurons and trigger cell impairment. Our data provide important evidence on the role of αS fibrils as a source of harmful oligomers, which resemble the intermediate conformers formed de novo during aggregation, underling the dynamic and reversible nature of protein aggregates responsible for α-synucleinopathies.
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Cascella R, Cecchi C. Calcium Dyshomeostasis in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094914. [PMID: 34066371 PMCID: PMC8124842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by amyloid β-protein deposition in senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles consisting of abnormally phosphorylated tau protein, and neuronal loss leading to cognitive decline and dementia. Despite extensive research, the exact mechanisms underlying AD remain unknown and effective treatment is not available. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain AD pathophysiology; however, there is general consensus that the abnormal aggregation of the amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is the initial event triggering a pathogenic cascade of degenerating events in cholinergic neurons. The dysregulation of calcium homeostasis has been studied considerably to clarify the mechanisms of neurodegeneration induced by Aβ. Intracellular calcium acts as a second messenger and plays a key role in the regulation of neuronal functions, such as neural growth and differentiation, action potential, and synaptic plasticity. The calcium hypothesis of AD posits that activation of the amyloidogenic pathway affects neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis and the mechanisms responsible for learning and memory. Aβ can disrupt Ca2+ signaling through several mechanisms, by increasing the influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space and by activating its release from intracellular stores. Here, we review the different molecular mechanisms and receptors involved in calcium dysregulation in AD and possible therapeutic strategies for improving the treatment.
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Araújo AR, Castro VI, Reis RL, Pires RA. Glucosamine and Its Analogues as Modulators of Amyloid-β Toxicity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:548-554. [PMID: 33859794 PMCID: PMC8040036 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00350] [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: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers are considered key mediators of synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. These unstable intermediate Aβ species can interfere with different cellular organelles, leading to neuronal cell death, through the formation of Ca2+-permeable membrane pores, impairment in the levels of acetylcholine neurotransmitters, increased insulin resistance, promotion of pro-inflammatory cascades, among others. Based on a series of evidences that indicate the key role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in amyloid plaque formation, we evaluated the capacity of four monosaccharides, i.e., glucosamine (GlcN), N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc), glucosamine-6-sulfate (GlcN6S), and glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P), to reduce the Aβ-mediated pathological hallmarks. The tested monosaccharides, in particular, GlcN6S and GlcN6P, were able to interact with Aβ aggregates, reducing neuronal cell death, Aβ-mediated damage to the cellular membrane, acetylcholinesterase activity, insulin resistance, and pro-inflammation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R. Araújo
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials,
Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University
of Minho, Headquarters of the European
Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine,
AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da
Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s
− PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vânia I.
B. Castro
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials,
Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University
of Minho, Headquarters of the European
Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine,
AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da
Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s
− PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials,
Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University
of Minho, Headquarters of the European
Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine,
AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da
Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s
− PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo A. Pires
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials,
Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University
of Minho, Headquarters of the European
Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine,
AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da
Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s
− PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Banchelli M, Cascella R, D’Andrea C, La Penna G, Li MS, Machetti F, Matteini P, Pizzanelli S. Probing the Structure of Toxic Amyloid-β Oligomers with Electron Spin Resonance and Molecular Modeling. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1150-1161. [PMID: 33724783 PMCID: PMC9284516 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural models of the toxic species involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease are of utmost importance to understand the molecular mechanism and to describe early biomarkers of the disease. Among toxic species, soluble oligomers of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are particularly important, because they are responsible for spreading cell damages over brain regions, thus rapidly impairing brain functions. In this work we obtain structural information on a carefully prepared Aβ(1-42) sample, representing a toxic state for cell cultures, by combining electron spin resonance spectroscopy and computational models. We exploited the binding of Cu2+ to Aβ(1-42) and used copper as a probe for estimating Cu-Cu distances in the oligomers by applying double electron-electron resonance (DEER) pulse sequence. The DEER trace of this sample displays a unique feature that fits well with structural models of oligomers formed by Cu-cross-linked peptide dimers. Because Cu is bound to the Aβ(1-42) N-terminus, for the first time structural constraints that are missing in reported studies are provided at physiological conditions for the Aβ N-termini. These constraints suggest the Aβ(1-42) dimer as the building block of soluble oligomers, thus changing the scenario for any kinetic model of Aβ(1-42) aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Banchelli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 FI, Italy
| | - Roberta Cascella
- University of Florence, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, I-50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Cristiano D’Andrea
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 FI, Italy
| | - Giovanni La Penna
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds (ICCOM), Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 FI, Italy
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN),
Section of Roma-Tor Vergata, I-00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, 6 Quarter, Linh Trung Ward, Thu
Duc District, 700000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Fabrizio Machetti
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds (ICCOM), Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 FI, Italy
- University of Florence, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 FI, Italy
| | - Paolo Matteini
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019 FI, Italy
| | - Silvia Pizzanelli
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds (ICCOM), I-56124 Pisa, Italy
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Cascella R, Chen SW, Bigi A, Camino JD, Xu CK, Dobson CM, Chiti F, Cremades N, Cecchi C. The release of toxic oligomers from α-synuclein fibrils induces dysfunction in neuronal cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1814. [PMID: 33753734 PMCID: PMC7985515 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21937-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of α-synuclein (αS) into intraneuronal inclusion bodies is a key characteristic of Parkinson's disease. To define the nature of the species giving rise to neuronal damage, we have investigated the mechanism of action of the main αS populations that have been observed to form progressively during fibril growth. The αS fibrils release soluble prefibrillar oligomeric species with cross-β structure and solvent-exposed hydrophobic clusters. αS prefibrillar oligomers are efficient in crossing and permeabilize neuronal membranes, causing cellular insults. Short fibrils are more neurotoxic than long fibrils due to the higher proportion of fibrillar ends, resulting in a rapid release of oligomers. The kinetics of released αS oligomers match the observed kinetics of toxicity in cellular systems. In addition to previous evidence that αS fibrils can spread in different brain areas, our in vitro results reveal that αS fibrils can also release oligomeric species responsible for an immediate dysfunction of the neurons in the vicinity of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serene W Chen
- Department of Life Science, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - José D Camino
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-Institute of Physical Chemistry "Rocasolano" (CSIC), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher M Dobson
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nunilo Cremades
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit BIFI-Institute of Physical Chemistry "Rocasolano" (CSIC), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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40
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Caruana M, Camilleri A, Farrugia MY, Ghio S, Jakubíčková M, Cauchi RJ, Vassallo N. Extract from the Marine Seaweed Padina pavonica Protects Mitochondrial Biomembranes from Damage by Amyloidogenic Peptides. Molecules 2021; 26:1444. [PMID: 33799979 PMCID: PMC7962105 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of compounds which protect the double-membrane of mitochondrial organelles from disruption by toxic confomers of amyloid proteins may offer a therapeutic strategy to combat human neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we exploited an extract from the marine brown seaweed Padina pavonica (PPE) as a vital source of natural bioactive compounds to protect mitochondrial membranes against insult by oligomeric aggregates of the amyloidogenic proteins amyloid-β (Aβ), α-synuclein (α-syn) and tau, which are currently considered to be major targets for drug discovery in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). We show that PPE manifested a significant inhibitory effect against swelling of isolated mitochondria exposed to the amyloid oligomers, and attenuated the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Using cardiolipin-enriched synthetic lipid membranes, we also show that dye leakage from fluorophore-loaded vesicles and formation of channel-like pores in planar bilayer membranes are largely prevented by incubating the oligomeric aggregates with PPE. Lastly, we demonstrate that PPE curtails the ability of Aβ42 and α-syn monomers to self-assemble into larger β-aggregate structures, as well as potently disrupts their respective amyloid fibrils. In conclusion, the mito-protective and anti-aggregator biological activities of Padina pavonica extract may be of therapeutic value in neurodegenerative proteinopathies, such as AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caruana
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta
| | - Angelique Camilleri
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta
| | - Maria Ylenia Farrugia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta
| | - Stephanie Ghio
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta
| | - Michaela Jakubíčková
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 60300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ruben J. Cauchi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta
| | - Neville Vassallo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta; (M.C.); (A.C.); (M.Y.F.); (S.G.); (M.J.); (R.J.C.)
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Malta, 2023 Msida, Malta
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Fani G, Mannini B, Vecchi G, Cascella R, Cecchi C, Dobson CM, Vendruscolo M, Chiti F. Aβ Oligomers Dysregulate Calcium Homeostasis by Mechanosensitive Activation of AMPA and NMDA Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:766-781. [PMID: 33538575 PMCID: PMC7898266 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the aggregation of the amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and by an impairment of calcium homeostasis caused by excessive activation of glutamatergic receptors (excitotoxicity). Here, we studied the effects on calcium homeostasis caused by the formation of Aβ oligomeric assemblies. We found that Aβ oligomers cause a rapid influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) across the cell membrane by rapidly activating extrasynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and, to a lower extent, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. We also observed, however, that misfolded oligomers do not interact directly with these receptors. Further experiments with lysophosphatidylcholine and arachidonic acid, which cause membrane compression and stretch, respectively, indicated that these receptors are activated through a change in membrane tension induced by the oligomers and transmitted mechanically to the receptors via the lipid bilayer. Indeed, lysophosphatidylcholine is able to neutralize the oligomer-induced activation of the NMDA receptors, whereas arachidonic acid activates the receptors similarly to the oligomers with no additive effects. An increased rotational freedom observed for a fluorescent probe embedded within the membrane in the presence of the oligomers also indicates a membrane stretch. These results reveal a mechanism of toxicity of Aβ oligomers in Alzheimer's disease through the perturbation of the mechanical properties of lipid membranes sensed by NMDA and AMPA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fani
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Benedetta Mannini
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Giulia Vecchi
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Venko K, Novič M, Stoka V, Žerovnik E. Prediction of Transmembrane Regions, Cholesterol, and Ganglioside Binding Sites in Amyloid-Forming Proteins Indicate Potential for Amyloid Pore Formation. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:619496. [PMID: 33642992 PMCID: PMC7902868 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.619496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides amyloid fibrils, amyloid pores (APs) represent another mechanism of amyloid induced toxicity. Since hypothesis put forward by Arispe and collegues in 1993 that amyloid-beta makes ion-conducting channels and that Alzheimer's disease may be due to the toxic effect of these channels, many studies have confirmed that APs are formed by prefibrillar oligomers of amyloidogenic proteins and are a common source of cytotoxicity. The mechanism of pore formation is still not well-understood and the structure and imaging of APs in living cells remains an open issue. To get closer to understand AP formation we used predictive methods to assess the propensity of a set of 30 amyloid-forming proteins (AFPs) to form transmembrane channels. A range of amino-acid sequence tools were applied to predict AP domains of AFPs, and provided context on future experiments that are needed in order to contribute toward a deeper understanding of amyloid toxicity. In a set of 30 AFPs we predicted their amyloidogenic propensity, presence of transmembrane (TM) regions, and cholesterol (CBM) and ganglioside binding motifs (GBM), to which the oligomers likely bind. Noteworthy, all pathological AFPs share the presence of TM, CBM, and GBM regions, whereas the functional amyloids seem to show just one of these regions. For comparative purposes, we also analyzed a few examples of amyloid proteins that behave as biologically non-relevant AFPs. Based on the known experimental data on the β-amyloid and α-synuclein pore formation, we suggest that many AFPs have the potential for pore formation. Oligomerization and α-TM helix to β-TM strands transition on lipid rafts seem to be the common key events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Venko
- Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjana Novič
- Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Stoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Žerovnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Tran TT, Pan F, Tran L, Roland C, Sagui C. The F19W mutation reduces the binding affinity of the transmembrane Aβ 11-40 trimer to the membrane bilayer. RSC Adv 2021; 11:2664-2676. [PMID: 35424222 PMCID: PMC8693879 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08837d] [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: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is linked to the aggregation of the amyloid-β protein (Aβ) of 40 or 42 amino acids. Lipid membranes are known to modulate the rate and mechanisms of the Aβ aggregation. Point mutations in Aβ can alter these rates and mechanisms. In particular, experiments show that F19 mutations influence the aggregation rate, but maintain the fibril structures. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations to examine the effect of the F19W mutation in the 3Aβ11-40 trimer immersed in DPPC lipid bilayers submerged in aqueous solution. Substituting Phe by its closest (non-polar) aromatic amino acid Trp has a dramatic reduction in binding affinity to the phospholipid membrane (measured with respect to the solvated protein) compared to the wild type: the binding free energy of the protein-DPPC lipid bilayer increases by 40-50 kcal mol-1 over the wild-type. This is accompanied by conformational changes and loss of salt bridges, as well as a more complex free energy surface, all indicative of a more flexible and less stable mutated trimer. These results suggest that the impact of mutations can be assessed, at least partially, by evaluating the interaction of the mutated peptides with the lipid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Thuy Tran
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics, Ton Duc Thang University Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University Tallahassee Florida USA
| | - Linh Tran
- Institute of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Duy Tan University Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University Da Nang City 550000 Vietnam
| | - Christopher Roland
- Department of Physics, North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
| | - Celeste Sagui
- Department of Physics, North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
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Cecon E, Lhomme T, Maurice T, Luka M, Chen M, Silva A, Wauman J, Zabeau L, Tavernier J, Prévot V, Dam J, Jockers R. Amyloid Beta Peptide Is an Endogenous Negative Allosteric Modulator of Leptin Receptor. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:370-387. [PMID: 32335558 DOI: 10.1159/000508105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic dysfunction is now recognized as a pivotal component of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common dementia worldwide. However, the precise molecular mechanisms linking metabolic dysfunction to AD remain elusive. OBJECTIVE Here, we investigated the direct impact of soluble oligomeric amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, the main molecular hallmark of AD, on the leptin system, a major component of central energy metabolism regulation. METHODS We developed a new time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based Aβ binding assay for the leptin receptor (LepR) and studied the effect of Aβ on LepR function in several in vitro assays. The in vivo effect of Aβ on LepR function was studied in an Aβ-specific AD mouse model and in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. RESULTS We revealed specific and high-affinity (Ki = 0.1 nM) binding of Aβ to LepR. Pharmacological characterization of this interaction showed that Aβ binds allosterically to the extracellular domain of LepR and negatively affects receptor function. Negative allosteric modulation of LepR by Aβ was detected at the level of signaling pathways (STAT-3, AKT, and ERK) in vitroand in vivo. Importantly, the leptin-induced response of POMC neurons, key players in the regulation of metabolic function, was completely abolished in the presence of Aβ. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that Aβ is a negative allosteric modulator of LepR, resulting in impaired leptin action, and qualify LepR as a new and direct target of Aβ oligomers. Preventing the interaction of Aβ with LepR might improve both the metabolic and cognitive dysfunctions in AD condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Cecon
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Tori Lhomme
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, EGID, DistAlz, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR_S1198, Montpellier, France
| | - Marine Luka
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Min Chen
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Anisia Silva
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Joris Wauman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart Zabeau
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Tavernier
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vincent Prévot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, EGID, DistAlz, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
| | - Julie Dam
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France,
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Li Y, Tang H, Andrikopoulos N, Javed I, Cecchetto L, Nandakumar A, Kakinen A, Davis TP, Ding F, Ke PC. The membrane axis of Alzheimer's nanomedicine. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021; 1:2000040. [PMID: 33748816 PMCID: PMC7971452 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major neurological disorder impairing its carrier's cognitive function, memory and lifespan. While the development of AD nanomedicine is still nascent, the field is evolving into a new scientific frontier driven by the diverse physicochemical properties and theranostic potential of nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Characteristic to the AD pathology is the deposition of amyloid plaques and tangles of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, whose aggregation kinetics may be curbed by nanoparticle inhibitors via sequence-specific targeting or nonspecific interactions with the amyloidogenic proteins. As literature implicates cell membrane as a culprit in AD pathogenesis, here we summarize the membrane axis of AD nanomedicine and present a new rationale that the field development may greatly benefit from harnessing our existing knowledge of Aβ-membrane interaction, nanoparticle-membrane interaction and Aβ-nanoparticle interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhuan Li
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 111 Yixueyuan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Huayuan Tang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| | - Nicholas Andrikopoulos
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Javed
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Luca Cecchetto
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aparna Nandakumar
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Kakinen
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 111 Yixueyuan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Bigi A, Loffredo G, Cascella R, Cecchi C. Targeting Pathological Amyloid Aggregates with Conformation-Sensitive Antibodies. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 17:722-734. [PMID: 33167834 DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666201109093848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not directly caused by the presence of senile plaques but rather by the detrimental effects exerted on neuronal cells by toxic soluble oligomers. Such species are formed early during the aggregation process of the Aβ1-42 peptide or can be released from mature fibrils. Nowadays, efficient tools for an early diagnosis, as well as pharmaceutical treatments targeting the harmful agents in samples of AD patients, are still missing. OBJECTIVE By integrating in vitro immunochemical assay with in vivo neuronal models of toxicity, we aim to understand and target the principles that drive toxicity in AD. METHODS We evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of A11 and OC conformational antibodies to target a range of pathologically relevant amyloid conformers and rescue their cytotoxic effects in neuronal culture models using a number of cellular readouts. RESULTS We demonstrated the peculiar ability of conformational antibodies to label pathologically relevant Aβ1-42 oligomers and fibrils and to prevent their detrimental effects on neuronal cells. CONCLUSION Our results substantially improve our knowledge on the role of toxic assemblies in neurodegenerative diseases, thus suggesting new and more effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Gilda Loffredo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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Brown MR, Radford SE, Hewitt EW. Modulation of β-Amyloid Fibril Formation in Alzheimer's Disease by Microglia and Infection. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:609073. [PMID: 33324164 PMCID: PMC7725705 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.609073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid plaques are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The major component of these plaques are highly ordered amyloid fibrils formed by amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. However, whilst Aβ amyloid fibril assembly has been subjected to detailed and extensive analysis in vitro, these studies may not reproduce how Aβ fibrils assemble in the brain. This is because the brain represents a highly complex and dynamic environment, and in Alzheimer's disease multiple cofactors may affect the assembly of Aβ fibrils. Moreover, in vivo amyloid plaque formation will reflect the balance between the assembly of Aβ fibrils and their degradation. This review explores the roles of microglia as cofactors in Aβ aggregation and in the clearance of amyloid deposits. In addition, we discuss how infection may be an additional cofactor in Aβ fibril assembly by virtue of the antimicrobial properties of Aβ peptides. Crucially, by understanding the roles of microglia and infection in Aβ amyloid fibril assembly it may be possible to identify new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine R Brown
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena E Radford
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Eric W Hewitt
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Kreiser RP, Wright AK, Block NR, Hollows JE, Nguyen LT, LeForte K, Mannini B, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. Therapeutic Strategies to Reduce the Toxicity of Misfolded Protein Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228651. [PMID: 33212787 PMCID: PMC7696907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant aggregation of proteins is implicated in the onset and pathogenesis of a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Mounting evidence indicates that misfolded protein oligomers produced as intermediates in the aggregation process are potent neurotoxic agents in these diseases. Because of the transient and heterogeneous nature of these elusive aggregates, however, it has proven challenging to develop therapeutics that can effectively target them. Here, we review approaches aimed at reducing oligomer toxicity, including (1) modulating the oligomer populations (e.g., by altering the kinetics of aggregation by inhibiting, enhancing, or redirecting the process), (2) modulating the oligomer properties (e.g., through the size–hydrophobicity–toxicity relationship), (3) modulating the oligomer interactions (e.g., by protecting cell membranes by displacing oligomers), and (4) reducing oligomer toxicity by potentiating the protein homeostasis system. We analyze examples of these complementary approaches, which may lead to the development of compounds capable of preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. Kreiser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Aidan K. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Natalie R. Block
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Jared E. Hollows
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Lam T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathleen LeForte
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Benedetta Mannini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.L.)
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Cawood EE, Karamanos TK, Wilson AJ, Radford SE. Visualizing and trapping transient oligomers in amyloid assembly pathways. Biophys Chem 2020; 268:106505. [PMID: 33220582 PMCID: PMC8188297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oligomers which form during amyloid fibril assembly are considered to be key contributors towards amyloid disease. However, understanding how such intermediates form, their structure, and mechanisms of toxicity presents significant challenges due to their transient and heterogeneous nature. Here, we discuss two different strategies for addressing these challenges: use of (1) methods capable of detecting lowly-populated species within complex mixtures, such as NMR, single particle methods (including fluorescence and force spectroscopy), and mass spectrometry; and (2) chemical and biological tools to bias the amyloid energy landscape towards specific oligomeric states. While the former methods are well suited to following the kinetics of amyloid assembly and obtaining low-resolution structural information, the latter are capable of producing oligomer samples for high-resolution structural studies and inferring structure-toxicity relationships. Together, these different approaches should enable a clearer picture to be gained of the nature and role of oligomeric intermediates in amyloid formation and disease. Methods to study structure, toxicity, and kinetics of transient amyloid oligomers. NMR and single particle methods can characterize lowly-populated oligomers. Chemical tools/antibodies stabilize oligomers for structural and toxicity studies A combination of methods is needed to fully characterize amyloid assembly pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Cawood
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK; Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Theodoros K Karamanos
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK; Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew J Wilson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Sheena E Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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50
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Farrugia MY, Caruana M, Ghio S, Camilleri A, Farrugia C, Cauchi RJ, Cappelli S, Chiti F, Vassallo N. Toxic oligomers of the amyloidogenic HypF-N protein form pores in mitochondrial membranes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17733. [PMID: 33082392 PMCID: PMC7575562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74841-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the amyloidogenic N-terminal domain of the E. coli HypF protein (HypF-N) have contributed significantly to a detailed understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases characterised by the formation of misfolded oligomers, by proteins such as amyloid-β, α-synuclein and tau. Given that both cell membranes and mitochondria are increasingly recognised as key targets of oligomer toxicity, we investigated the damaging effects of aggregates of HypF-N on mitochondrial membranes. Essentially, we found that HypF-N oligomers characterised by high surface hydrophobicity (type A) were able to trigger a robust permeabilisation of mito-mimetic liposomes possessing cardiolipin-rich membranes and dysfunction of isolated mitochondria, as demonstrated by a combination of mitochondrial shrinking, lowering of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release. Furthermore, using single-channel electrophysiology recordings we obtained evidence that the type A aggregates induced currents reflecting formation of ion-conducting pores in mito-mimetic planar phospholipid bilayers, with multi-level conductances ranging in the hundreds of pS at negative membrane voltages. Conversely, HypF-N oligomers with low surface hydrophobicity (type B) could not permeabilise or porate mitochondrial membranes. These results suggest an inherent toxicity of membrane-active aggregates of amyloid-forming proteins to mitochondria, and that targeting of oligomer-mitochondrial membrane interactions might therefore afford protection against such damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ylenia Farrugia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Mario Caruana
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Stephanie Ghio
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Angelique Camilleri
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Ruben J Cauchi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Sara Cappelli
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Neville Vassallo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
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