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Anselmo S, Sancataldo G, Vetri V. Deciphering amyloid fibril molecular maturation through FLIM-phasor analysis of thioflavin T. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100145. [PMID: 38404533 PMCID: PMC10884809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2024.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The investigation of amyloid fibril formation is paramount for advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and for exploring potential correlated therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the self-assembling properties of amyloid fibrils show promise for the development of advanced protein-based biomaterials. Among the methods employed to monitor protein aggregation processes, fluorescence has emerged as a powerful tool. Its exceptional sensitivity enables the detection of early-stage aggregation events that are otherwise challenging to observe. This research underscores the pivotal role of fluorescence analysis, particularly in investigating the aggregation processes of hen egg white lysozyme, a model protein extensively studied for insights into amyloid fibril formation. By combining classical spectroscopies with fluorescence microscopy and by exploiting the fluorescence properties (intensity and lifetime) of the thioflavin T, we were able to noninvasively monitor key and complex molecular aspects of the process. Intriguingly, the fluorescence lifetime imaging-phasor analysis of thioflavin T fluorescence lifetime on structures at different stages of aggregation allowed to decipher the complex fluorescence decay behavior, highlighting that their changes rise from the combination of specific binding to amyloid typical cross-β structures and of the rigidity of the molecular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Anselmo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segré, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sancataldo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segré, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segré, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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2
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Chen Y, Liu Q, Yang F, Yu H, Xie Y, Yao W. Lysozyme amyloid fibril: Regulation, application, hazard analysis, and future perspectives. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 200:151-161. [PMID: 34995654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.12.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembly of misfolded proteins into ordered fibrillar aggregates known as amyloid results in various human diseases. However, more and more proteins, whether in human body or in food, have been found to be able to form amyloid fibrils with in-depth researches. As a model protein for amyloid research, lysozyme has always been the focus of research in various fields. Firstly, the formation mechanisms of amyloid fibrils are discussed concisely. Researches on the regulation of lysozyme amyloid fibrils are helpful to find suitable therapeutic drugs and unfriendly substances. And this review article summarizes a number of exogenous substances including small molecules, nanoparticles, macromolecules, and polymers. Small molecules are mainly connected to lysozyme through hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction, π-π interaction, van der Waals force and hydrogen bond. Nanoparticles inhibit the formation of amyloid fibers by stabilizing lysozyme and fixing β-sheet. Besides, the applications of lysozyme amyloid fibrils in food-related fields are considered furtherly due to outstanding physical and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the potential health threats are still worthy of our attention. Finally, we also give suggestions and opinions on the future research direction of lysozyme amyloid fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, No.235 Daxue West Road, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qingrun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fangwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, No.235 Daxue West Road, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, No.235 Daxue West Road, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weirong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
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3
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Randhawa S, Abidi SMS, Dar AI, Acharya A. The curious cases of nanoparticle induced amyloidosis during protein corona formation and anti-amyloidogenic nanomaterials: Paradox or prejudice? Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:1009-1020. [PMID: 34728302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.195] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein corona (PC) formation remains a major hurdle in the successful delivery of nanomedicines to the target sites. Interacting proteins have been reported to undergo structural changes on the nanoparticle (NP) surface which invariably impacts their biological activities. Such structural changes are the result of opening of more binding sites of proteins to adsorb on the NP surface. The process of conversion of α-helix proteins to their β-sheet enriched counterpart is termed as amyloidosis and in case of PC formation, NPs apparently play the crucial role of being the nucleation centres where this process takes place. Conversely, increasing numbers of artificial nano-chaperones are being used to treat the protein misfolding disorders. Anti-amyloidogenic nanomaterials (NM) have been gaining utmost importance in inhibiting Aβ42 (hallmark peptide for Alzheimer's disease) and Hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL, model protein for systemic amyloidosis) aggregation. Interestingly, in this process, NPs inhibit protein β-sheet enrichment. These two seemingly opposite roles of NPs, propelling confirmatory change onto the smorgasbord of adsorbed native proteins and the ability of NPs in inhibiting amyloidosis creates a paradox, which has not been discussed earlier. Here, we highlight the key points from both the facets of the NP behaviour with respect to their physicochemical properties and the nature of proteins they adsorb onto them to unravel the mystery. BRIEF: Protein corona formation remains a major hurdle in achieving the desired efficacy of nanomedicine. Proteins when interact with nanoparticle (NP) surface, undergo both structural and biological changes. Again, NPs are known to exhibit anti-amyloidogenic behaviour where these play the crucial role of preventing any change in their native structure. Such seemingly different roles of NPs need sincere inquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwani Randhawa
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur (H.P.) 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Syed M S Abidi
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur (H.P.) 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Aqib Iqbal Dar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur (H.P.) 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amitabha Acharya
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur (H.P.) 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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4
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Wang S, Zheng J, Ma L, Petersen RB, Xu L, Huang K. Inhibiting protein aggregation with nanomaterials: The underlying mechanisms and impact factors. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1866:130061. [PMID: 34822925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is correlated with the onset and progression of protein misfolding diseases (PMDs). Inhibiting the generation of toxic aggregates of misfolded proteins has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for PMDs. Due to their unique properties, nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for their ability to inhibit protein aggregation and have shown great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of PMDs. However, the precise mechanisms by which nanomaterials interact with amyloidogenic proteins and the factors influencing these interactions remain poorly understood. Consequently, developing a rational design strategy for nanomaterials that target specific proteins in PMDs has been challenging. In this review, we elucidate the effects of nanomaterials on protein aggregation and describe the mechanisms through which nanomaterials interfere with protein aggregation. The major factors impacting protein-nanomaterial interaction such as size, charge, concentration, surface modification and morphology that can be rationally addressed to achieve the desired effects of nanomaterials on protein aggregation are summarized. The prospects and challenges to the clinical application of nanomaterials for the treatment of PMDs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Wang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zheng
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Robert B Petersen
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Li Xu
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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5
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Capocefalo A, Deckert-Gaudig T, Brasili F, Postorino P, Deckert V. Unveiling the interaction of protein fibrils with gold nanoparticles by plasmon enhanced nano-spectroscopy. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:14469-14479. [PMID: 34473176 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03190b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The development of various degenerative diseases is suggested to be triggered by the uncontrolled organisation and aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils. For this reason, there are ongoing efforts to develop novel agents and approaches, including metal nanoparticle-based colloids, that dissolve amyloid structures and prevent pathogenic protein aggregation. In this contribution, the role of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in degrading amyloid fibrils of the model protein lysozyme is investigated. The amino acid composition of fibril surfaces before and after the incubation with AuNPs is determined at the single fibril level by exploiting the high spatial resolution and sensitivity provided by tip-enhanced and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopies. This combined spectroscopic approach allows to reveal the molecular mechanisms driving the interaction between fibrils and AuNPs. Our results provide an important input for the understanding of amyloid fibrils and could have a potential translational impact on the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of amyloid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Capocefalo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, Roma, Italy
- CNR-ISC, Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, c/o Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Tanja Deckert-Gaudig
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Francesco Brasili
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Postorino
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, P. le Aldo Moro 5, Roma, Italy
| | - Volker Deckert
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4242, USA
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6
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Restriction of microwave-induced amyloid fibrillar growth by gold nanoparticles. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 151:212-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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7
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Majorošová J, Schroer MA, Tomašovičová N, Batková M, Hu PS, Kubovčíková M, Svergun DI, Kopčanský P. Effect of the concentration of protein and nanoparticles on the structure of biohybrid nanocomposites. Biopolymers 2019; 111:e23342. [PMID: 31794056 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We present colloidal nanocomposites formed by incorporating magnetite Fe3 O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) with lysozyme amyloid fibrils (LAFs). Preparation of two types of solutions, with and without addition of salt, was carried out to elucidate the structure of MNPs-incorporated fibrillary nanocomposites and to study the effect of the presence of salt on the stability of the nanocomposites. The structural morphology of the LAFs and their interaction with MNPs were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering measurements. The results indicate that conformational properties of the fibrils are dependent on the concentration of protein, and the precise ratio of the concentration of the protein and MNPs is crucially important for the stability of the fibrillary nanocomposites. Our results confirm that despite the change in fibrillary morphology induced by the varying concentration of the protein, the adsorption of MNPs on the surface of LAF is morphologically independent. Moreover, most importantly, the samples containing salt have excellent stability for up to 1 year of shelf-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozefína Majorošová
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin A Schroer
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation c/o DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Marianna Batková
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Po-Sheng Hu
- Institute of Photonic System, National Chiao Tung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Martina Kubovčíková
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dmitri I Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation c/o DESY, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kopčanský
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
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8
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Sen S, Vuković L, Král P. Computational screening of nanoparticles coupling to Aβ40 peptides and fibrils. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17804. [PMID: 31780663 PMCID: PMC6883061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking the formation, growth, and breaking of amyloid fibrils by synthetic nanosystems could provide a treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. With this in mind, here atomistic molecular dynamics simulations are used to screen for nanoparticles (NPs), covered with different mixtures of ligands, including positively and negatively charged ligands, Aβ40-cut-peptide, and synthetic inhibitor ligands, in their selective coupling to Aβ40 peptides and their fibrils. The simulations reveal that only Aβ40-cut-peptide-covered NPs have strong and selective coupling to Aβ40 monomers. On the other hand, positive, positive-neutral, Janus, and peptide NPs couple to the beta sheet surfaces of Aβ40 fibrils and only the negative-neutral NPs couple to the fibril tips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumyo Sen
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute, Urbana-Champaign, 61801, United States
| | - Lela Vuković
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, El Paso, 79968, United States.
| | - Petr Král
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Chicago, 60607, United States.
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9
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Malhotra I, Babu SB. Mobile obstacles accelerate and inhibit the bundle formation in two-patch colloidal particle. J Chem Phys 2019; 151:084901. [PMID: 31470715 DOI: 10.1063/1.5110777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of protein into bundles is responsible for many neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we show how two-patch colloidal particles self-assemble into chains and a sudden transition to bundles takes place by tuning the patch size and solvent condition. We study the kinetics of formation of chains, bundles, and networklike structures using patchy Brownian cluster dynamics. We also analyze the ways to inhibit and accelerate the formation of these bundles. We show that in the presence of inert immobile obstacles, the kinetics of formation of bundles slows down. However, in the presence of mobile aggregating particles, which exhibit interspecies hard sphere repulsion and intraspecies attraction, the kinetics of bundle formation accelerates slightly. We also show that if we introduce mobile obstacles, which exhibit interspecies attraction and intraspecies hard sphere repulsion, the kinetics of formation of bundles is inhibited. This is similar to the inhibitory effect of peptide P4 on the formation of insulin fibers. We are providing a model of mobile obstacles undergoing directional interactions to inhibit the formation of bundles.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Malhotra
- Out of Equilibrium Group, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - S B Babu
- Out of Equilibrium Group, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
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10
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Antosova A, Bednarikova Z, Koneracka M, Antal I, Marek J, Kubovcikova M, Zavisova V, Jurikova A, Gazova Z. Amino Acid Functionalized Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Inhibit Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrillization. Chemistry 2019; 25:7501-7514. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201806262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antosova
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bednarikova
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Martina Koneracka
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Iryna Antal
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Jozef Marek
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Martina Kubovcikova
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Vlasta Zavisova
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Alena Jurikova
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Gazova
- Institute of Experimental Physics Slovak Academy Science Watsonova 47 040 01 Kosice Slovakia
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11
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John T, Gladytz A, Kubeil C, Martin LL, Risselada HJ, Abel B. Impact of nanoparticles on amyloid peptide and protein aggregation: a review with a focus on gold nanoparticles. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:20894-20913. [PMID: 30225490 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr04506b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Society is increasingly exposed to nanoparticles as they are ubiquitous in nature and introduced as man-made air pollutants and as functional ingredients in cosmetic products as well as in nanomedicine. Nanoparticles differ in size, shape and material properties. In addition to their intended function, the side effects on biochemical processes in organisms remain unclear. Nanoparticles can significantly influence the nucleation and aggregation process of peptides. The development of several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, is related to the aggregation of peptides into amyloid fibrils. However, there is no comprehensive or universal mechanism to predict or explain apparent acceleration or inhibition of these aggregation processes. In this work, selected studies and possible mechanisms for amyloid peptide nucleation and aggregation, in the presence of nanoparticles, are highlighted. These studies are discussed in the context of recent data from our group on the role of gold nanoparticles in amyloid peptide aggregation using experimental methods and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. A complex interplay of the surface properties of the nanoparticles, the properties of the peptides, as well as the resulting forces between both the nanoparticles and the peptides, appear to determine whether amyloid peptide aggregation is influenced, catalysed or inhibited by the presence of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten John
- Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM), Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
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