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The Effect of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (Zingiberaceae) Extract on Prion Propagation in Cell-Based and Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010182. [PMID: 36613636 PMCID: PMC9820341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals for which no therapies are currently available. Here, we report that Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (Zingiberaceae) (CpV) extract was partly effective in decreasing prion aggregation and propagation in both in vitro and in vivo models. CpV extract inhibited self-aggregation of recombinant prion protein (PrP) in a test tube assay and decreased the accumulation of scrapie PrP (PrPSc) in ScN2a cells, a cultured neuroblastoma cell line with chronic prion infection, in a concentration-dependent manner. CpV extract also modified the course of the disease in mice inoculated with mouse-adapted scrapie prions, completely preventing the onset of prion disease in three of eight mice. Biochemical and neuropathological analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction in PrPSc accumulation, spongiosis, astrogliosis, and microglia activation in the brains of mice that avoided disease onset. Furthermore, PrPSc accumulation in the spleen of mice was also reduced. CpV extract precluded prion infection in cultured cells as demonstrated by the modified standard scrapie cell assay. This study suggests that CpV extract could contribute to investigating the modulation of prion propagation.
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2
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Pal S, Udgaonkar JB. Evolutionarily Conserved Proline Residues Impede the Misfolding of the Mouse Prion Protein by Destabilizing an Aggregation-competent Partially Unfolded Form. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167854. [PMID: 36228749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167854] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The misfolding of the prion protein has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Despite extensive studies, the mechanism of the misfolding process remains poorly understood. The present study structurally delineates the role of the conserved proline residues present in the structured C-terminal domain of the mouse prion protein (moPrP) in the misfolding process. It is shown that mutation of these Pro residues to Ala leads to destabilization of the native (N) state, and also to rapid misfolding. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) studies coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), it has been shown that the N state of moPrP is in rapid equilibrium with a partially unfolded form (PUF2*) at pH 4. It has been shown that the Pro to Ala mutations make PUF2* energetically more accessible from the N state by stabilizing it relative to the unfolded (U) state. The apparent rate constant of misfolding is found to be linearly proportional to the extent to which PUF2* is populated in equilibrium with the N state, strongly indicating that misfolding commences from PUF2*. It has also been shown that the Pro residues restrict the boundary of the structural core of the misfolded oligomers. Overall, this study highlights how the conserved proline residues control misfolding of the prion protein by modulating the stability of the partially unfolded form from which misfolding commences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Pal
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Jayant B Udgaonkar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru, India.
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3
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Murakami K, Ono K. Interactions of amyloid coaggregates with biomolecules and its relevance to neurodegeneration. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22493. [PMID: 35971743 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200235r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is a pathological hallmark of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In these diseases, oligomeric intermediates or toxic aggregates of amyloids cause neuronal damage and degeneration. Despite the substantial effort made over recent decades to implement therapeutic interventions, these neurodegenerative diseases are not yet understood at the molecular level. In many cases, multiple disease-causing amyloids overlap in a sole pathological feature or a sole disease-causing amyloid represents multiple pathological features. Various amyloid pathologies can coexist in the same brain with or without clinical presentation and may even occur in individuals without disease. From sparse data, speculation has arisen regarding the coaggregation of amyloids with disparate amyloid species and other biomolecules, which are the same characteristics that make diagnostics and drug development challenging. However, advances in research related to biomolecular condensates and structural analysis have been used to overcome some of these challenges. Considering the development of these resources and techniques, herein we review the cross-seeding of amyloidosis, for example, involving the amyloids amyloid β, tau, α-synuclein, and human islet amyloid polypeptide, and their cross-inhibition by transthyretin and BRICHOS. The interplay of nucleic acid-binding proteins, such as prions, TAR DNA-binding protein 43, fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma, and fragile X mental retardation polyglycine, with nucleic acids in the pathology of neurodegeneration are also described, and we thereby highlight the potential clinical applications in central nervous system therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuma Murakami
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Ono
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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4
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Deol HK, Broom HR, Sienbeneichler B, Lee B, Leonenko Z, Meiering EM. Immature ALS-associated mutant superoxide dismutases form variable aggregate structures through distinct oligomerization processes. Biophys Chem 2022; 288:106844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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5
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Russo L, Salzano G, Corvino A, Bistaffa E, Moda F, Celauro L, D'Abrosca G, Isernia C, Milardi D, Giachin G, Malgieri G, Legname G, Fattorusso R. Structural and dynamical determinants of a β-sheet-enriched intermediate involved in amyloid fibrillar assembly of human prion protein. Chem Sci 2022; 13:10406-10427. [PMID: 36277622 PMCID: PMC9473526 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00345g] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into a misfolded, aggregated and infectious scrapie isoform is associated with prion disease pathology and neurodegeneration. Despite the significant number of experimental and theoretical studies the molecular mechanism regulating this structural transition is still poorly understood. Here, via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) methodologies we investigate at the atomic level the mechanism of the human HuPrP(90–231) thermal unfolding and characterize the conformational equilibrium between its native structure and a β-enriched intermediate state, named β-PrPI. By comparing the folding mechanisms of metal-free and Cu2+-bound HuPrP(23–231) and HuPrP(90–231) we show that the coupling between the N- and C-terminal domains, through transient electrostatic interactions, is the key molecular process in tuning long-range correlated μs–ms dynamics that in turn modulate the folding process. Moreover, via thioflavin T (ThT)-fluorescence fibrillization assays we show that β-PrPI is involved in the initial stages of PrP fibrillation, overall providing a clear molecular description of the initial phases of prion misfolding. Finally, we show by using Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) that the β-PrPI acts as a seed for the formation of amyloid aggregates with a seeding activity comparable to that of human infectious prions. The N-ter domain in HuPrP regulates the folding mechanism by tuning the long-range μs–ms dynamics. Removal of the N-ter domain triggers the formation of a stable β-enriched intermediate state inducing amyloid aggregates with HuPrPSc seeding activity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Salzano
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Corvino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bistaffa
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Moda
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Division of Neurology 5 and Neuropathology, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Celauro
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Abrosca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Carla Isernia
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Danilo Milardi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giachin
- Department of Chemical Sciences (DiSC), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Malgieri
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
- ELETTRA Laboratory, Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Fattorusso
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
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Murakami K, Izuo N, Bitan G. Aptamers targeting amyloidogenic proteins and their emerging role in neurodegenerative diseases. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101478. [PMID: 34896392 PMCID: PMC8728582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are oligonucleotides selected from large pools of random sequences based on their affinity for bioactive molecules and are used in similar ways to antibodies. Aptamers provide several advantages over antibodies, including their small size, facile, large-scale chemical synthesis, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Amyloidogenic proteins, whose aggregation is relevant to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases, are among the most challenging targets for aptamer development due to their conformational instability and heterogeneity, the same characteristics that make drug development against amyloidogenic proteins difficult. Recently, chemical tethering of aptagens (equivalent to antigens) and advances in high-throughput sequencing-based analysis have been used to overcome some of these challenges. In addition, internalization technologies using fusion to cellular receptors and extracellular vesicles have facilitated central nervous system (CNS) aptamer delivery. In view of the development of these techniques and resources, here we review antiamyloid aptamers, highlighting preclinical application to CNS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuma Murakami
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Naotaka Izuo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Gal Bitan
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Brain Research Institute, and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Sen S, Kumar H, Udgaonkar JB. Microsecond Dynamics During the Binding-induced Folding of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167254. [PMID: 34537237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tau is an intrinsically disordered protein implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. The repeat domain fragment of tau, tau-K18, is known to undergo a disorder to order transition in the presence of lipid micelles and vesicles, in which helices form in each of the repeat domains. Here, the mechanism of helical structure formation, induced by a phospholipid mimetic, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at sub-micellar concentrations, has been studied using multiple biophysical probes. A study of the conformational dynamics of the disordered state, using photoinduced electron transfer coupled to fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (PET-FCS) has indicated the presence of an intermediate state, I, in equilibrium with the unfolded state, U. The cooperative binding of the ligand (L), SDS, to I has been shown to induce the formation of a compact, helical intermediate (IL5) within the dead time (∼37 µs) of a continuous flow mixer. Quantitative analysis of the PET-FCS data and the ensemble microsecond kinetic data, suggests that the mechanism of induction of helical structure can be described by a U ↔ I ↔ IL5 ↔ FL5 mechanism, in which the final helical state, FL5, forms from IL5 with a time constant of 50-200 µs. Finally, it has been shown that the helical conformation is an aggregation-competent state that can directly form amyloid fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreemantee Sen
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Pashan, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Harish Kumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Pashan, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Jayant B Udgaonkar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Pashan, Pune 411 008, India.
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8
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Chatterjee S, Salimi A, Lee JY. Unraveling the Histidine Tautomerism Effect on the Initial Stages of Prion Misfolding: New Insights from a Computational Perspective. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3203-3213. [PMID: 34382391 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation and structural conversion of normal prion peptide (PrPC) into the pathogenic scrapie form (PrPSc), which can act as a seed to enhance prion amyloid fiber formation, is believed to be a crucial event in prionopathies. Previous research suggests that the prion monomer may play an important role in oligomer generation during disease pathogenesis. In the present study, extensive replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations were conducted to explore the conformational characteristics of the huPrP (125-160) monomer under the histidine tautomerism effect. Investigating the structural characteristics and fibrilization process is challenging because two histidine tautomers [Nε2-H (ε) and Nδ1-H (δ)] can occur in the open neutral state. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation outcomes have shown that the toxic εδ and δδ isomer (containing several and broader local minima) had the highest α-helix structures, with contents of 21.11% and 21.01%, respectively, and may have a strong influence on the organizational behavior of a monomeric prion. The amino acids aspartate 20 (D20)-asparagine 29 (N29) and isoleucine 15 (I15)-histidine 16 (H16), D20-arginine 27 (R27) as well as N29 formed α-helix with the highest probabilities in the δδ and εδ isomer, accordingly. On the basis of our findings, we propose the histidine tautomerization hypothesis as a new prion accumulation mechanism, which may exist to induce the formation of prion accumulates. Overall, our tautomerism hypothesis constitutes a promising perspective for enhancing understanding of prion disease pathobiology and may help in the design of a good inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbas Salimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
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Viral and Prion Infections Associated with Central Nervous System Syndromes in Brazil. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071370. [PMID: 34372576 PMCID: PMC8310075 DOI: 10.3390/v13071370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-induced infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are among the most serious problems in public health and can be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, mainly in low- and middle-income countries, where these manifestations have been neglected. Typically, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella-zoster, and enterovirus are responsible for a high number of cases in immunocompetent hosts, whereas other herpesviruses (for example, cytomegalovirus) are the most common in immunocompromised individuals. Arboviruses have also been associated with outbreaks with a high burden of neurological disorders, such as the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil. There is a current lack of understanding in Brazil about the most common viruses involved in CNS infections. In this review, we briefly summarize the most recent studies and findings associated with the CNS, in addition to epidemiological data that provide extensive information on the circulation and diversity of the most common neuro-invasive viruses in Brazil. We also highlight important aspects of the prion-associated diseases. This review provides readers with better knowledge of virus-associated CNS infections. A deeper understanding of these infections will support the improvement of the current surveillance strategies to allow the timely monitoring of the emergence/re-emergence of neurotropic viruses.
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Chen YW, Rahman SK. Fatal Attraction: The Case of Toxic Soluble Dimers of Truncated PQBP-1 Mutants in X-Linked Intellectual Disability. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052240. [PMID: 33668121 PMCID: PMC7956452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The frameshift mutants K192Sfs*7 and R153Sfs*41, of the polyglutamine tract-binding protein 1 (PQBP-1), are stable intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). They are each associated with the severe cognitive disorder known as the Renpenning syndrome, a form of X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). Relative to the monomeric wild-type protein, these mutants are dimeric, contain more folded contents, and have higher thermal stabilities. Comparisons can be drawn to the toxic oligomerisation in the “conformational diseases”, which collectively describe medical conditions involving a substantial protein structural transition in the pathogenic mechanism. At the molecular level, the end state of these diseases is often cytotoxic protein aggregation. The conformational disease proteins contain varying extents of intrinsic disorder, and the consensus pathogenesis includes an early oligomer formation. We reviewed the experimental characterisation of the toxic oligomers in representative cases. PQBP-1 mutant dimerisation was then compared to the oligomerisation of the conformational disease proteins. The PQBP-1 mutants are unique in behaving as stable soluble dimers, which do not further develop into higher oligomers or aggregates. The toxicity of the PQBP-1 mutant dimers lies in the native functions (in transcription regulation and possibly, RNA splicing) being compromised, rather than proceeding to aggregation. Other examples of stable IDP dimers were discussed and we speculated on the roles of IDP dimerisation in protein evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wai Chen
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom 999077, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom 999077, Hong Kong
- Correspondence:
| | - Shah Kamranur Rahman
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
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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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Rezvani Boroujeni E, Hosseini SM, Fani G, Cecchi C, Chiti F. Soluble Prion Peptide 107-120 Protects Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells against Oligomers Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7273. [PMID: 33019683 PMCID: PMC7582777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and soluble amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers are thought to play a critical role in AD pathogenesis. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a high-affinity receptor for Aβ oligomers and mediates some of their toxic effects. The N-terminal region of PrPC can interact with Aβ, particularly the region encompassing residues 95-110. In this study, we identified a soluble and unstructured prion-derived peptide (PrP107-120) that is external to this region of the sequence and was found to successfully reduce the mitochondrial impairment, intracellular ROS generation and cytosolic Ca2+ uptake induced by oligomeric Aβ42 ADDLs in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. PrP107-120 was also found to rescue SH-SY5Y cells from Aβ42 ADDL internalization. The peptide did not change the structure and aggregation pathway of Aβ42 ADDLs, did not show co-localization with Aβ42 ADDLs in the cells and showed a partial colocalization with the endogenous cellular PrPC. As a sequence region that is not involved in Aβ binding but in PrP self-recognition, the peptide was suggested to protect against the toxicity of Aβ42 oligomers by interfering with cellular PrPC and/or activating a signaling that protected the cells. These results strongly suggest that PrP107-120 has therapeutic potential for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Rezvani Boroujeni
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran;
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Seyed Masoud Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran;
| | - Giulia Fani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (G.F.); (C.C.)
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Wille H, Dorosh L, Amidian S, Schmitt-Ulms G, Stepanova M. Combining molecular dynamics simulations and experimental analyses in protein misfolding. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 118:33-110. [PMID: 31928730 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The fold of a protein determines its function and its misfolding can result in loss-of-function defects. In addition, for certain proteins their misfolding can lead to gain-of-function toxicities resulting in protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or the prion diseases. In all of these diseases one or more proteins misfold and aggregate into disease-specific assemblies, often in the form of fibrillar amyloid deposits. Most, if not all, protein misfolding diseases share a fundamental molecular mechanism that governs the misfolding and subsequent aggregation. A wide variety of experimental methods have contributed to our knowledge about misfolded protein aggregates, some of which are briefly described in this review. The misfolding mechanism itself is difficult to investigate, as the necessary timescale and resolution of the misfolding events often lie outside of the observable parameter space. Molecular dynamics simulations fill this gap by virtue of their intrinsic, molecular perspective and the step-by-step iterative process that forms the basis of the simulations. This review focuses on molecular dynamics simulations and how they combine with experimental analyses to provide detailed insights into protein misfolding and the ensuing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Wille
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lyudmyla Dorosh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sara Amidian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Stepanova
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Nizzari M, Barbieri F, Florio T. Autophagy Activator Drugs: A New Opportunity in Neuroprotection from Misfolded Protein Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040901. [PMID: 30791416 PMCID: PMC6412775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to critically analyze promises and limitations of pharmacological inducers of autophagy against protein misfolding-associated neurodegeneration. Effective therapies against neurodegenerative disorders can be developed by regulating the “self-defense” equipment of neurons, such as autophagy. Through the degradation and recycling of the intracellular content, autophagy promotes neuron survival in conditions of trophic factor deprivation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and lysosomal damage, or accumulation of misfolded proteins. Autophagy involves the activation of self-digestive pathways, which is different for dynamics (macro, micro and chaperone-mediated autophagy), or degraded material (mitophagy, lysophagy, aggrephagy). All neurodegenerative disorders share common pathogenic mechanisms, including the impairment of autophagic flux, which causes the inability to remove the neurotoxic oligomers of misfolded proteins. Pharmacological activation of autophagy is typically achieved by blocking the kinase activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) enzymatic complex 1 (mTORC1), removing its autophagy suppressor activity observed under physiological conditions; acting in this way, rapamycin provided the first proof of principle that pharmacological autophagy enhancement can induce neuroprotection through the facilitation of oligomers’ clearance. The demand for effective disease-modifying strategies against neurodegenerative disorders is currently stimulating the development of a wide number of novel molecules, as well as the re-evaluation of old drugs for their pro-autophagic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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