1
|
Wu X, Wang G, Zhao Z, Qian Z. In silico study on graphene quantum dots modified with various functional groups inhibiting α‑synuclein dimerization. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 667:723-730. [PMID: 38641462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.04.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with various functional groups are hypothesized to inhibit the α-synuclein (αS) dimerization, a crucial step in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. The potential of differently functionalized GQDs is systematically explored. EXPERIMENTS All-atom replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations (accumulating to 75.6 μs) in explicit water were performed to study the dimerization of the αS non-amyloid component region and the influence of GQDs modified with various functional groups. Conformation ensemble, binding behavior, and free energy analysis were conducted. FINDINGS All studied GQDs inhibit β-sheet and backbone hydrogen bond formation in αS dimers, leading to looser oligomeric conformations. Charged GQDs severely impede the growth of extended β-sheets by providing extra contact surface. GQD binding primarily disrupts αS inter-peptide interactions through π-π stacking, CH-π interactions, and for charged GQDs, additionally through salt-bridge and hydrogen bonding interactions. GQD-COO- showed the most optimal inhibitory effect, binding mode, and intensity, which holds promise for the development of nanomedicines targeting amyloid aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, and School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, and School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ziqian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, and School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhenyu Qian
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, and School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarma S, Sudarshan TR, Nguyen V, Robang AS, Xiao X, Le JV, Helmicki ME, Paravastu AK, Hall CK. Design of parallel 𝛽-sheet nanofibrils using Monte Carlo search, coarse-grained simulations, and experimental testing. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5102. [PMID: 39037281 PMCID: PMC11261811 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Peptide self-assembly into amyloid fibrils provides numerous applications in drug delivery and biomedical engineering applications. We augment our previously-established computational screening technique along with experimental biophysical characterization to discover 7-mer peptides that self-assemble into "parallel β-sheets", that is, β-sheets with N-terminus-to-C-terminus 𝛽-strand vectors oriented in parallel. To accomplish the desired β-strand organization, we applied the PepAD amino acid sequence design software to the Class-1 cross-β spine defined by Sawaya et al. This molecular configuration includes two layers of parallel β-sheets stacked such that N-terminus-to-C-terminus vectors are oriented antiparallel for molecules on adjacent β-sheets. The first cohort of PepAD identified peptides were examined for their fibrillation behavior in DMD/PRIME20 simulations, and the top performing sequence was selected as a prototype for a subsequent round of sequence refinement. The two rounds of design resulted in a library of eight 7-mer peptides. In DMD/PRIME20 simulations, five of these peptides spontaneously formed fibril-like structures with a predominantly parallel 𝛽-sheet arrangement, two formed fibril-like structure with <50% in parallel 𝛽-sheet arrangement and one remained a random coil. Among the eight candidate peptides produced by PepAD and DMD/PRIME20, five were synthesized and purified. All five assembled into amyloid fibrils composed of parallel β-sheets based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, electron microscopy, and thioflavin-T fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Sarma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Tarunya Rao Sudarshan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Van Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alicia S. Robang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Xingqing Xiao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
- Present address:
Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringHainan UniversityHaikou CityHainan ProvincePeople's Republic of China
| | - Justin V. Le
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Michael E. Helmicki
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Anant K. Paravastu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Carol K. Hall
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Robang A, Wong KM, Leisen J, Liu R, Radford WL, Rao Sudarshan T, Hudalla GA, Paravastu AK. Parallel β-Sheet Structure and Structural Heterogeneity Detected within Q11 Self-Assembling Peptide Nanofibers. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5387-5396. [PMID: 38787393 PMCID: PMC11163420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Q11 peptide nanofibers are used as a biomaterial for applications such as antigen presentation and tissue engineering, yet detailed knowledge of molecular-level structure has not been reported. The Q11 peptide sequence was designed using heuristics-based patterning of hydrophobic and polar amino acids with oppositely charged amino acids placed at opposite ends of the sequence to promote antiparallel β-sheet formation. In this work, we employed solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to evaluate whether the molecular organization within Q11 self-assembled peptide nanofibers is consistent with the expectations of the peptide designers. We discovered that Q11 forms a distribution of molecular structures. NMR data from two-dimensional (2D) 13C-13C dipolar-assisted rotational resonance indicate that the K3 and E9 residues between Q11 β-strands are spatially proximate (within ∼0.6 nm). Frequency-selective rotational echo double resonance (fsREDOR) on K3 Nζ and E9 Cδ-labeled sites showed that approximately 9% of the sites are close enough for salt bridge formation to occur. Surprisingly, dipolar recoupling measurements revealed that Q11 peptides do not assemble into antiparallel β-sheets as expected, and structural analysis using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 2D NMR alone can be misleading. 13C PITHIRDS-CT dipolar recoupling measurements showed that the most abundant structure consists of parallel β-sheets, in contrast to the expected antiparallel β-sheet structure. Structural heterogeneity was detected from 15N{13C} REDOR measurements, with approximately 22% of β-strands having antiparallel nearest neighbors. We cannot propose a complete structural model of Q11 nanofibers because of the complexity involved when examining structurally heterogeneous samples using NMR. Altogether, our results show that while heuristics-based patterning is effective in promoting β-sheet formation, designing a peptide sequence to form a targeted β-strand arrangement remains challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia
S. Robang
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Kong M. Wong
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Johannes Leisen
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Renjie Liu
- J. Crayton
Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Walker L. Radford
- School
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia
Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Tarunya Rao Sudarshan
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Gregory A. Hudalla
- J. Crayton
Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Anant K. Paravastu
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- Parker
H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Anbaraki A, Dindar Z, Mousavi-Jarrahi Z, Ghasemi A, Moeini Z, Evini M, Saboury AA, Seyedarabi A. The novel anti-fibrillary effects of volatile compounds α-asarone and β-caryophyllene on tau protein: Towards promising therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132401. [PMID: 38761902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The abnormal deposition of tau protein is one of the critical causes of tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, there has been great interest in the use of essential oils and volatile compounds in aromatherapy for treating AD, since volatile compounds can directly reach the brain through intranasal administration. The volatile compounds α-asarone (ASA) and β-caryophyllene (BCP) have revealed various important neuroprotective properties, useful in treating AD. In this study, the volatile compounds ASA and BCP were assessed for their effectiveness in preventing tau fibrillation, disassembly of pre-formed tau fibrils, and disaggregation of tau aggregates. SDS-PAGE and AFM analyses revealed that ASA and BCP inhibited tau fibrillation/aggregation and decreased the mean size of tau oligomers. Tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, showed a reduction in ThT and ANS fluorescence intensities, and a decrease in the β-sheet content. Additionally, ASA and BCP disassembled the pre-formed tau fibrils to the granular and linear oligomeric intermediates. Treatment of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, revealed protective effects as shown by reduced toxicity of the cells, due to the inhibition of tau fibrillation/aggregation. Overall, ASA and BCP appeared to be promising therapeutic candidates for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afrooz Anbaraki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Dindar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Atiyeh Ghasemi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Moeini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Evini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Seyedarabi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Oliveira DH, Gowda V, Sparrman T, Gustafsson L, Sanches Pires R, Riekel C, Barth A, Lendel C, Hedhammar M. Structural conversion of the spidroin C-terminal domain during assembly of spider silk fibers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4670. [PMID: 38821983 PMCID: PMC11143275 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49111-5] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The major ampullate Spidroin 1 (MaSp1) is the main protein of the dragline spider silk. The C-terminal (CT) domain of MaSp1 is crucial for the self-assembly into fibers but the details of how it contributes to the fiber formation remain unsolved. Here we exploit the fact that the CT domain can form silk-like fibers by itself to gain knowledge about this transition. Structural investigations of fibers from recombinantly produced CT domain from E. australis MaSp1 reveal an α-helix to β-sheet transition upon fiber formation and highlight the helix No4 segment as most likely to initiate the structural conversion. This prediction is corroborated by the finding that a peptide corresponding to helix No4 has the ability of pH-induced conversion into β-sheets and self-assembly into nanofibrils. Our results provide structural information about the CT domain in fiber form and clues about its role in triggering the structural conversion of spidroins during fiber assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Hirabae De Oliveira
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasantha Gowda
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Linnea Gustafsson
- Spiber Technologies AB, Roslagstullsbacken 15, 114 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Christian Riekel
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, B.P. 220, F-38043, Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - Andreas Barth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christofer Lendel
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - My Hedhammar
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Singh R, Panghal A, Jadhav K, Thakur A, Verma RK, Singh C, Goyal M, Kumar J, Namdeo AG. Recent Advances in Targeting Transition Metals (Copper, Iron, and Zinc) in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04256-8. [PMID: 38809370 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Changes in the transition metal homeostasis in the brain are closely linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD), including intraneuronal iron accumulation and extracellular copper and zinc pooling in the amyloid plague. The brain copper, zinc, and iron surplus are commonly acknowledged characteristics of AD, despite disagreements among some. This has led to the theory that oxidative stress resulting from abnormal homeostasis of these transition metals may be a causative explanation behind AD. In the nervous system, the interaction of metals with proteins appears to be an essential variable in the development or suppression of neurodegeneration. Chelation treatment may be an option for treating neurodegeneration induced by transition metal ion dyshomeostasis. Some clinicians even recommend using chelating agents as an adjunct therapy for AD. The current review also looks at the therapeutic strategies that have been attempted, primarily with metal-chelating drugs. Metal buildup in the nervous system, as reported in the AD, could be the result of compensatory mechanisms designed to improve metal availability for physiological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raghuraj Singh
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Lab, Institutes of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector 81. Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Archna Panghal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Krishna Jadhav
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Ashima Thakur
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ICFAI University, Baddi, Distt. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 174103, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Verma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Charan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India
| | - Manoj Goyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India
| | - Jayant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India.
| | - Ajay G Namdeo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemwati, Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), 246174, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mukherjee S, Poudyal M, Dave K, Kadu P, Maji SK. Protein misfolding and amyloid nucleation through liquid-liquid phase separation. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4976-5013. [PMID: 38597222 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is an emerging phenomenon in cell physiology and diseases. The weak multivalent interaction prerequisite for LLPS is believed to be facilitated through intrinsically disordered regions, which are prevalent in neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. These aggregation-prone proteins also exhibit an inherent property for phase separation, resulting in protein-rich liquid-like droplets. The very high local protein concentration in the water-deficient confined microenvironment not only drives the viscoelastic transition from the liquid to solid-like state but also most often nucleate amyloid fibril formation. Indeed, protein misfolding, oligomerization, and amyloid aggregation are observed to be initiated from the LLPS of various neurodegeneration-related proteins. Moreover, in these cases, neurodegeneration-promoting genetic and environmental factors play a direct role in amyloid aggregation preceded by the phase separation. These cumulative recent observations ignite the possibility of LLPS being a prominent nucleation mechanism associated with aberrant protein aggregation. The present review elaborates on the nucleation mechanism of the amyloid aggregation pathway and the possible early molecular events associated with amyloid-related protein phase separation. It also summarizes the recent advancement in understanding the aberrant phase transition of major proteins contributing to neurodegeneration focusing on the common disease-associated factors. Overall, this review proposes a generic LLPS-mediated multistep nucleation mechanism for amyloid aggregation and its implication in neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semanti Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Manisha Poudyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Kritika Dave
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Pradeep Kadu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
| | - Samir K Maji
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
- Sunita Sanghi Centre of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Daou D, Zarate Y, Maaloum M, Collin D, Fleith G, Constantin D, Moulin E, Giuseppone N. Out-of-Equilibrium Mechanical Disruption of β-Amyloid-Like Fibers using Light-Driven Molecular Motors. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311293. [PMID: 38236822 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Artificial molecular motors have the potential to generate mechanical work on their environment by producing autonomous unidirectional motions when supplied with a source of energy. However, the harnessing of this mechanical work to subsequently activate various endoenergetic processes that can be useful in materials science remains elusive. Here, it is shown that by integrating a light-driven rotary motor through hydrogen bonds in a β-amyloid-like structure forming supramolecular hydrogels, the mechanical work generated during the constant rotation of the molecular machine under UV irradiation is sufficient to disrupt the β-amyloid fibers and to trigger a gel-to-sol transition at macroscopic scale. This melting of the gel under UV irradiation occurs 25 °C below the temperature needed to melt it by solely using thermal activation. In the dark, a reversible sol-gel transition is observed as the system fully recovers its original microstructure, thus illustrating the possible access to new kinds of motorized materials that can be controlled by advanced out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dania Daou
- SAMS Research Group, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Yohan Zarate
- SAMS Research Group, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Mounir Maaloum
- SAMS Research Group, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | | | | | - Doru Constantin
- CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Emilie Moulin
- SAMS Research Group, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Nicolas Giuseppone
- SAMS Research Group, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron UPR 22, Strasbourg, 67000, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, 75005, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Miller A, Chia S, Klimont E, Knowles TPJ, Vendruscolo M, Ruggeri FS. Maturation-dependent changes in the size, structure and seeding capacity of Aβ42 amyloid fibrils. Commun Biol 2024; 7:153. [PMID: 38321144 PMCID: PMC10847148 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05858-7] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Many proteins self-assemble to form amyloid fibrils, which are highly organized structures stabilized by a characteristic cross-β network of hydrogen bonds. This process underlies a variety of human diseases and can be exploited to develop versatile functional biomaterials. Thus, protein self-assembly has been widely studied to shed light on the properties of fibrils and their intermediates. A still open question in the field concerns the microscopic processes that underlie the long-time behaviour and properties of amyloid fibrillar assemblies. Here, we use atomic force microscopy with angstrom-sensitivity to observe that amyloid fibrils undergo a maturation process, associated with an increase in both fibril length and thickness, leading to a decrease of their density, and to a change in their cross-β sheet content. These changes affect the ability of the fibrils to catalyse the formation of new aggregates. The identification of these changes helps us understand the fibril maturation processes, facilitate the targeting of amyloid fibrils in drug discovery, and offer insight into the development of biocompatible and sustainable protein-based materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Miller
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Sean Chia
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ewa Klimont
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Francesco Simone Ruggeri
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6703 WE, the Netherlands.
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6703 WE, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Saramowicz K, Siwecka N, Galita G, Kucharska-Lusina A, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Alpha-Synuclein Contribution to Neuronal and Glial Damage in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:360. [PMID: 38203531 PMCID: PMC10778752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010360] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the widespread accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein aggregates. αSyn aggregation disrupts critical cellular processes, including synaptic function, mitochondrial integrity, and proteostasis, which culminate in neuronal cell death. Importantly, αSyn pathology extends beyond neurons-it also encompasses spreading throughout the neuronal environment and internalization by microglia and astrocytes. Once internalized, glia can act as neuroprotective scavengers, which limit the spread of αSyn. However, they can also become reactive, thereby contributing to neuroinflammation and the progression of PD. Recent advances in αSyn research have enabled the molecular diagnosis of PD and accelerated the development of targeted therapies. Nevertheless, despite more than two decades of research, the cellular function, aggregation mechanisms, and induction of cellular damage by αSyn remain incompletely understood. Unraveling the interplay between αSyn, neurons, and glia may provide insights into disease initiation and progression, which may bring us closer to exploring new effective therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide an overview of recent studies emphasizing the multifaceted nature of αSyn and its impact on both neuron and glial cell damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.S.); (N.S.); (G.G.); (A.K.-L.); (W.R.-K.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Maurer M, Lazaridis T. Transmembrane β-Barrel Models of α-Synuclein Oligomers. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7171-7179. [PMID: 37963823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein is implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Multiple System Atrophy, but the role of these aggregates in disease development is not clear. One possible mechanism of cytotoxicity is the disturbance or permeabilization of cell membranes by certain types of oligomers. However, no high-resolution structure of such membrane-embedded complexes has ever been determined. Here we construct and evaluate putative transmembrane β-barrels formed by this protein. Examination of the α-synuclein sequence reveals two regions that could form membrane-embedded β-hairpins: 64-92 (the NAC), and 35-56, which harbors many familial Parkinson's mutations. The stability of β-barrels formed by these hairpins is examined first in implicit membrane pores and then by multimicrosecond all-atom simulations. We find that a NAC region barrel remains stably inserted and hydrated for at least 10 μs. A 35-56 barrel remains stably inserted in the membrane but dehydrates and collapses if all His50 are neutral or if His50 is replaced by Q. If half of the His50 are doubly protonated, the barrel takes an oval shape but remains hydrated for at least 10 μs. Possible implications of these findings for α-synuclein pathology are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Maurer
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, City College of New York/CUNY, 160 Convent Ave, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Themis Lazaridis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, City College of New York/CUNY, 160 Convent Ave, New York, New York 10031, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Foressi NN, Rodríguez LC, Celej MS. Heterotypic liquid-liquid phase separation of tau and α-synuclein: Implications for overlapping neuropathologies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2023; 1871:140950. [PMID: 37574035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies and synucleinopathies are characterized by the aggregation of Tau and α-synuclein (AS) into amyloid structures, respectively. Individuals with these neuropathies have an elevated risk of developing subsequent neurodegenerative or comorbid disorders. Intriguingly, post-mortem brain examinations have revealed co-localization of Tau and AS aggregates, suggesting a synergistic pathological relationship with an adverse prognosis. The role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in the development of neurodegenerative diseases is currently receiving significant attention, as it can contribute to the aggregation and co-deposition of amyloidogenic proteins. In this study, we investigated the phase separation behavior of Tau and AS under various insults, some of which are implicated in disease progression. Our findings demonstrate the formation of heterotypic droplets composed of Tau and AS at physiologically relevant mole ratios that mimic neurons' soma and terminal buttons. Importantly, these heterotypic droplets exhibit increased resistance to electrostatic screening compared to homotypic condensates. Moreover, we observed that biologically relevant biomolecules, known to be dysregulated in disease, exert different effects on these droplets. Additionally, we provide evidence that phase separation itself influences the amyloid aggregation of Tau and AS, underscoring the significance of this process in the development of aggregopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahuel N Foressi
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Leandro Cruz Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M Soledad Celej
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Awasthi S, Ying C, Li J, Mayer M. Simultaneous Determination of the Size and Shape of Single α-Synuclein Oligomers in Solution. ACS NANO 2023; 17:12325-12335. [PMID: 37327131 PMCID: PMC10339783 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soluble oligomers of amyloid-forming proteins are implicated as toxic species in the context of several neurodegenerative diseases. Since the size and shape of these oligomers influence their toxicity, their biophysical characterization is essential for a better understanding of the structure-toxicity relationship. Amyloid oligomers are difficult to characterize by conventional approaches due to their heterogeneity in size and shape, their dynamic aggregation process, and their low abundance. This work demonstrates that resistive pulse measurements using polymer-coated solid-state nanopores enable single-particle-level characterization of the size and shape of individual αSyn oligomers in solution within minutes. A comparison of the resulting size distribution with single-particle analysis by transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry reveals good agreement with superior resolution by nanopore-based characterization. Moreover, nanopore-based analysis has the capability to combine rapid size analysis with an approximation of the oligomer shape. Applying this shape approximation to putatively toxic oligomeric species that range in size from 18 ± 7 aggregated monomers (10S) to 29 ± 10 aggregated monomers (15S) and in concentration from picomolar to nanomolar revealed oligomer shapes that agree well with previous estimates by cryo-EM with the added advantage that nanopore-based analysis occurs rapidly, in solution, and has the potential to become a widely accessible technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Awasthi
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Cuifeng Ying
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jiali Li
- University
of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Huang F, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang C, Lian J, Ding F, Sun Y. Dissecting the Self-assembly Dynamics of Imperfect Repeats in α-Synuclein. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:3591-3600. [PMID: 37253119 PMCID: PMC10363412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) into amyloid fibrils is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). The self-assembly and membrane interactions of αS are mainly governed by the seven imperfect 11-residue repeats of the XKTKEGVXXXX motif around residues 1-95. However, the particular role of each repeat in αS fibrillization remains unclear. To answer this question, we studied the aggregation dynamics of each repeat with up to 10 peptides in silico by conducting multiple independent micro-second atomistic discrete molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations revealed that only repeats R3 and R6 readily self-assembled into β-sheet-rich oligomers, while the other repeats remained as unstructured monomers with weak self-assembly and β-sheet propensities. The self-assembly process of R3 featured frequent conformational changes with β-sheet formation mainly in the non-conserved hydrophobic tail, whereas R6 spontaneously self-assembled into extended and stable cross-β structures. These results of seven repeats are consistent with their structures and organization in recently solved αS fibrils. As the primary amyloidogenic core, R6 was buried inside the central cross-β core of all αS fibrils, attracting the hydrophobic tails of adjacent R4, R5, and R7 repeats forming β-sheets around R6 in the core. Further away from R6 in the sequence but with a moderate amyloid aggregation propensity, the R3 tail could serve as a secondary amyloidogenic core and form independent β-sheets in the fibril. Overall, our results demonstrate the critical role of R3 and R6 repeats in αS amyloid aggregation and suggest their potential as targets for the peptide-based and small-molecule amyloid inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Huang
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jiangfang Lian
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering (NIIME), Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo 315211, China
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vats S, Saxena S. Endophytic Fusarium species, a unique bioresource for disaggregator of misfolded alpha-synuclein. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:224. [PMID: 37155019 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03575-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein into toxic oligomeric structures has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease via several key stages of fibrillation, oligomerization, and aggregation. Disaggregation or prevention of aggregation has garnered a lot of attention as a therapeutic strategy to prevent or delay the progression of Parkinson's disease. It has been recently established that certain polyphenolic compounds and catechins present in plants and tea extracts exhibit the potential to inhibit the α-synuclein aggregation. However, their copious supply for therapeutic development is still unsolved. Herein, we report for the first time the disaggregation potential of α-synuclein by an endophytic fungus residing in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Briefly, a recombinant yeast expressing α-synuclein was used for pre-screening of 53 endophytic fungi isolated from tea using anti-oxidant activity as a marker for the disaggregation of the protein. One isolate #59CSLEAS exhibited 92.4% reduction in production of the superoxide ions, which were similar to the already established α-synuclein disaggregator, Piceatannol exhibiting 92.8% reduction. Thioflavin T assay further established that #59CSLEAS decreased the oligomerization of α-synuclein by 1.63-fold. Subsequently Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate-based fluorescence assay exhibited a reduction in total oxidative stress in the recombinant yeast in the presence of fungal extract, thereby indicating the prevention of oligomerization. Oligomer disaggregation potential of the selected fungal extract was found to be 56.5% as assessed by sandwich ELISA assay. Using morphological as well as molecular methods, the endophytic isolate #59CSLEAS was identified as Fusarium sp. The sequence was submitted in the Genbank with accession number ON226971.1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Vats
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India
| | - Sanjai Saxena
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Forloni G. Alpha Synuclein: Neurodegeneration and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065914. [PMID: 36982988 PMCID: PMC10059798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is one of the most important molecules involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and related disorders, synucleinopathies, but also in several other neurodegenerative disorders with a more elusive role. This review analyzes the activities of α-Syn, in different conformational states, monomeric, oligomeric and fibrils, in relation to neuronal dysfunction. The neuronal damage induced by α-Syn in various conformers will be analyzed in relation to its capacity to spread the intracellular aggregation seeds with a prion-like mechanism. In view of the prominent role of inflammation in virtually all neurodegenerative disorders, the activity of α-Syn will also be illustrated considering its influence on glial reactivity. We and others have described the interaction between general inflammation and cerebral dysfunctional activity of α-Syn. Differences in microglia and astrocyte activation have also been observed when in vivo the presence of α-Syn oligomers has been combined with a lasting peripheral inflammatory effect. The reactivity of microglia was amplified, while astrocytes were damaged by the double stimulus, opening new perspectives for the control of inflammation in synucleinopathies. Starting from our studies in experimental models, we extended the perspective to find useful pointers to orient future research and potential therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Galzitskaya OV, Grishin SY, Glyakina AV, Dovidchenko NV, Konstantinova AV, Kravchenko SV, Surin AK. The Strategies of Development of New Non-Toxic Inhibitors of Amyloid Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3781. [PMID: 36835194 PMCID: PMC9964835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, due to the aging of the population and the development of diagnostic medicine, the number of identified diseases associated with the accumulation of amyloid proteins has increased. Some of these proteins are known to cause a number of degenerative diseases in humans, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease (PD), and insulin and its analogues in insulin-derived amyloidosis. In this regard, it is important to develop strategies for the search and development of effective inhibitors of amyloid formation. Many studies have been carried out aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of amyloid aggregation of proteins and peptides. This review focuses on three amyloidogenic peptides and proteins-Aβ, α-synuclein, and insulin-for which we will consider amyloid fibril formation mechanisms and analyze existing and prospective strategies for the development of effective and non-toxic inhibitors of amyloid formation. The development of non-toxic inhibitors of amyloid will allow them to be used more effectively for the treatment of diseases associated with amyloid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Sergei Y. Grishin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Anna V. Glyakina
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology RAS, The Branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Nikita V. Dovidchenko
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Anastasiia V. Konstantinova
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Kravchenko
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rodríguez LC, Foressi NN, Celej MS. Modulation of α-synuclein phase separation by biomolecules. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2023; 1871:140885. [PMID: 36481455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is currently recognized as a common mechanism involved in the regulation of a number of cellular functions. On the other hand, aberrant phase separation has been linked to the biogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders since many proteins that undergo LLPS are also found in pathological aggregates. The formation of mixed protein coacervates may constitute a risk factor in overlapping neuropathologies, such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's (AD) diseases. In this work, we evaluated the homotypic and heterotypic phase behaviour of the PD-related protein α-synuclein (AS) in the presence of the biologically relevant molecules ATP, polyamines, and the AD-related protein Tau. We found that AS exhibits a low propensity to form homotypic liquid droplets, yet phase separates into liquid-like or solid-like phases depending on the interacting biomolecule. We further demonstrated the synergistic droplet formation of AS and Tau providing support for a mechanism in which mixed condensates might contribute to the biogenesis of AS/Tau pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Cruz Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nahuel N Foressi
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M Soledad Celej
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Waeytens J, De Meutter J, Goormaghtigh E, Dazzi A, Raussens V. Determination of Secondary Structure of Proteins by Nanoinfrared Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2023; 95:621-627. [PMID: 36598929 PMCID: PMC9851152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale infrared spectroscopy (AFMIR) is becoming an important tool for the analysis of biological sample, in particular protein assemblies, at the nanoscale level. While the amide I band is usually used to determine the secondary structure of proteins in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, no tool has been developed so far for AFMIR. The paper introduces a method for the study of secondary structure of protein based on a protein library of 38 well-characterized proteins. Ascending stepwise linear regression (ASLR) and partial least square (PLS) regression were used to correlate spectrum characteristic bands with the major secondary structures (α-helixes and β-sheets). ASLR appears to provide better results than PLS. The secondary structure predictions are characterized by a root mean square standard error in a cross validation of 6.39% for α-helixes and 6.23% for β-sheets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Waeytens
- Center
for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for the Structure
and Function of Biological Membranes, Université
libre de Bruxelles, 1050Brussels, Belgium
- Institut
de Chimie Physique d’Orsay, CNRS
UMR8000, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400Orsay, France
| | - Joëlle De Meutter
- Center
for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for the Structure
and Function of Biological Membranes, Université
libre de Bruxelles, 1050Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erik Goormaghtigh
- Center
for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for the Structure
and Function of Biological Membranes, Université
libre de Bruxelles, 1050Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Dazzi
- Institut
de Chimie Physique d’Orsay, CNRS
UMR8000, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400Orsay, France
| | - Vincent Raussens
- Center
for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for the Structure
and Function of Biological Membranes, Université
libre de Bruxelles, 1050Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liquid-liquid Phase Separation of α-Synuclein: A New Mechanistic Insight for α-Synuclein Aggregation Associated with Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167713. [PMID: 35787838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant aggregation of the misfolded presynaptic protein, α-Synuclein (α-Syn) into Lewy body (LB) and Lewy neuritis (LN) is a major pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Numerous studies have suggested that prefibrillar and fibrillar species of the misfolded α-Syn aggregates are responsible for cell death in PD pathogenesis. However, the precise molecular events during α-Syn aggregation, especially in the early stages, remain elusive. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of α-Syn occurs in the nucleation step of α-Syn aggregation, which offers an alternate non-canonical aggregation pathway in the crowded microenvironment. The liquid-like α-Syn droplets gradually undergo an irreversible liquid-to-solid phase transition into amyloid-like hydrogel entrapping oligomers and fibrils. This new mechanism of α-Syn LLPS and gel formation might represent the molecular basis of cellular toxicity associated with PD. This review aims to demonstrate the recent development of α-Syn LLPS, the underlying mechanism along with the microscopic events of aberrant phase transition. This review further discusses how several intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate the thermodynamics and kinetics of α-Syn LLPS and co-LLPS with other proteins, which might explain the pathophysiology of α-Syn in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
23
|
Bell R, Castellana-Cruz M, Nene A, Thrush RJ, Xu CK, Kumita JR, Vendruscolo M. Effects of N-terminal Acetylation on the Aggregation of Disease-related α-synuclein Variants. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167825. [PMID: 36099961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the SNCA gene, which encodes the protein α-synuclein, have been linked with early onset Parkinson's disease. The exact nature of this association, however, is still poorly understood. To investigate this problem, we started from the observation that α-synuclein is constitutively N-terminally acetylated, a post-translational modification that alters the charge and structure of α-synuclein molecules and affects their interaction with lipid membranes, as well as their aggregation process. We thus studied five N-terminal acetylated familial variants (A30P, E46K, H50Q, G51D and A53T) of α-synuclein through a wide range of biophysical assays to probe the microscopic steps in their aggregation process and the structures of the resulting aggregates. Our results reveal a great complexity in the combined effects of the disease-related mutations with N-terminal acetylation on the aggregation of α-synuclein, which underscores the great sensitivity to even relatively small perturbations of the behaviour of this protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Bell
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Marta Castellana-Cruz
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Aishwarya Nene
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rebecca J Thrush
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Catherine K Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK.
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Petersen I, Ali MI, Petrovic A, Ytterberg AJ, Staxäng K, Hodik M, Rofo F, Bondza S, Hultqvist G. Multivalent design of the monoclonal SynO2 antibody improves binding strength to soluble α-Synuclein aggregates. MAbs 2023; 15:2256668. [PMID: 37737124 PMCID: PMC10519360 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2256668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble aggregates are reported to be the most neurotoxic species of α-Synuclein (αSyn) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and hence are a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of PD. However, the predominantly intracellular location of αSyn limits its accessibility, especially for antibody-based molecules and prompts the need for exceptionally strong soluble αSyn aggregate binders to enhance their sensitivity and efficacy for targeting the extracellular αSyn pool. In this study, we have created the multivalent antibodies TetraSynO2 and HexaSynO2, derived from the αSyn oligomer-specific antibody SynO2, to increase avidity binding to soluble αSyn aggregate species through more binding sites in close proximity. The multivalency was achieved through recombinant fusion of single-chain variable fragments of SynO2 to the antibodies' original N-termini. Our ELISA results indicated a 20-fold increased binding strength of the multivalent formats to αSyn aggregates, while binding to αSyn monomers and unspecific binding to amyloid β protofibrils remained low. Kinetic analysis using LigandTracer revealed that only 80% of SynO2 bound bivalently to soluble αSyn aggregates, whereas the proportion of TetraSynO2 and HexaSynO2 binding bi- or multivalently to soluble αSyn aggregates was increased to ~ 95% and 100%, respectively. The overall improved binding strength of TetraSynO2 and HexaSynO2 implies great potential for immunotherapeutic and diagnostic applications with targets of limited accessibility, like extracellular αSyn aggregates. The ability of the multivalent antibodies to bind a wider range of αSyn aggregate species, which are not targetable by conventional bivalent antibodies, thus could allow for an earlier and more effective intervention in the progression of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga Petersen
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Alex Petrovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Jimmy Ytterberg
- Department of Pharmacy, SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Staxäng
- TEM Laboratory, BioVis Platform, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monika Hodik
- TEM Laboratory, BioVis Platform, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fadi Rofo
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sina Bondza
- Ridgeview Instruments AB, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li Y, Yu Y, Ma G. Modulation Effects of Fe 3+, Zn 2+, and Cu 2+ Ions on the Amyloid Fibrillation of α-Synuclein: Insights from a FTIR Investigation. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238383. [PMID: 36500474 PMCID: PMC9740228 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibrillation of α-synuclein is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and heavy metal ions such as Fe3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ are known to be involved in the process. In this work, we explored the use of FTIR spectroscopy to look into the modulation effects of Fe3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ on the amyloid fibrillation of α-synuclein. We performed a curve-fitting analysis on the FTIR amide I bands of these α-synuclein fibril systems, namely, the pristine fibril and the fibrils prepared in the presence of Fe3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. We found that the α-synuclein fibrils under the influences of metal ions all possessed a parallel β-sheet structure, turn structure, and disordered structure, similar to that of pristine α-synuclein fibril. We also observed metal-induced increases in the proportions of the β-sheet secondary structure within the α-synuclein fibrils, with Fe3+ being the most effective inducer. We performed second derivative analysis of the side chain carboxylic groups of α-synuclein fibrils and found that the side chain microenvironment of the α-synuclein fibrils was more influenced by Fe3+ than Zn2+, and Cu2+. In addition, our atomic force microscopic study revealed that the morphologies of α-synuclein fibrils under the influence of Fe3+ was quite different from that of the Zn2+ and Cu2+ systems. Our FTIR results suggested that the modulation effects of Fe3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ on α-synuclein fibrillation occurred at both secondary and quaternary structural levels. At last, we proposed a mechanistic hypothesis to interpret how metal ions could affect the morphology of α-synuclein amyloid fibril based on the conformational plasticity properties of intrinsically disordered proteins.
Collapse
|
26
|
Vaikath N, Sudhakaran I, Abdi I, Gupta V, Majbour N, Ghanem S, Abdesselem H, Vekrellis K, El-Agnaf O. Structural and Biophysical Characterization of Stable Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314630. [PMID: 36498957 PMCID: PMC9740078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) into neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils is an important pathogenic feature of synucleinopatheis, including Parkinson's disease (PD). A further characteristic of PD is the oxidative stress that results in the formation of aldehydes by lipid peroxidation. It has been reported that the brains of deceased patients with PD contain high levels of protein oligomers that are cross-linked to these aldehydes. Increasing evidence also suggests that prefibrillar oligomeric species are more toxic than the mature amyloid fibrils. However, due to the heterogenous and metastable nature, characterization of the α-syn oligomeric species has been challenging. Here, we generated and characterized distinct α-syn oligomers in vitro in the presence of DA and lipid peroxidation products 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and 4-oxo-2-nonenal (ONE). HNE and ONE oligomer were stable towards the treatment with SDS, urea, and temperature. The secondary structure analysis revealed that only HNE and ONE oligomers contain β-sheet content. In the seeding assay, both DA and ONE oligomers significantly accelerated the aggregation. Furthermore, all oligomeric preparations were found to seed the aggregation of α-syn monomers in vitro and found to be cytotoxic when added to SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, both HNE and ONE α-syn oligomers can be used as a calibrator in an α-syn oligomers-specific ELISA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Vaikath
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
- Correspondence:
| | - Indulekha Sudhakaran
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Ilham Abdi
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Nour Majbour
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Simona Ghanem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Omar El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Horsley JR, Jovcevski B, Pukala TL, Abell AD. Designer D-peptides targeting the N-terminal region of α-synuclein to prevent parkinsonian-associated fibrilization and cytotoxicity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140826. [PMID: 35926717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The deposition of α-synuclein (αS) aggregates in the gut and the brain is ever present in cases of Parkinson's disease. While the central non-amyloidogenic-component (NAC) region of αS plays a critical role in fibrilization, recent studies have identified a specific sequence from within the N-terminal region (NTR, residues 36-42) as a key modulator of αS fibrilization. Due to the lack of effective therapeutics which specifically target αS aggregates, we have developed a strategy to prevent the aggregation and subsequent toxicity attributed to αS fibrilization utilizing NTR targeting peptides. In this study, L- and D-isoforms of a hexa- (VAQKTV-Aib, 77-82 NAC) and heptapeptide (GVLYVGS-Aib, 36-42 NTR) containing a self-recognition component unique to αS, as well as a C-terminal disruption element, were synthesized to target primary sequence regions of αS that modulate fibrilization. The D-peptide that targets the NTR (NTR-TP-D) was shown by ThT fluorescence assays and TEM to be the most effective at preventing fibril formation and elongation, as well as increasing the abundance of soluble monomeric αS. In addition, NTR-TP-D alters the conformation of destabilised monomers into a less aggregation-prone state and reduces the hydrophobicity of αS fibrils via fibril remodelling. Furthermore, both NTR-TP isoforms alleviate the cytotoxic effects of αS aggregates in both Neuro-2a and Caco-2 cells. Together, this study highlights how targeting the NTR of αS using D-isoform peptide inhibitors may effectively combat the deleterious effects of αS fibrilization and paves the way for future drug design to utilise such an approach to treat Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Horsley
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Blagojce Jovcevski
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Department of Food Science, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Tara L Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D Abell
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Harris PD, Lerner E. Identification and quantification of within-burst dynamics in singly labeled single-molecule fluorescence lifetime experiments. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2022; 2. [PMID: 36204594 PMCID: PMC9534301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2022.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule spectroscopy has revolutionized molecular biophysics and provided means to probe how structural moieties within biomolecules spatially reorganize at different timescales. There are several single-molecule methodologies that probe local structural dynamics in the vicinity of a single dye-labeled residue, which rely on fluorescence lifetimes as readout. Nevertheless, an analytical framework to quantify dynamics in such single-molecule single dye fluorescence bursts, at timescales of microseconds to milliseconds, has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we suggest an analytical framework for identifying and quantifying within-burst lifetime-based dynamics, such as conformational dynamics recorded in single-molecule photo-isomerization-related fluorescence enhancement. After testing the capabilities of the analysis on simulations, we proceed to exhibit within-burst millisecond local structural dynamics in the unbound α-synuclein monomer. The analytical framework provided in this work paves the way for extracting a full picture of the energy landscape for the coordinate probed by fluorescence lifetime-based single-molecule measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul David Harris
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Eitan Lerner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.,The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
|
30
|
Vidović M, Rikalovic MG. Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Pathway in Parkinson's Disease: Current Status and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111732. [PMID: 35681426 PMCID: PMC9179656 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Following Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder, sharing an unclear pathophysiology, a multifactorial profile, and massive social costs worldwide. Despite this, no disease-modifying therapy is available. PD is tightly associated with α-synuclein (α-Syn) deposits, which become organised into insoluble, amyloid fibrils. As a typical intrinsically disordered protein, α-Syn adopts a monomeric, random coil conformation in an aqueous solution, while its interaction with lipid membranes drives the transition of the molecule part into an α-helical structure. The central unstructured region of α-Syn is involved in fibril formation by converting to well-defined, β-sheet rich secondary structures. Presently, most therapeutic strategies against PD are focused on designing small molecules, peptides, and peptidomimetics that can directly target α-Syn and its aggregation pathway. Other approaches include gene silencing, cell transplantation, stimulation of intracellular clearance with autophagy promoters, and degradation pathways based on immunotherapy of amyloid fibrils. In the present review, we sum marise the current advances related to α-Syn aggregation/neurotoxicity. These findings present a valuable arsenal for the further development of efficient, nontoxic, and non-invasive therapeutic protocols for disease-modifying therapy that tackles disease onset and progression in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Vidović
- Laboratory for Plant Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-16-4276-3221
| | - Milena G. Rikalovic
- Environment and Sustainable Development, Singidunum Univeristy, Danijelova 32, 11010 Belgrade, Serbia;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Insights into the inhibitory mechanism of skullcapflavone II against α-synuclein aggregation and its mediated cytotoxicity. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:426-440. [PMID: 35398391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The dangerous self-assembled and infectious seeds of α-synuclein (αSN) play primary roles in Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, the inhibition of αSN fibrillation and elimination of toxic aggregates are the main therapeutic strategies. Skullcapflavone II (S.FII), a compound isolated from S. pinnatifida, has shown multiple neuroprotective features. Herein, we demonstrated that S.FII inhibited αSN aggregation with IC50 of 7.2 μM. It increased nucleation time and decreased fibril elongation rate and the species formed in the presence of S.FII were unable to act as seeds. Additionally, S.FII inhibited both secondary nucleation and seeding of αSN and disaggregated the mature preformed fibrils as well. The species formed in the presence of S.FII showed less toxicity. It also preserved neurite length and dopamine content of SH-SY5Y cells and attenuated the inflammatory responses in mixed glial cells. The Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) analysis indicated that S.FII interacts with αSN. Docking simulation studies on αSN fibrils revealed that S.FII could interact with the key residues of the salt bridges and glutamine ladder, which might lead to the destruction of fibril's structures. We also showed that S.FII passes through the blood-brain barrier in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these findings elucidate the neuroprotective roles of S.FII in reducing αSN pathogenicity.
Collapse
|
32
|
Choong CJ, Mochizuki H. Neuropathology of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Neuropathology 2022; 42:93-103. [PMID: 35362115 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive movement disability accompanied by non-motor symptoms. The neuropathology hallmark of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons predominantly in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the presence of intracellular inclusions termed Lewy bodies (LBs), which are mainly composed of α-synuclein (αSyn). Detailed staging based on the distribution and progression pattern of αSyn pathology in the postmortem brains of PD patients revealed correlation with the clinical phenotypes but not invariably. Cumulative evidence from cell and animal studies has implied that αSyn propagation contributes to the anatomical spread of αSyn pathology in the brain. Here, we recount the studies over the past two centuries on the anatomopathological foundations of PD documented. We also review studies on the structural analysis of αSyn and LBs, Braak staging of αSyn pathology, the cell-to-cell propagation of αSyn as well as αSyn fibril polymorphisms, which underlie the phenotypic differences in synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Jing Choong
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Khemtemourian L, Fatafta H, Davion B, Lecomte S, Castano S, Strodel B. Structural Dissection of the First Events Following Membrane Binding of the Islet Amyloid Polypeptide. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:849979. [PMID: 35372496 PMCID: PMC8965455 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.849979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is the main constituent of the amyloid fibrils found in the pancreas of type 2 diabetes patients. The aggregation of IAPP is known to cause cell death, where the cell membrane plays a dual role: being a catalyst of IAPP aggregation and being the target of IAPP toxicity. Using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations we investigate the very first molecular steps following IAPP binding to a lipid membrane. In particular, we assess the combined effects of the charge state of amino-acid residue 18 and the IAPP-membrane interactions on the structures of monomeric and aggregated IAPP. Distinct IAPP-membrane interaction modes for the various IAPP variants are revealed. Membrane binding causes IAPP to fold into an amphipathic α-helix, which in the case of H18K-, and H18R-IAPP readily moves beyond the headgroup region. For all IAPP variants but H18E-IAPP, the membrane-bound helix is an intermediate on the way to amyloid aggregation, while H18E-IAPP remains in a stable helical conformation. The fibrillar aggregates of wild-type IAPP and H18K-IAPP are dominated by an antiparallel β-sheet conformation, while H18R- and H18A-IAPP exhibit both antiparallel and parallel β-sheets as well as amorphous aggregates. Our results emphasize the decisive role of residue 18 for the structure and membrane interaction of IAPP. This residue is thus a good therapeutic target for destabilizing membrane-bound IAPP fibrils to inhibit their toxic actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Khemtemourian
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux IMP, CBMN, Pessac, France
- *Correspondence: Lucie Khemtemourian, ; Birgit Strodel,
| | - Hebah Fatafta
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, Jülich, Germany
- JuStruct, Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Jülich, Germany
| | - Benoit Davion
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux IMP, CBMN, Pessac, France
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux IMP, CBMN, Pessac, France
| | - Sabine Castano
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux IMP, CBMN, Pessac, France
| | - Birgit Strodel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry, Jülich, Germany
- JuStruct, Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Lucie Khemtemourian, ; Birgit Strodel,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Effects of oligomer toxicity, fibril toxicity and fibril spreading in synucleinopathies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:174. [PMID: 35244787 PMCID: PMC8897347 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein misfolding is a general hallmark of protein deposition diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, in which different types of aggregated species (oligomers, protofibrils and fibrils) are generated by the cells. Despite widespread interest, the relationship between oligomers and fibrils in the aggregation process and spreading remains elusive. A large variety of experimental evidences supported the idea that soluble oligomeric species of different proteins might be more toxic than the larger fibrillar forms. Furthermore, the lack of correlation between the presence of the typical pathological inclusions and disease sustained this debate. However, recent data show that the β-sheet core of the α-Synuclein (αSyn) fibrils is unable to establish persistent interactions with the lipid bilayers, but they can release oligomeric species responsible for an immediate dysfunction of the recipient neurons. Reversibly, such oligomeric species could also contribute to pathogenesis via neuron-to-neuron spreading by their direct cell-to-cell transfer or by generating new fibrils, following their neuronal uptake. In this Review, we discuss the various mechanisms of cellular dysfunction caused by αSyn, including oligomer toxicity, fibril toxicity and fibril spreading.
Collapse
|
35
|
Lye YS, Chen YR. TAR DNA-binding protein 43 oligomers in physiology and pathology. IUBMB Life 2022; 74:794-811. [PMID: 35229461 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is an RNA/DNA-binding protein involved in RNA regulation and diseases. In 2006, TDP-43 inclusions were found in the disease lesions of several neurodegenerative diseases. It is the pathological hallmark in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia. It also presents in a large portion of patients with Alzheimer's disease. TDP-43 is prone to aggregate; however, the role of TDP-43 oligomers remains poorly understood in both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we emphasize the role of oligomeric TDP-43 in both physiological and pathological conditions and discuss the potential mechanisms of oligomer formation. Finally, we suggest therapeutic strategies against the TDP-43 oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuh Shen Lye
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Cheng Kung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chau E, Kim JR. Engineering of a protein probe with multiple inputs and multiple outputs for evaluation of alpha synuclein aggregation states. Biochem Eng J 2022; 178:108292. [PMID: 35002469 PMCID: PMC8740893 DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) into oligomers and fibrils is implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's Disease (PD). While a molecular probe for rapid and comprehensive evaluation of αS aggregation states is critical for a better understanding of PD pathology, identification of therapeutic candidates, and the development of early diagnostic strategies, no such probe has yet to be developed. A structurally flexible αS variant, PG65, was previously developed as a target binding-driven, conformation-switching molecular probe for rapid αS oligomer detection. Though informative, detection using PG65 provides no comprehensive assessment of the αS aggregation states. In the present study, we report engineering of a molecular probe, PG65-MIMO (a PG65 variant with Multiple-Inputs and Multiple-Outputs), that rapidly (within 2 hr) produces comprehensive information on αS aggregation states. PG65-MIMO generates distinct fluorescence responses to the three major αS conformers (monomers, oligomers, and fibrils). PG65-MIMO also displays unique fluorescent signals for αS oligomers, depending on the tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) concentration. Our results suggest that the TCEP dependent signaling of PG65-MIMO may be associated with its conformational states. Overall, our study illustrates engineering of an αS variant to create a molecular probe for handling multiple inputs and multiple outputs, addressing the technological gap in αS detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin Ryoun Kim
- Corresponding author: Prof. Jin Ryoun Kim, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. Tel: 1-646-997-3719.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang Q, Wang B, Zhang Y, Yang J, Deng B, Ding B, Zhong D. Probing Intermolecular Interactions of Amyloidogenic Fragments of SOD1 by Site-Specific Tryptophan and Its Noncanonical Derivative. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:13088-13098. [PMID: 34812635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c07175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Transient amyloid intermediates are likely to be cytotoxic and play an essential role in amyloid-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Characterization of their structural and dynamic evolution is the key to elucidating the molecular mechanism of amyloid formation. Here, combining circular dichroism (CD), exciton couplet theory, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with site-specific tryptophan (Trp) and its noncanonical derivative 5-cyano-tryptochan (Trp5CN), we developed a method to monitor strand-to-strand tertiary and sheet-to-sheet quaternary interactions in the aggregation cascades of an amyloidogenic fragment from protein SOD128-38 (with the sequence KVKVWGSIKGL). We found that the exciton couplet generated from the Bb band of Trp can be used as a probe for side chain interactions. Its sensitivity can be further improved by four times with the incorporation of Trp5CN. We further observed a red-shift of ∼2 cm-1 and a broadening of ∼2 cm-1 in the IR band generated from the CN stretch during the aggregation, which we attributed to the transition from a corkscrew-like structure to a cross-linked intermediate phase. We show here that the integration of optical methods with unique aromatic side chain-related probes is able to elucidate amyloid intermolecular interactions and even capture elusive transient intermediates on and off the amyloid assembling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bingyao Wang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bodan Deng
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bei Ding
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dongping Zhong
- Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Programs of Biophysics, Chemical Physics, and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Malfertheiner K, Stefanova N, Heras-Garvin A. The Concept of α-Synuclein Strains and How Different Conformations May Explain Distinct Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurol 2021; 12:737195. [PMID: 34675870 PMCID: PMC8523670 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.737195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, an increasing amount of studies primarily based on experimental models have investigated the existence of distinct α-synuclein strains and their different pathological effects. This novel concept could shed light on the heterogeneous nature of α-synucleinopathies, a group of disorders that includes Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, which share as their key-molecular hallmark the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein, a process that seems pivotal in disease pathogenesis according to experimental observations. However, the etiology of α-synucleinopathies and the initial events leading to the formation of α-synuclein aggregates remains elusive. Hence, the hypothesis that structurally distinct fibrillary assemblies of α-synuclein could have a causative role in the different disease phenotypes and explain, at least to some extent, their specific neurodegenerative, disease progression, and clinical presentation patterns is very appealing. Moreover, the presence of different α-synuclein strains might represent a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of these neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, the recent use of super resolution techniques and protein aggregation assays has offered the possibility, on the one hand, to elucidate the conformation of α-synuclein pathogenic strains and, on the other hand, to cyclically amplify to detectable levels low amounts of α-synuclein strains in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral tissue from patients. Thus, the inclusion of these techniques could facilitate the differentiation between α-synucleinopathies, even at early stages, which is crucial for successful therapeutic intervention. This mini-review summarizes the current knowledge on α-synuclein strains and discusses its possible applications and potential benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Malfertheiner
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Antonio Heras-Garvin
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chau E, Kim H, Shin J, Martinez A, Kim JR. Inhibition of alpha-synuclein aggregation by AM17, a synthetic resveratrol derivative. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 574:85-90. [PMID: 34454326 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is linked to the aberrant self-assembly of the amyloid protein, α-synuclein (αS), where αS monomers aggregate to form oligomers and fibrils. Out of the three conformers, αS oligomers are the major toxic agents in PD, while αS fibrils may work as a reservoir for toxic oligomeric conformers. Thus, compounds that inhibit aggregation of αS monomers and disaggregate αS oligomers and fibrils may serve as therapeutic agents against PD. In this regard, resveratrol and its synthetic derivatives (e.g., AM17, which contains a copper ion-selective ionophoric motif) have previously been examined for their inhibitory effects on aggregation of amyloid proteins, such as the β-amyloid peptide implicated in Alzheimer's disease. In the current study, we employed an array of experimental tools, such as Thioflavin T fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, immuno-dot blot assays, SDS- and native-PAGE, and circular dichroism, to determine the impact of AM17 and resveratrol on αS aggregation. To the best of our knowledge, we show for the first time that AM17 not only inhibits aggregation of αS monomers but also disaggregates αS oligomers and fibrils, independent of the copper ions. Similar αS aggregation inhibitory effects were observed with resveratrol only in the presence of the copper ion. The present study supports the high promise of applicability of AM17 as an effective amyloid aggregation inhibitor for various conformers and protein sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Hyunjoo Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Jineun Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Alberto Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, New York City College of Technology, 300 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Jin Ryoun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
De Meutter J, Goormaghtigh E. Protein Structural Denaturation Evaluated by MCR-ALS of Protein Microarray FTIR Spectra. Anal Chem 2021; 93:13441-13449. [PMID: 34592098 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The loss of native structure is common in proteins. Among others, aggregation is one structural modification of particular importance as it is a major concern for the efficiency and safety of biotherapeutic proteins. Yet, recognizing the structural features associated with intermolecular bridging in a high-throughput manner remains a challenge. We combined here the use of protein microarrays spotted at a density of ca 2500 samples per cm2 and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging to analyze structural modifications in a set of 85 proteins characterized by widely different secondary structure contents, submitted or not to mild denaturing conditions. Multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was used to model a new spectral component appearing in the protein set subject to denaturing conditions. In the native protein set, 6 components were found to be sufficient to obtain good modeling of the spectra. Furthermore, their shape allowed them to be assigned to α-helix, β-sheet, and other structures. Their content in each protein was correlated with the known secondary structure, confirming these assignments. In the denatured proteins, a new component was necessary and modeled by MCR-ALS. This new component could be assigned to the intermolecular β-sheet, bridging protein molecules. MCR-ALS, therefore, unveiled a potential spectroscopic marker of protein aggregation and allowed a semiquantitative evaluation of its content. Insight into other structural rearrangements was also obtained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joëlle De Meutter
- Center for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, Campus Plaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles CP206/2, B1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erik Goormaghtigh
- Center for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for the Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, Campus Plaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles CP206/2, B1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sevgi F, Brauchle EM, Carvajal Berrio DA, Schenke-Layland K, Casadei N, Salker MS, Riess O, Singh Y. Imaging of α-Synuclein Aggregates in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease Using Raman Microspectroscopy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:664365. [PMID: 34568310 PMCID: PMC8461246 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.664365] [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] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the formation of Lewy bodies in the brain. Lewy bodies are rich in the aggregated form of misfolded α-Synuclein (α-Syn). The brain from PD patients can only be analyzed after postmortem, therefore, limiting the diagnosis of PD to the manifestation of motor symptoms. In PD patients and animal models, phosphorylated α-Syn was detected in the peripheral tissues including the gut, thus, raising the hypothesis that early-stage PD could be diagnosed based on colon tissue biopsies. Non-invasive marker-free technologies represent ideal methods to potentially detect aggregated α-Syn in vivo. Raman microspectroscopy has been established for the detection of molecular changes such as alterations of protein structures. Using Raman imaging and microspectroscopy, we analyzed the olfactory bulb in the brain and the muscularis mucosae of colon tissue sections of a human BAC-SNCA transgenic (TG) rat model. Raman images from TG and WT rats were investigated using principal component analysis (PCA) and true component analysis (TCA). Spectral components indicated protein aggregates (spheroidal oligomers) in the TG rat brain and in the colon tissues even at a young age but not in WT. In summary, we have demonstrated that Raman imaging is capable of detecting α-Syn aggregates in colon tissues of a PD rat model and making it a promising tool for future use in PD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fide Sevgi
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eva M Brauchle
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany.,Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI), Tübingen University, Reutlingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel A Carvajal Berrio
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany.,Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI), Tübingen University, Reutlingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Madhuri S Salker
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Women's Health, Research Institute for Women's Health, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, Eberhard Karls Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Leitão ADG, Rudolffi-Soto P, Chappard A, Bhumkar A, Lau D, Hunter DJB, Gambin Y, Sierecki E. Selectivity of Lewy body protein interactions along the aggregation pathway of α-synuclein. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1124. [PMID: 34556785 PMCID: PMC8460662 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02624-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) follows a cascade of oligomeric, prefibrillar and fibrillar forms, culminating in the formation of Lewy Bodies (LB), the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's Disease. Although LB contain over 70 proteins, the potential for interactions along the aggregation pathway of α-SYN is unknown. Here we propose a map of interactions of 65 proteins against different species of α-SYN. We measured binding to monomeric α-SYN using AlphaScreen, a sensitive nano-bead luminescence assay for detection of protein interactions. To access oligomeric species, we used the pathological mutants of α-SYN (A30P, G51D and A53T) which form oligomers with distinct properties. Finally, we generated amyloid fibrils from recombinant α-SYN. Binding to oligomers and fibrils was measured by two-color coincidence detection (TCCD) on a single molecule spectroscopy setup. Overall, we demonstrate that LB components are recruited to specific steps in the aggregation of α-SYN, uncovering future targets to modulate aggregation in synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André D G Leitão
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paulina Rudolffi-Soto
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandre Chappard
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Akshay Bhumkar
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Derrick Lau
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominic J B Hunter
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen J, Zaer S, Drori P, Zamel J, Joron K, Kalisman N, Lerner E, Dokholyan NV. The structural heterogeneity of α-synuclein is governed by several distinct subpopulations with interconversion times slower than milliseconds. Structure 2021; 29:1048-1064.e6. [PMID: 34015255 PMCID: PMC8419013 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein plays an important role in synaptic functions by interacting with synaptic vesicle membrane, while its oligomers and fibrils are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. The specific monomer structures that promote its membrane binding and self-association remain elusive due to its transient nature as an intrinsically disordered protein. Here, we use inter-dye distance distributions from bulk time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer as restraints in discrete molecular dynamics simulations to map the conformational space of the α-synuclein monomer. We further confirm the generated conformational ensemble in orthogonal experiments utilizing far-UV circular dichroism and cross-linking mass spectrometry. Single-molecule protein-induced fluorescence enhancement measurements show that within this conformational ensemble, some of the conformations of α-synuclein are surprisingly stable, exhibiting conformational transitions slower than milliseconds. Our comprehensive analysis of the conformational ensemble reveals essential structural properties and potential conformations that promote its various functions in membrane interaction or oligomer and fibril formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sofia Zaer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Paz Drori
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Joanna Zamel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Khalil Joron
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Nir Kalisman
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Eitan Lerner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics & Science, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cao Y, Adamcik J, Diener M, Kumita JR, Mezzenga R. Different Folding States from the Same Protein Sequence Determine Reversible vs Irreversible Amyloid Fate. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:11473-11481. [PMID: 34286587 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The propensity to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils with a shared cross-β architecture is a generic feature of proteins. Amyloid-related diseases affect millions of people worldwide, yet they are incurable and cannot be effectively prevented, largely due to the irreversible assembly and extraordinary stability of amyloid fibrils. Recent studies suggest that labile amyloids may be possible in certain proteins containing low-complexity domains often involved in the formation of subcellular membraneless organelles. Although the fundamental understanding of this reversible amyloid folding process is completely missing, the current view is that a given protein sequence will result in either irreversible, as in most of the cases, or reversible amyloid fibrils, as in few exceptions. Here we show that two common globular proteins, human lysozyme and its homologue from hen egg white, can self-assemble into both reversible and irreversible amyloid fibrils depending on the folding path followed by the protein. In both folding states, the amyloid nature of the fibrils is demonstrated at the molecular level by its cross-β structure, yet with substantial differences on the mesoscopic polymorphism and the labile nature of the amyloid state. Structural analysis shows that reversible and irreversible amyloid fibrils possess the same full-length protein sequence but different fibril core structures and β-sheet arrangements. These results illuminate a mechanistic link between the reversible and irreversible nature of amyloids and highlight the central role of protein folding states in regulating the lability and reversibility of amyloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Cao
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Jozef Adamcik
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Michael Diener
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Janet R Kumita
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland.,Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Potent inhibitors of toxic alpha-synuclein identified via cellular time-resolved FRET biosensors. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2021; 7:52. [PMID: 34183676 PMCID: PMC8238948 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a high-throughput drug discovery platform, measuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with fluorescent alpha-synuclein (αSN) biosensors, to detect spontaneous pre-fibrillar oligomers in living cells. Our two αSN FRET biosensors provide complementary insight into αSN oligomerization and conformation in order to improve the success of drug discovery campaigns for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We measure FRET by fluorescence lifetime, rather than traditional fluorescence intensity, providing a structural readout with greater resolution and precision. This facilitates identification of compounds that cause subtle but significant conformational changes in the ensemble of oligomeric states that are easily missed using intensity-based FRET. We screened a 1280-compound small-molecule library and identified 21 compounds that changed the lifetime by >5 SD. Two of these compounds have nanomolar potency in protecting SH-SY5Y cells from αSN-induced death, providing a nearly tenfold improvement over known inhibitors. We tested the efficacy of several compounds in a primary mouse neuron assay of αSN pathology (phosphorylation of mouse αSN pre-formed fibrils) and show rescue of pathology for two of them. These hits were further characterized with biophysical and biochemical assays to explore potential mechanisms of action. In vitro αSN oligomerization, single-molecule FRET, and protein-observed fluorine NMR experiments demonstrate that these compounds modulate αSN oligomers but not monomers. Subsequent aggregation assays further show that these compounds also deter or block αSN fibril assembly.
Collapse
|
47
|
Diociaiuti M, Bonanni R, Cariati I, Frank C, D’Arcangelo G. Amyloid Prefibrillar Oligomers: The Surprising Commonalities in Their Structure and Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126435. [PMID: 34208561 PMCID: PMC8235680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that a “common core” of pathologic pathways exists for the large family of amyloid-associated neurodegenerations, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type II diabetes and Creutzfeldt–Jacob’s Disease. Aggregates of the involved proteins, independently from their primary sequence, induced neuron membrane permeabilization able to trigger an abnormal Ca2+ influx leading to synaptotoxicity, resulting in reduced expression of synaptic proteins and impaired synaptic transmission. Emerging evidence is now focusing on low-molecular-weight prefibrillar oligomers (PFOs), which mimic bacterial pore-forming toxins that form well-ordered oligomeric membrane-spanning pores. At the same time, the neuron membrane composition and its chemical microenvironment seem to play a pivotal role. In fact, the brain of AD patients contains increased fractions of anionic lipids able to favor cationic influx. However, up to now the existence of a specific “common structure” of the toxic aggregate, and a “common mechanism” by which it induces neuronal damage, synaptotoxicity and impaired synaptic transmission, is still an open hypothesis. In this review, we gathered information concerning this hypothesis, focusing on the proteins linked to several amyloid diseases. We noted commonalities in their structure and membrane activity, and their ability to induce Ca2+ influx, neurotoxicity, synaptotoxicity and impaired synaptic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Diociaiuti
- Centro Nazionale Malattie Rare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (G.D.)
| | - Ida Cariati
- PhD in Medical-Surgical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Frank
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (G.D.)
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Guaglianone G, Kreutzer AG, Nowick JS. Synthesis and study of macrocyclic β-hairpin peptides for investigating amyloid oligomers. Methods Enzymol 2021; 656:123-168. [PMID: 34325785 PMCID: PMC9053554 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chemically constrained peptides that self-assemble can be used to better understand the molecular basis of amyloid diseases. The formation of small assemblies of the amyloidogenic peptides and proteins, termed oligomers, is central to amyloid diseases. The use of chemical model systems can help provide insights into the structures and interactions of amyloid oligomers, which are otherwise difficult to study. This chapter describes the use of macrocyclic β-hairpin peptides as model systems to study amyloid oligomers. The first part of the chapter describes the chemical synthesis of the macrocyclic β-hairpin peptides and covalent assemblies thereof. The second part of the chapter describes the characterization of the oligomers formed by the macrocyclic β-hairpin peptides, focusing on SDS-PAGE, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and X-ray crystallography. The procedures provided focus on the β-amyloid peptide, but these strategies are applicable to a broad range of amyloid-derived peptides and proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam G Kreutzer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - James S Nowick
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Uddin MS, Al Mamun A, Rahman MA, Behl T, Perveen A, Hafeez A, Bin-Jumah MN, Abdel-Daim MM, Ashraf GM. Emerging Proof of Protein Misfolding and Interactions in Multifactorial Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2380-2390. [PMID: 32479244 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200601161703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the extracellular accumulations of amyloid beta (Aβ) as senile plaques and intracellular aggregations of tau in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in specific brain regions. In this review, we focus on the interaction of Aβ and tau with cytosolic proteins and several cell organelles as well as associated neurotoxicity in AD. SUMMARY Misfolded proteins present in cells accompanied by correctly folded, intermediately folded, as well as unfolded species. Misfolded proteins can be degraded or refolded properly with the aid of chaperone proteins, which are playing a pivotal role in protein folding, trafficking as well as intermediate stabilization in healthy cells. The continuous aggregation of misfolded proteins in the absence of their proper clearance could result in amyloid disease including AD. The neuropathological changes of AD brain include the atypical cellular accumulation of misfolded proteins as well as the loss of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and certain subcortical regions. The mechanism of neurodegeneration in AD that leads to severe neuronal cell death and memory dysfunctions is not completely understood until now. CONCLUSION Examining the impact, as well as the consequences of protein misfolding, could help to uncover the molecular etiologies behind the complicated AD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh,Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh,Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ataur Rahman
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Asma Perveen
- Glocal School of Life Sciences, Glocal University, Saharanpur, India
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- Glocal School of Pharmacy, Glocal University, Saharanpur, India
| | - May N Bin-Jumah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11474, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia,Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Waeytens J, Mathurin J, Deniset-Besseau A, Arluison V, Bousset L, Rezaei H, Raussens V, Dazzi A. Probing amyloid fibril secondary structures by infrared nanospectroscopy: experimental and theoretical considerations. Analyst 2021; 146:132-145. [PMID: 33107501 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01545h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are composed of aggregated peptides or proteins in a fibrillary structure with a higher β-sheet content than their native structure. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy only provides bulk analysis of a sample therefore it is impossible to discriminate between different aggregated structures. To overcome this limitation, near-field techniques like AFM-IR have emerged in the last twenty years to allow infrared nanospectroscopy. This technique obtains IR spectra with a spatial resolution of ten nanometres, the size of isolated fibrils. Here, we present essential practical considerations to avoid misinterpretations and artefacts during these analyses. Effects of polarization of the incident IR laser, illumination configuration and coating of the AFM probes are discussed, including the advantages and drawbacks of their use. This approach will improve interpretation of AFM-IR spectra especially for the determination of secondary structures of species not accessible using classical ATR-FTIR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Waeytens
- Structure et Fonction des Membranes Biologiques, Université libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgique.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|