Glycation affects fibril formation of Aβ peptides

Non-enzymatic posttranslational protein modifications in protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases

Highly reactive metabolic intermediates and other small molecules frequently react with amino acid side chains, leading to non-enzymatic posttranslational modifications (nPTMs) of proteins. The abundance of these modifications increases under high metabolic activity or stress conditions and can dramatically impact protein structure and function. Although protein quality control mechanisms typically mitigate the effects of these impaired proteins, in long-lived and degradation-resistant proteins, nPTMs accumulate. In some cases, such as cataract development and diabetes, clear links between nPTMs, aging, and disease progression have been established. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, a key question is whether accumulation of nPTMs is a cause or consequence of protein aggregation. This review focuses on major nPTMs found on proteins with central roles in neurodegenerative diseases such as α-synuclein, β-amyloid, and tau. We summarize current knowledge on the formation of these modifications and discuss their potential impact on disease onset and progression. Additionally, we examine what is known to date about how nPTMs impair cellular detoxification, repair, and degradation systems. Finally, we critically discuss the available methodologies to systematically investigate nPTMs at the molecular level and outline suitable approaches to study their effects on protein aggregation. We aim to foster more research into the role of nPTMs in neurodegeneration by adapting methodologies that have proven successful in studying enzymatic posttranslational modifications. Specifically, we advocate for site-specific incorporation of these modifications into target proteins using advanced chemical and molecular biology techniques.

Peptide-Bound Glycative, AGE and Oxidative Modifications as Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease-A Feasibility Study

Background: The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) relies on core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau. As the brain is then already damaged, researchers still strive to discover earlier biomarkers of disease onset and the progression of AD. Glycation, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative modifications on proteins in CSF mirror the underlying biological mechanisms that contribute to early AD pathology. However, analyzing free AGEs in the body fluids of AD patients has led to controversial results. Thus, this pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of detecting, identifying and quantifying differentially glycated, AGE or oxidatively modified peptides in CSF proteins of AD patients (n = 5) compared to a control group (n = 5). Methods: To this end, we utilized a data-dependent (DDA) nano liquid chromatography (LC) linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) ) approach and database search that included over 30 glycative and oxidative modifications in four search nodes to analyze endogenous modifications on individual peptides. Furthermore, we quantified candidate peptide abundance using LC Quan. Results: We identified 299 sites of early and advanced glycation and 53 sites of oxidatively modified tryptophan. From those, we identified 17 promising candidates as putative biomarkers (receiver operating curve-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.8), albeit without statistical significance. Conclusions: The potential candidates with higher discrimination power showed correlations with established diagnostic markers, thus hinting toward the potential of those peptides as biomarkers.

Pathways of amyloid fibril formation and protein aggregation

The main cause of many neurodegenerative diseases and systemic amyloidoses is protein and peptide aggregation and the formation of amyloid fibrils. The study of aggregation mechanisms, the discovery and description of aggregate structures, and a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of amyloid formation are of great importance for the diagnostic processes at the molecular level and for the development of therapeutic strategies to counter aggregation-associated disorders. Given that understanding protein misfolding phenomena is directly related to the protein folding process, we will briefly explain the protein folding mechanism and then discuss the important factors involved in protein aggregation. In the following, we review different mechanisms of amyloid formation and finally represent the current knowledge on how amyloid fibrils are formed based on kinetic and thermodynamic factors.

An overview on glycation: molecular mechanisms, impact on proteins, pathogenesis, and inhibition

The formation of a heterogeneous set of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is the final outcome of a non-enzymatic process that occurs in vivo on long-life biomolecules. This process, known as glycation, starts with the reaction between reducing sugars, or their autoxidation products, with the amino groups of proteins, DNA, or lipids, thus gaining relevance under hyperglycemic conditions. Once AGEs are formed, they might affect the biological function of the biomacromolecule and, therefore, induce the development of pathophysiological events. In fact, the accumulation of AGEs has been pointed as a triggering factor of obesity, diabetes-related diseases, coronary artery disease, neurological disorders, or chronic renal failure, among others. Given the deleterious consequences of glycation, evolution has designed endogenous mechanisms to undo glycation or to prevent it. In addition, many exogenous molecules have also emerged as powerful glycation inhibitors. This review aims to provide an overview on what glycation is. It starts by explaining the similarities and differences between glycation and glycosylation. Then, it describes in detail the molecular mechanism underlying glycation reactions, and the bio-molecular targets with higher propensity to be glycated. Next, it discusses the precise effects of glycation on protein structure, function, and aggregation, and how computational chemistry has provided insights on these aspects. Finally, it reports the most prevalent diseases induced by glycation, and the endogenous mechanisms and the current therapeutic interventions against it.

The Role of Protein-L-isoaspartyl Methyltransferase (PIMT) in the Suppression of Toxicity of the Oligomeric Form of Aβ42, in Addition to the Inhibition of Its Fibrillization

The oligomeric form of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ42) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is responsible for cognitive deficits. The soluble oligomers are believed to be more toxic compared to the fibril form. Protein-L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) is a repair enzyme that converts aberrant isoAsp residues, formed spontaneously on isomerization of normal Asp and Asn residues, back to typical Asp. It was shown to inhibit the fibrillization of Aβ42 (containing three Asp residues), and here, we investigate its effect on the size, conformation, and toxicity of Aβ42 oligomers (AβO). Far-UV CD indicated a shift in the conformational feature of AβOs from the random coil to β-sheet in the presence of PIMT. Binding of bis-ANS to different AβOs (obtained using different concentrations of Aβ42 monomer) indicated the correlation of size of oligomers to hydrophobicity: the smallest AβO having the highest hydrophobicity is the most toxic. Dynamic light scattering showed an increase in size of AβO with the addition of PIMT, a contrasting role to that on Aβ fibril. Assays using PC12-derived neurons showed the neuroprotective role of PIMT against AβO-induced toxicity. Furthermore, we have elaborated on the molecular mechanism of the antifibrillar action of PIMT and how this function is correlated with its enzymatic activity. PIMT has a more pronounced effect on AβO as compared to a small heat shock protein, pointing to its importance for the amelioration of the adverse effect of both Aβ42 oligomers and fibrils.

The Involvement of Post-Translational Modifications in Regulating the Development and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been recently reported to be involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In detail, PTMs include phosphorylation, glycation, acetylation, sumoylation, ubiquitination, methylation, nitration, and truncation, which are associated with pathological functions of AD-related proteins, such as β-amyloid (Aβ), β-site APP-cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1), and tau protein. In particular, the roles of aberrant PTMs in the trafficking, cleavage, and degradation of AD-associated proteins, leading to the cognitive decline of the disease, are summarized under AD conditions. By summarizing these research progress, the gaps will be filled between PMTs and AD, which will facilitate the discovery of potential biomarkers, leading to the establishment of novel clinical intervention methods against AD.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2017-2018

This review is the tenth update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2018. Also included are papers that describe methods appropriate to glycan and glycoprotein analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation techniques, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. Topics covered in the first part of the review include general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, new methods, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation and the use of arrays. The second part of the review is devoted to applications to various structural types such as oligo- and poly-saccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides, and biopharmaceuticals. Most of the applications are presented in tabular form. The third part of the review covers medical and industrial applications of the technique, studies of enzyme reactions, and applications to chemical synthesis. The reported work shows increasing use of combined new techniques such as ion mobility and highlights the impact that MALDI imaging is having across a range of diciplines. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis and advancements in the technique and the range of applications continue steady progress.

Unveiling the Potential of Polyphenols as Anti-Amyloid Molecules in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that mostly affects the elderly population. Mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis are yet to be fully revealed, but there are several hypotheses regarding AD. Even though free radicals and inflammation are likely to be linked with AD pathogenesis, still amyloid-beta (Aβ) cascade is the dominant hypothesis. According to the Aβ hypothesis, a progressive buildup of extracellular and intracellular Aβ aggregates has a significant contribution to the AD-linked neurodegeneration process. Since Aβ plays an important role in the etiology of AD, therefore Aβ-linked pathways are mainly targeted in order to develop potential AD therapies. Accumulation of Aβ plaques in the brains of AD individuals is an important hallmark of AD. These plaques are mainly composed of Aβ (a peptide of 39-42 amino acids) aggregates produced via the proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. Numerous studies have demonstrated that various polyphenols (PPHs), including cyanidins, anthocyanins, curcumin, catechins and their gallate esters were found to markedly suppress Aβ aggregation and prevent the formation of Aβ oligomers and toxicity, which is further suggesting that these PPHs might be regarded as effective therapeutic agents for the AD treatment. This review summarizes the roles of Aβ in AD pathogenesis, the Aβ aggregation pathway, types of PPHs, and distribution of PPHs in dietary sources. Furthermore, we have predominantly focused on the potential of food-derived PPHs as putative anti-amyloid drugs.

Altered glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: Role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism is largely present in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The brain utilizes glucose as its main energy source and a decline in its metabolism directly reflects on brain function. Weighing on recent evidence, here we systematically assessed the aberrant glucose metabolism associated with amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau accumulation in AD brain. Interlink between insulin signaling and AD highlighted the involvement of the IRS/PI3K/Akt/AMPK signaling, and GLUTs in the disease progression. While shedding light on the mitochondrial dysfunction in the defective glucose metabolism, we further assessed functional consequences of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) accumulation, polyol activation, and other contributing factors including terminal respiration, ROS (reactive oxygen species), mitochondrial permeability, PINK1/parkin defects, lysosome-mitochondrial crosstalk, and autophagy/mitophagy. Combined with the classic plaque and tangle pathologies, glucose hypometabolism with acquired insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction potentiate these factors to exacerbate AD pathology. To this end, we further reviewed AD and DM (diabetes mellitus) crosstalk in disease progression. Taken together, the present work discusses the emerging role of altered glucose metabolism, contributing impact of insulin signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the defective cerebral glucose utilization in AD.

Orally Bioavailable Prodrugs of ψ-GSH: A Potential Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Addressing glycation-induced oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategy. Restoration of the brain glyoxalase enzyme system that neutralizes reactive dicarbonyls is one such approach. Toward this end, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a γ-glutamyl transpeptidase-resistant glyoxalase substrate, ψ-GSH. Although mechanistically successful, the oral efficacy of ψ-GSH appeared as an area in need of improvement. Herein, we describe our rationale for the creation of prodrugs that mask the labile sulfhydryl group. In vitro and in vivo stability studies identified promising prodrugs that could deliver pharmacologically relevant brain levels of ψ-GSH. When administered orally to a mouse model generated by the intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1-42, the compounds conferred cognitive benefits. Biochemical and histological examination confirmed their effects on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Collectively, we have identified orally efficacious prodrugs of ψ-GSH that are able to restore brain glyoxalase activity and mitigate inflammatory and oxidative pathology associated with AD.

Targeting hIAPP fibrillation: A new paradigm to prevent β-cell death?

Loss of pancreatic β-cell mass is deleterious for type 2 diabetes patients since it reduces insulin production, critical for glucose homeostasis. The main research axis developed over the last few years was to generate new pancreatic β-cells or to transplant pancreatic islets as occurring for some specific type 1 diabetes patients. We evaluate here a new paradigm consisting in preservation of β-cells by prevention of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) oligomers and fibrils formation leading to pancreatic β-cell death. We review the hIAPP physiology and the pathology that contributes to β-cell destruction, deciphering the various cellular steps that could be involved. Recent progress in understanding other amyloidosis such as Aβ, Tau, α-synuclein or prion, involved in neurodegenerative processes linked with inflammation, has opened new research lines of investigations to preserve neuronal cells. We evaluate and estimate their transposition to the pancreatic β-cells preservation. Among them is the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurring with inflammation and the possible implication of the mitochondrial translocator protein as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. The present review also focuses on other amyloid forming proteins from molecular to physiological and physiopathological points of view that could help to better decipher hIAPP-induced β-cell death mechanisms and to prevent hIAPP fibril formation.

Mucin-Type O-Glycosylation Proximal to β-Secretase Cleavage Site Affects APP Processing and Aggregation Fate

The amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) undergoes proteolysis by β- and γ-secretases to form amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), which is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent findings suggest a possible role of O-glycosylation on APP's proteolytic processing and subsequent fate for AD-related pathology. We have previously reported that Tyr681-O-glycosylation and the Swedish mutation accelerate cleavage of APP model glycopeptides by β-secretase (amyloidogenic pathway) more than α-secretase (non-amyloidogenic pathway). Therefore, to further our studies, we have synthesized additional native and Swedish-mutated (glyco)peptides with O-GalNAc moiety on Thr663 and/or Ser667 to explore the role of glycosylation on conformation, secretase activity, and aggregation kinetics of Aβ40. Our results show that conformation is strongly dependent on external conditions such as buffer ions and solvent polarity as well as internal modifications of (glyco)peptides such as length, O-glycosylation, and Swedish mutation. Furthermore, the level of β-secretase activity significantly increases for the glycopeptides containing the Swedish mutation compared to their nonglycosylated and native counterparts. Lastly, the glycopeptides impact the kinetics of Aβ40 aggregation by significantly increasing the lag phase and delaying aggregation onset, however, this effect is less pronounced for its Swedish-mutated counterparts. In conclusion, our results confirm that the Swedish mutation and/or O-glycosylation can render APP model glycopeptides more susceptible to cleavage by β-secretase. In addition, this study sheds new light on the possible role of glycosylation and/or glycan density on the rate of Aβ40 aggregation.

Glycation modulates alpha-synuclein fibrillization kinetics: a sweet spot for inhibition

Glycation is a nonenzymatic posttranslational modification (PTM) known to be increased in the brains of hyperglycemic patients. Alpha-synuclein (αSN), a central player in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease, can be glycated at lysine residues, thereby reducing αSN fibril formation in vitro and modulating αSN aggregation in cells. However, the molecular basis for these effects is unclear. To elucidate this, we investigated the aggregation of αSN modified by eight glycating agents, namely the dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MGO) and the sugars ribose, fructose, mannose, glucose, galactose, sucrose, and lactose. We found that MGO and ribose modify αSN to the greatest extent, and these glycation products are the most efficient inhibitors of fibril formation. We show glycation primarily inhibits elongation rather than nucleation of αSN and has only a modest effect on the level of oligomerization. Furthermore, glycated αSN is not significantly incorporated into fibrils. For both MGO and ribose, we discovered that a level of ∼5 modifications per αSN is optimal for inhibition of elongation. The remaining sugars showed a weak but optimal inhibition at ∼2 modifications per αSN. We propose that this optimal level balances the affinity for the growing ends of the fibril (which decreases with the extent of modification) with the ability to block incorporation of subsequent αSN subunits (which increases with modification). Our results are not only relevant for other αSN PTMs but also for understanding PTMs affecting other fibrillogenic proteins and may thus open novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in protein aggregation disorders.

γ-Glutamyl-Transpeptidase-Resistant Glutathione Analog Attenuates Progression of Alzheimer's Disease-like Pathology and Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Model

Oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is mediated, in part, by the loss of glutathione (GSH). Previous studies show that γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)-resistant GSH analog, Ψ-GSH, improves brain GSH levels, reduces oxidative stress markers in brains of APP/PS1 transgenic mice, a mouse model of AD, and attenuates early memory deficits in the APP/PS1 model. Herein, we examined whether Ψ-GSH can attenuate the disease progression when administered following the onset of AD-like pathology in vivo. Cohorts of APP/PS1 mice were administered Ψ-GSH for 2 months starting at 8 month or 12 months of age. We show that Ψ-GSH treatment reduces indices of oxidative stress in older mice by restoration of enzyme glyoxalase-1 (Glo-1) activity and reduces levels of insoluble Aβ. Quantitative neuropathological analyses show that Ψ-GSH treatment significantly reduces Aβ deposition and brain inflammation in APP/PS1 mice compared to vehicle-treated mice. More importantly, Ψ-GSH treatment attenuated the progressive loss of cortical TH+ afferents and the loss of TH+ neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC). Collectively, the results show that Ψ-GSH exhibits significant antioxidant activity in aged APP/PS1 mice and chronic Ψ-GSH treatment administered after the onset of AD pathology can reverse/slow further progression of AD-like pathology and neurodegeneration in vivo.

Inhibition of neuroinflammatory nitric oxide signaling suppresses glycation and prevents neuronal dysfunction in mouse prion disease

Several neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein misfolding (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease) exhibit oxidative and nitrergic stress following initiation of neuroinflammatory pathways. Associated nitric oxide (NO)-mediated posttranslational modifications impact upon protein functions that can exacerbate pathology. Nonenzymatic and irreversible glycation signaling has been implicated as an underlying pathway that promotes protein misfolding, but the direct interactions between both pathways are poorly understood. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of pharmacologically suppressing neuroinflammatory NO signaling during early disease progression of prion-infected mice. Mice were injected daily with an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor at early disease stages, hippocampal gene and protein expression levels of oxidative and nitrergic stress markers were analyzed, and electrophysiological characterization of pyramidal CA1 neurons was performed. Increased neuroinflammatory signaling was observed in mice between 6 and 10 wk postinoculation (w.p.i.) with scrapie prion protein. Their hippocampi were characterized by enhanced nitrergic stress associated with a decline in neuronal function by 9 w.p.i. Daily in vivo administration of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME between 6 and 9 w.p.i. at 20 mg/kg prevented the functional degeneration of hippocampal neurons in prion-diseased mice. We further found that this intervention in diseased mice reduced 3-nitrotyrosination of triose-phosphate isomerase, an enzyme involved in the formation of disease-associated glycation. Furthermore, L-NAME application led to a reduced expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products and the diminished accumulation of hippocampal prion misfolding. Our data suggest that suppressing neuroinflammatory NO signaling slows functional neurodegeneration and reduces nitrergic and glycation-associated cellular stress.

Distinct impact of glycation towards the aggregation and toxicity of murine and human amyloid-β

Glycation of human Aβ (hAβ) is implicated to induce the deposition of amyloid aggregates found in the Alzheimer's disease (AD)-affected brain. Murine Aβ (mAβ) differs from hAβ in three different amino acid residues (Gly5, Phe10, and Arg13) and is less likely to form amyloid aggregates. Herein, we report that the advanced glycated end products of mAβ40 over hAβ40 are distinctly generated. The different glycation between the two peptides can govern their aggregation kinetics, structural transition, and cytotoxicity.

Glutathione: An Old and Small Molecule with Great Functions and New Applications in the Brain and in Alzheimer's Disease

Significance: Glutathione (GSH) represents the most abundant and the main antioxidant in the body with important functions in the brain related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent Advances: Oxidative stress is one of the central mechanisms in AD. We and others have demonstrated the alteration of GSH levels in the AD brain, its important role in the detoxification of advanced glycation end-products and of acrolein, a by-product of lipid peroxidation. Recent in vivo studies found a decrease of GSH in several areas of the brain from control, mild cognitive impairment, and AD subjects, which are correlated with cognitive decline. Critical Issues: Several strategies were developed to restore its intracellular level with the l-cysteine prodrugs or the oral administration of γ-glutamylcysteine to prevent alterations observed in AD. To date, no benefit on GSH level or on oxidative biomarkers has been reported in clinical trials. Thus, it remains uncertain if GSH could be considered a potential preventive or therapeutic approach or a biomarker for AD. Future Directions: We address how GSH-coupled nanocarriers represent a promising approach for the functionalization of nanocarriers to overcome the blood/brain barrier (BBB) for the brain delivery of GSH while avoiding cellular toxicity. It is also important to address the presence of GSH in exosomes for its potential intercellular transfer or its shuttle across the BBB under certain conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 270-292.

Modification with N-benzylisatin restricts stress-induced aggregation of hen egg white lysozyme: Anti-amyloidogenic property of isatin derivative with possible clinical implications

Hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) is a structural homolog of human lysozyme and is widely used as a model protein to investigate protein aggregation. The effect of N-benzylisatin on stress-induced aggregation of HEWL has been investigated in the present study. Interaction of the isatin derivative with HEWL induced changes in protein secondary and tertiary structural conformation as evident from different biophysical and spectroscopic studies. In addition, modification with N-benzylisatin was found to increase the conformational stability of HEWL and afford considerable resistance to the protein to stress-induced aggregation as indicated from subsequent experimental studies, including thioflavin T fluorescence, microscopic imaging and dynamic light scattering analysis. Protein modification was analysed and confirmed by MALDI-TOF and ESI-MS studies. The results highlight possible clinical implications of isatin derivative in the treatment of protein misfolding and conformational disorders.

Consequences of post-translational modifications on amyloid proteins as revealed by protein semisynthesis

Alterations to the global levels of certain types of post-translational modifications (PTMs) are commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases. The net influence of these PTM changes to the progression of these diseases can be deduced from cellular and animal studies. However, at the molecular level, how one PTM influences a given protein is not uniform and cannot be easily generalized from systemic observations, thus requiring protein-specific interrogations. Given that protein aggregation is a shared pathological hallmark in neurodegeneration, it is important to understand how these PTMs affect the behavior of amyloid-forming proteins. For this purpose, protein semisynthesis techniques, largely via native chemical and expressed protein ligation, have been widely used. These approaches have thus far led to our increased understanding of the site-specific consequences of certain PTMs to amyloidogenic proteins' endogenous function, their propensity for aggregation, and the structural variations these PTMs induce toward the aggregates formed.

Understanding the Role of Protein Glycation in the Amyloid Aggregation Process

Protein function and flexibility is directly related to the native distribution of its structural elements and any alteration in protein architecture leads to several abnormalities and accumulation of misfolded proteins. This phenomenon is associated with a range of increasingly common human disorders, including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases, type II diabetes, and a number of systemic amyloidosis characterized by the accumulation of amyloid aggregates both in the extracellular space of tissues and as intracellular deposits. Post-translational modifications are known to have an active role in the in vivo amyloid aggregation as able to affect protein structure and dynamics. Among them, a key role seems to be played by non-enzymatic glycation, the most unwanted irreversible modification of the protein structure, which strongly affects long-living proteins throughout the body. This study provided an overview of the molecular effects induced by glycation on the amyloid aggregation process of several protein models associated with misfolding diseases. In particular, we analyzed the role of glycation on protein folding, kinetics of amyloid formation, and amyloid cytotoxicity in order to shed light on the role of this post-translational modification in the in vivo amyloid aggregation process.

Comparison of the reaction of methylglyoxal (MGO) with murine and human amyloid beta (Aβ): Insights into a mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Reacted with methylglyoxal (MGO), murine Aβ(1-40) (mAβ) produced significantly less superoxide anion (O₂^•-) compared to human Aβ_(1-40) (hAβ). The reactions of MGO with mAβ(R13H), hAβ(H13F), N_α-acetyl-l-lysine, and N_α-acetyl-l-arginine implied that the lack of His13 in mAβ prohibits its Lys16 residue from reacting to produce cross-linked reaction products and O₂^•-. Our results suggest that murine brains are under less oxidative stress than human brains, which may be one of the reasons why rodents do not develop AD-like symptoms, and which provides further insight into a chemical mechanism for the development of AD in humans.

Exploiting Common Aspects of Obesity and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an example of age-related dementia, and there are still no known preventive or curative measures for this disease. Obesity and associated metabolic changes are widely accepted as risk factors of age-related cognitive decline. Insulin is the prime mediator of metabolic homeostasis, which is impaired in obesity, and this impairment potentiates amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Obesity is also linked with functional and morphological alterations in brain mitochondria leading to brain insulin resistance (IR) and memory deficits associated with AD. Also, increased peripheral inflammation and oxidative stress due to obesity are the main drivers that increase an individual’s susceptibility to cognitive deficits, thus doubling the risk of AD. This enhanced risk of AD is alarming in the context of a rapidly increasing global incidence of obesity and overweight in the general population. In this review, we summarize the risk factors that link obesity with AD and emphasize the point that the treatment and management of obesity may also provide a way to prevent AD.

Autophagic receptor p62 protects against glycation-derived toxicity and enhances viability

Diabetes and metabolic syndrome are associated with the typical American high glycemia diet and result in accumulation of high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), particularly upon aging. AGEs form when sugars or their metabolites react with proteins. Associated with a myriad of age-related diseases, AGEs accumulate in many tissues and are cytotoxic. To date, efforts to limit glycation pharmacologically have failed in human trials. Thus, it is crucial to identify systems that remove AGEs, but such research is scanty. Here, we determined if and how AGEs might be cleared by autophagy. Our in vivo mouse and C. elegans models, in which we altered proteolysis or glycative burden, as well as experiments in five types of cells, revealed more than six criteria indicating that p62-dependent autophagy is a conserved pathway that plays a critical role in the removal of AGEs. Activation of autophagic removal of AGEs requires p62, and blocking this pathway results in accumulation of AGEs and compromised viability. Deficiency of p62 accelerates accumulation of AGEs in soluble and insoluble fractions. p62 itself is subject to glycative inactivation and accumulates as high mass species. Accumulation of p62 in retinal pigment epithelium is reversed by switching to a lower glycemia diet. Since diminution of glycative damage is associated with reduced risk for age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, discovery of methods to limit AGEs or enhance p62-dependent autophagy offers novel potential therapeutic targets to treat AGEs-related pathologies.

Antiglycaemic potentials and molecular docking studies of the extracts of Cassia alata L

Background

This study assessed the antiglycaemic properties of the methanolic extracts of the dried leaf of Cassia alata L. through in vitro and in silico approaches. The methanolic crude extract (MCE) of the dried leaf was prepared and partitioned into n-butanol (BPE) and aqueous (ARE) extracts. The antiglycaemic potential was assessed in vitro by studying the inhibitory actions of the extracts with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and sucrase. The antiglycation capacity of the extracts was evaluated through the inhibition of albumin glycation, thiol oxidation, and β-fibril formation. Previously identified compounds (emodin, quercetin, chrysoeriol, and kaempferol) were docked with α-amylase (1HNY), α-glucosidase (5ZCB), and sucrase-isomaltase (3LPO) using the Pyrex Virtual Screening tool.

Results

The results revealed that MCE had the highest inhibitory potential with the lowest IC50 values of 69.67 ± 0.88, 65.54 ± 0.34, and 48.35 ± 1.45 μg/mL for α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and sucrase inhibitions, respectively. The molecular docking studies showed that quercetin and kaempferol had the best docking scores with 1HNY while emodin and chrysoeriol had the best scores towards 5ZCB and 3LPO. MCE and BPE significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited glucose-induced albumin glycation and modification.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the extract of the leaf of C. alata could contain a mix of different phytochemicals that could be beneficial in reducing the absorption of glucose and preventing diabetes-induced complications.

Ribosylation induced structural changes in Bovine Serum Albumin: understanding high dietary sugar induced protein aggregation and amyloid formation

Non-enzymatic glycation of proteins is believed to be the root cause of high dietary sugar associated pathophysiological maladies. We investigated the structural changes in protein during progression of glycation using ribosylated Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). Non enzymatic attachment of about 45 ribose molecules to BSA resulted in gradual reduction of hydrophobicity and aggregation as indicated by red-shifted tryptophan fluorescence, reduced ANS binding and lower anisotropy of FITC-conjugated protein. Parallely, there was a significant decrease of alpha helicity as revealed by Circular Dichroism (CD) and Fourier transformed-Infra Red (FT-IR) spectra. The glycated proteins assumed compact globular structures with enhanced Thioflavin-T binding resembling amyloids. The gross structural transition affected by ribosylation led to enhanced thermostability as indicated by melting temperature and Transmission Electron Microscopy. At a later stage of glycation, the glycated proteins developed non-specific aggregates with increase in size and loss of amyloidogenic behaviour. A parallel non-glycated control incubated under similar conditions indicated that amyloid formation and associated changes were specific for ribosylation and not driven by thermal denaturation due to incubation at 37 °C. Functionality of the glycated protein was significantly altered as probed by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry using polyphenols as substrates. The studies demonstrated that glycation driven globular amyloids form and persist as transient intermediates during formation of misfolded glycated adducts. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first systematic attempt to understand glycation associated changes in a protein and provides important insights towards designing therapeutics for arresting dietary sugar induced amyloid formation.

The Role of Glycation on the Aggregation Properties of IAPP

Epidemiological evidence shows an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease in people affected by diabetes, a pathology associated with increased hyperglycemia. A potential factor that could explain this link could be the role that sugars may play in both diseases under the form of glycation. Contrary to glycosylation, glycation is an enzyme-free reaction that leads to formation of toxic advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In diabetes, the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP or amylin) is found to be heavily glycated and to form toxic amyloid-like aggregates, similar to those observed for the Aβ peptides, often also heavily glycated, observed in Alzheimer patients. Here, we studied the effects of glycation on the structure and aggregation properties of IAPP with several biophysical techniques ranging from fluorescence to circular dichroism, mass spectrometry and atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that glycation occurs exclusively on the N-terminal lysine leaving the only arginine (Arg11) unmodified. At variance with recent studies, we show that the dynamical interplay between glycation and aggregation affects the structure of the peptide, slows down the aggregation process and influences the aggregate morphology.

Do Post-Translational Modifications Influence Protein Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review

The accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates represents a universal hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein structure and function. Dysregulated PTMs may influence the propensity for protein aggregation in NDD-proteinopathies. To investigate this, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate effects of PTMs on aggregation propensity for major proteins linked to the pathogenesis and/or progression of NDDs. A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to retrieve studies that investigated an association between PTMs and protein aggregation in seven NDDs: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinocerebellar ataxias, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, and multiple sclerosis. Together, 1222 studies were identified, of which 69 met eligibility criteria. We identified that the following PTMs, in isolation or combination, potentially act as modulators of proteinopathy in NDDs: isoaspartate formation in Aβ, phosphorylation of Aβ or tau in AD; acetylation, 4-hydroxy-2-neonal modification, O-GlcNAcylation or phosphorylation of α-synuclein in PD; acetylation or phosphorylation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 in ALS, and SUMOylation of superoxide dismutase-1 in ALS; and phosphorylation of huntingtin in HD. The potential pharmacological manipulation of these aggregation-modulating PTMs represents an as-yet untapped source of therapy to treat NDDs.

Potential Therapeutic Approaches for Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Alzheimer's Disease

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebrovascular disease directly implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis through amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, which may cause the development and progression of dementia. Despite extensive studies to explore drugs targeting Aβ, clinical benefits have not been reported in large clinical trials in AD patients or presymptomatic individuals at a risk for AD. However, recent studies on CAA and AD have provided novel insights regarding CAA- and AD-related pathogenesis. This work has revealed potential therapeutic targets, including Aβ drainage pathways, Aβ aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. The functional significance and therapeutic potential of bioactive molecules such as cilostazol and taxifolin have also become increasingly evident. Furthermore, recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that serum levels of a soluble form of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) may have clinical significance as a potential novel predictive biomarker for dementia incidence. This review summarizes recent advances in CAA and AD research with a focus on discussing future research directions regarding novel therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers for CAA and AD.

Unravelling the effect of N(ε)-(carboxyethyl)lysine on the conformation, dynamics and aggregation propensity of α-synuclein

α-Synuclein (αS) aggregation is a hallmark in several neurodegenerative diseases. Among them, Parkinson's disease is highlighted, characterized by the intraneuronal deposition of Lewy bodies (LBs) which causes the loss of dopaminergic neurons. αS is the main component of LBs and in them, it usually contains post-translational modifications. One of them is the formation of advanced glycation end-products (mainly CEL and MOLD) arising from its reaction with methylglyoxal. Despite its biological relevance, there are no data available proving the effect of glycation on the conformation of αS, nor on its aggregation mechanism. This has been hampered by the formation of a heterogeneous set of compounds that precluded conformational studies. To overcome this issue, we have here produced αS homogeneously glycated with CEL. Its use, together with different biophysical techniques and molecular dynamics simulations, allowed us to study for the first time the effect of glycation on the conformation of a protein. CEL extended the conformation of the N-terminal domain as a result of the loss of transient N-/C-terminal long-range contacts while increasing the heterogeneity of the conformational population. CEL also inhibited the αS aggregation, but it was not able to disassemble preexisting amyloid fibrils, thus proving that CEL found on LBs must be formed in a later event after aggregation.

We study the effect of an advanced glycation end product (N(ε)-(carboxyethyl)lysine), found on the Lewy bodies of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, on the conformational and aggregation features of alpha-synuclein.

Oxidative-Antioxidant Imbalance and Impaired Glucose Metabolism in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder featuring chronic, complex neuropsychiatric features. The etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia are not fully understood. Oxidative-antioxidant imbalance is a potential determinant of schizophrenia. Oxidative, nitrosative, or sulfuric damage to enzymes of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as calcium transport and ATP biosynthesis might cause impaired bioenergetics function in the brain. This could explain the initial symptoms, such as the first psychotic episode and mild cognitive impairment. Another concept of the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia is associated with impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance with the activation of the mTOR mitochondrial pathway, which may contribute to impaired neuronal development. Consequently, cognitive processes requiring ATP are compromised and dysfunctions in synaptic transmission lead to neuronal death, preceding changes in key brain areas. This review summarizes the role and mutual interactions of oxidative damage and impaired glucose metabolism as key factors affecting metabolic complications in schizophrenia. These observations may be a premise for novel potential therapeutic targets that will delay not only the onset of first symptoms but also the progression of schizophrenia and its complications.

D-ribose and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

It is estimated that the global prevalence of dementia will rise as high as 24 million and predicted to be double in every 20 years which is attributed to the fact that the ageing population is increasing and so more individuals are at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Many scientists favored glycation of proteins such as tau, amyloid beta (Aβ) etc. as one of the important risk factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since, D-ribose shows highest glycation ability among other sugars hence, produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs) rapidly. However, there are several other mechanisms suggested by researchers through which D-ribose may cause cognitive impairments. There is a concern related to diabetic patients since they also suffer from D-ribose metabolism, may be more prone to AD risk. Thus, it is imperative that the pathogenesis and the pathways involved in AD progression are explored in the light of ribosylation and AGEs formation for identifying suitable diagnostics marker for early diagnosis or finding promising therapeutic outcomes.

Methylglyoxal modification reduces the sensitivity of hen egg white lysozyme to stress-induced aggregation: Insight into the anti-amyloidogenic property of α-dicarbonyl compound

The reactive α-oxoaldehyde, methylglyoxal reacts with different proteins to form Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) through Maillard reaction. Its level increases significantly in diabetic condition. Here, we have investigated the effect of different concentrations of methylglyoxal (200-400 µM) on the monomeric protein, hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) following incubation for 3 weeks. Reaction of methylglyoxal with HEWL induced considerable changes in tertiary structure of the protein, but no significant alteration in secondary structure, as evident from different spectroscopic and biophysical studies. Interestingly, methylglyoxal modification was found to enhance the thermal stability of the protein and reduce its sensitivity to stress-induced aggregation. Finally, peptide mass fingerprinting revealed modification of arginine (Arg-45, Arg-14, Arg-68 or Arg-72) and lysine (Lys-116) residues of the protein to AGE adducts, namely, hydroimidazolone, tetrahydropyrimidine, and carboxyethyllysine. Methylglyoxal-derived AGE adducts (MAGE) appear to be responsible for the observed changes in protein. As demonstrated in the present study, the findings may highlight a possible therapeutic potential of the α-oxoaldehyde against protein misfolding and conformational disorder.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Oxidative stress, dysfunctional glucose metabolism and Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a major cause of age-related dementia. We do not fully understand AD aetiology and pathogenesis, but oxidative damage is a key component. The brain mostly uses glucose for energy, but in AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment glucose metabolism is dramatically decreased, probably owing, at least in part, to oxidative damage to enzymes involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ATP biosynthesis. Consequently, ATP-requiring processes for cognitive function are impaired, and synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death result, with ensuing thinning of key brain areas. We summarize current research on the interplay and sequence of these processes and suggest potential pharmacological interventions to retard AD progression.

Glycan Mimetics from Natural Products: New Therapeutic Opportunities for Neurodegenerative Disease

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) affect millions of people worldwide. Characterized by the functional loss and death of neurons, NDs lead to symptoms (dementia and seizures) that affect the daily lives of patients. In spite of extensive research into NDs, the number of approved drugs for their treatment remains limited. There is therefore an urgent need to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of NDs. Glycans (carbohydrate chains) are ubiquitous, abundant, and structural complex natural biopolymers. Glycans often covalently attach to proteins and lipids to regulate cellular recognition, adhesion, and signaling. The importance of glycans in both the developing and mature nervous system is well characterized. Moreover, glycan dysregulation has been observed in NDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therefore, glycans are promising but underexploited therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of glycans in NDs. We also discuss a number of natural products that functionally mimic glycans to protect neurons, which therefore represent promising new therapeutic approaches for patients with NDs.

Methylglyoxal and Glyoxal as Potential Peripheral Markers for MCI Diagnosis and Their Effects on the Expression of Neurotrophic, Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Factors in Neurons and in Neuronal Derived-Extracellular Vesicles

Methylglyoxal (MG) and glyoxal (GO) are suggested to be associated with the development of neurodegenerative pathologies. However, their peripheral levels in relation to cognitive decline and their effects on key factors in neuronal cells are poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine their serum levels in MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, to analyze their effects on the neurotrophic and inflammatory factors, on neurodegenerative markers in neuronal cells and in neuronal derived-extracellular vesicles (nEVs). Our results show that MG and GO levels in serum, determined by HPLC, were higher in MCI. ROC (receiver-operating characteristic curves) analysis showed that the levels of MG in serum have higher sensitivity to differentiate MCI from controls but not from AD. Meanwhile, serum GO levels differentiate MCI from control and AD groups. Cells and nEVs levels of BDNF, PRGN, NSE, APP, MMP-9, ANGPTL-4, LCN2, PTX2, S100B, RAGE, Aβ peptide, pTau T181 and alpha-synuclein were quantified by luminex assay. Treatment of neuronal cells with MG or GO reduced the cellular levels of NSE, PRGN, APP, MMP-9 and ANGPTL-4 and the nEVs levels of BDNF, PRGN and LCN2. Our findings suggest that targeting MG and GO may be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent or delay the progression of AD.

Pinocembrin Protects from AGE-Induced Cytotoxicity and Inhibits Non-Enzymatic Glycation in Human Insulin

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the end products of the glycation reaction and have a great importance in clinical science for their association with oxidative stress and inflammation, which play a major role in most chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. Their pathogenic effects are generally induced by the interaction between AGEs and the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) on the cell surface, which triggers reactive oxygen species production, nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) activation, and inflammation. Pinocembrin, the most abundant flavonoid in propolis, has been recently proven to interfere with RAGE activation in Aβ–RAGE-induced toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the ability of pinocembrin to interfere with RAGE signaling pathways activated by AGEs. Interestingly, pinocembrin was able to inhibit oxidative stress and NF-kB activation in cells exposed to AGEs. In addition, it was able to block caspase 3/7 and 9 activation, thus suggesting an active role of this molecule in counteracting AGE–RAGE-induced toxicity mediated by NF-kB signaling pathways. The ability of pinocembrin to affect the glycation reaction has been also tested. Our data suggest that pinocembrin might be a promising molecule in protecting from AGE-mediated pathogenesis.

Site-specific glycation of Aβ1-42 affects fibril formation and is neurotoxic

Aβ1-42 is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and is prone to glycation, an irreversible process where proteins accumulate advanced glycated end products (AGEs). N ^ϵ-(Carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) is a common AGE associated with AD patients and occurs at either Lys-16 or Lys-28 of Aβ1-42. Methyglyoxal is commonly used for the unspecific glycation of Aβ1-42, which results in a complex mixture of AGE-modified peptides and makes interpretation of a causative AGE at a specific amino acid residue difficult. We address this issue by chemically synthesizing defined CEL modifications on Aβ1-42 at Lys-16 (Aβ-CEL16), Lys-28 (Aβ-CEL28), and Lys-16 and -28 (Aβ-CEL16&28). We demonstrated that double-CEL glycations at Lys-16 and Lys-28 of Aβ1-42 had the most profound impact on the ability to form amyloid fibrils. In silico predictions indicated that Aβ-CEL16&28 had a substantial decrease in free energy change, which contributes to fibril destabilization, and a increased aggregation rate. Single-CEL glycations at Lys-28 of Aβ1-42 had the least impact on fibril formation, whereas CEL glycations at Lys-16 of Aβ1-42 delayed fibril formation. We also tested these peptides for neuronal toxicity and mitochondrial function on a retinoic acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line (RA-differentiated SH-SY5Y). Only Aβ-CEL16 and Aβ-CEL28 were neurotoxic, possibly through a nonmitochondrial pathway, whereas Aβ-CEL16&28 showed no neurotoxicity. Interestingly, Aβ-CEL16&28 had depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas Aβ-CEL16 had increased mitochondrial respiration at complex II. These results may indicate mitophagy or an alternate route of metabolism, respectively. Therefore, our results provides insight into potential therapeutic approaches against neurotoxic CEL-glycated Aβ1-42.