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Ferreira J, Domínguez-Arca V, Carneiro J, Prieto G, Taboada P, Moreira de Campos J. Classical and Nonclassical Nucleation Mechanisms of Insulin Crystals. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:23364-23376. [PMID: 38854527 PMCID: PMC11154923 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Although the Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT) is the most consensual theory to explain protein nucleation mechanisms, experimental observations during the shear-induced assays suggest that the CNT does not always describe the insulin nucleation process. This is the case at intermediate precipitant (ZnCl2) solution concentrations (2.3 mM) and high-temperature values (20 and 40 °C) as well as at low precipitant solution concentrations (1.6 mM) and low-temperature values (5 °C). In this work, crystallization events following the CNT registered at high precipitant solution concentrations (3.1 and 4.7 mM) are typically described by a Newtonian response. On the other hand, crystallization events following a nonclassical nucleation pathway seem to involve the formation of a metastable intermediate state before crystal formation and are described by a transition from Newtonian to shear-thinning responses. A dominant shear-thinning behavior (shear viscosity values ranging more than 6 orders of magnitude) is found during aggregation/agglomeration events. The rheological analysis is complemented with different characterization techniques (Dynamic Light Scattering, Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy, Circular Dichroism, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to understand the insulin behavior in solution, especially during the occurrence of aggregation/agglomeration events. To the best of our knowledge, the current work is the first study describing nonclassical nucleation mechanisms during shear-induced crystallization experiments, which reveals the potential of the interdisciplinary approach herein described and opens a window for a clear understanding of protein nucleation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ferreira
- CEFT—Transport
Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty
of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate
Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vicente Domínguez-Arca
- Grupo
de Física de Coloides y Polímeros, Departamento de Física
de Partículas, Facultad de Física e Instituto de Materiales
(iMATUS) e Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago
de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo
de Biosistemas e Inginería de Bioprocesos, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Rúa Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - João Carneiro
- CEFT—Transport
Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty
of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate
Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gerardo Prieto
- Grupo
de Física de Coloides y Polímeros, Departamento de Física
de Partículas, Facultad de Física e Instituto de Materiales
(iMATUS) e Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago
de Compostela, Spain
| | - Pablo Taboada
- Grupo
de Física de Coloides y Polímeros, Departamento de Física
de Partículas, Facultad de Física e Instituto de Materiales
(iMATUS) e Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago
de Compostela, Spain
| | - João Moreira de Campos
- CEFT—Transport
Phenomena Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty
of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate
Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Kamelnia R, Goliaei B, Peyman Shariatpanahi S, Mehrnejad F, Ghasemi A, Zare Karizak A, Ebrahim-Habibi A. Chemical Modification of the Amino Groups of Human Insulin: Investigating Structural Properties and Amorphous Aggregation of Acetylated Species. Protein J 2023:10.1007/s10930-023-10131-7. [PMID: 37395911 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of human recombinant insulin can be affected by its aggregation. Effects of acetylation were observed on insulin structure, stability, and aggregation at 37 and 50 °C and pH of 5.0 and 7.4 with the use of spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Raman and FTIR results were indicative of structural changes in AC-INS, and CD analyses showed a slight increase in β-sheet content in AC-INS. Melting temperature (Tm) measurements indicated an overall more stable structure and spectroscopic assessment showed a more compact one. Formation of amorphous aggregates was followed over time and kinetics parameters showed a longer nucleation phase (higher t* amount) and lower aggregates amount (lower Alim) for acetylated insulin (AC-INS) compared to native (N-INS) in all tested conditions. The results of amyloid-specific probes approved the formation of amorphous aggregates. Size particle and microscopic analysis suggested that AC-INS was less prone to form aggregates, which were smaller if formed. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that controlled acetylation of insulin may lead to its higher stability and lower propensity toward amorphous aggregation and has provided insight into the result of this type of post-translational protein modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhane Kamelnia
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Departments of Biophysics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, 16th Azar St., Enghelab Sq., P.O. Box 13145-1384, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Goliaei
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Departments of Biophysics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, 16th Azar St., Enghelab Sq., P.O. Box 13145-1384, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Peyman Shariatpanahi
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Departments of Biophysics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, 16th Azar St., Enghelab Sq., P.O. Box 13145-1384, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faramarz Mehrnejad
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Ghasemi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Zare Karizak
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Ebrahim-Habibi
- Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Jalal Al Ahmad Highway, Tehran, 1411713137, Iran.
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Gouyon J, Boudier A, Pallotta A, Boukoufi C, Clarot I. Cross-frontal mode: An alternative methodology for Taylor dispersion analysis of monomodal sample. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1694:463913. [PMID: 36898235 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463913] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) is a technique dedicated to the determination of the molecular diffusion coefficient (D) of species, using band broadening of an analyte in a laminar flow. Two modes are commonly used to perform TDA: pulse and frontal modes. In each case, a fitting of the signal is required. We propose here a third mode denoted as cross-frontal mode, combining two crossed sample fronts without modification of a classical CE device for the rapid and accurate determination of D of caffeine, reduced glutathione (GSH), insulin from bovine pancreas, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Theoretical aspects and methodology are described, showing a good correlation between the so-called cross-frontal mode and usual frontal mode. Limitations of the techniques are also assessed, and are similar to regular modes while no fitting is required. This new methodology allows improving the sensitivity toward low concentrated sample compared to pulse mode, and an alternative mathematical treatment compared to regular TDA modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Gouyon
- Université de Lorraine, CITHEFOR, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Ariane Boudier
- Université de Lorraine, CITHEFOR, F-54000 Nancy, France; Nanocontrol, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Arnaud Pallotta
- Université de Lorraine, CITHEFOR, F-54000 Nancy, France; Nanocontrol, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Célia Boukoufi
- Université de Lorraine, CITHEFOR, F-54000 Nancy, France; Pharmacy Department, University Hospital, 54511 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Igor Clarot
- Université de Lorraine, CITHEFOR, F-54000 Nancy, France; Nanocontrol, F-54000 Nancy, France
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Travascio F, Valladares-Prieto S, Jackson AR. EFFECTS OF SOLUTE SIZE AND TISSUE COMPOSITION ON MOLECULAR AND MACROMOLECULAR DIFFUSIVITY IN HUMAN KNEE CARTILAGE. OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE OPEN 2021; 2. [PMID: 34611626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2020.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Articular cartilage is an avascular tissue. Accordingly, diffusivity represents a fundamental transport mechanism for nutrients and other molecular signals regulating its cell metabolism and maintenance of the extracellular matrix. Understanding how solutes spread into articular cartilage is crucial to elucidating its pathologies, and to designing treatments for repair and restoration of its extracellular matrix. As in other connective tissues, diffusivity in articular cartilage may vary depending both its composition and the specific diffusing solute. Hence, this study investigated the roles of solute size and tissue composition on molecular diffusion in knee articular cartilage. Design FRAP tests were conducted to measure diffusivity of five molecular probes, with size ranging from ~332Da to 70,000Da, in human knee articular cartilage. The measured diffusion coefficients were related to molecular size, as well as water and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of femoral and tibial condyle cartilage. Results Diffusivity was affected by molecular size, with the magnitude of the diffusion coefficients decreasing as the Stokes radius of the probe increased. The values of diffusion coefficients in tibial and femoral samples were not significantly different from one another, despite the fact that tibial samples exhibited significantly higher water content and lower GAG content of the femoral specimens. Water content did not affect diffusivity. In contrast, diffusivities of large molecules were sensitive to GAG content. Conclusions This study provides new knowledge on the mechanisms of diffusion in articular cartilage. Our findings can be leveraged to further investigate osteoarthritis and to design treatments for cartilage restoration or replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Travascio
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL.,Max Biedermann Institute for Biomechanics at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL
| | | | - Alicia R Jackson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
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Travascio F, Devaux F, Volz M, Jackson AR. Molecular and macromolecular diffusion in human meniscus: relationships with tissue structure and composition. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2020; 28:375-382. [PMID: 31917232 PMCID: PMC7248550 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, the pathophysiology of the meniscus has not been fully elucidated. Due to the tissue's limited vascularization, nutrients and other molecular signals spread through the extracellular matrix via diffusion or convection (interstitial fluid flow). Understanding transport mechanisms is crucial to elucidating meniscal pathophysiology, and to designing treatments for repair and restoration of the tissue. Similar to other fibrocartilaginous structures, meniscal morphology and composition may affect its diffusive properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of solute size, and tissue structure and composition on molecular diffusion in meniscus tissue. DESIGN Using a custom FRAP technique developed in our lab, we measured the direction-dependent diffusivity in human meniscus of six different molecular probes of size ranging from ∼300Da to 150,000Da. Diffusivity measurements were related to sample water content. SEM images were used to investigate collagen structure in relation to transport mechanisms. RESULTS Diffusivity was anisotropic, being significantly faster in the direction parallel to collagen fibers when compared the orthogonal direction. This was likely due to the unique structural organization of the tissue presenting pores aligned with the fibers, as observed in SEM images. Diffusion coefficients decreased as the molecular size increased, following the Ogston model. No significant correlations were found among diffusion coefficients and water content of the tissue. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new knowledge on the mechanisms of molecular transport in meniscal tissue. The reported results can be leveraged to further investigate tissue pathophysiology and to design treatments for tissue restoration or replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Travascio
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Max Biedermann Institute for Biomechanics at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
| | - F Devaux
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - M Volz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - A R Jackson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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Giannousi K, Geromichalos G, Kakolyri D, Mourdikoudis S, Dendrinou-Samara C. Interaction of ZnO Nanostructures with Proteins: In Vitro Fibrillation/Antifibrillation Studies and in Silico Molecular Docking Simulations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:436-444. [PMID: 31904211 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein amyloidosis is related to many neurological disorders. Nanoparticles (NPs) due to their small size can regulate both the polypeptide monomers/oligomers assembly into amyloid fibrils/plaques and the disintegration of the existent plaques. Herein, we have synthesized ZnO nanoflowers and polyol-coated ZnO NPs of relatively small size (40 nm) with cylindrical shape, through solvothermal and microwave-assisted routes, respectively. The effect of the different morphology of nanostructures on the fibrillation/antifibrillation process was monitored in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human insulin (HI) by fluorescence Thioflavin T (ThT) measurements. Although both nanomaterials affected the amyloid formation mechanism as well as their disaggregation, ZnO nanoflowers with their sharp edges exhibited the greatest amyloid degradation rate in both model proteins (73% and 35%, respectively) and inhibited the most the insulin fibril growth, while restrained also the fibrillation process in the case of albumin solution. In silico molecular docking simulations on the crystal structure of BSA and HI were performed to analyze further the observed in vitro activity of ZnO nanostructures. The binding energy of ZnO NPs was found lower for BSA (-5.44), highlighting their ability to act as catalysts in the fibrillation process of albumin monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleoniki Giannousi
- Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - George Geromichalos
- Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Dionysia Kakolyri
- Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Stefanos Mourdikoudis
- UCL Healthcare Biomagnetic and Nanomaterials Laboratories, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS, United Kingdom
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Dendrinou-Samara
- Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
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Akbarian M, Ghasemi Y, Uversky VN, Yousefi R. Chemical modifications of insulin: Finding a compromise between stability and pharmaceutical performance. Int J Pharm 2018; 547:450-468. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Khan MV, Zakariya SM, Khan RH. Protein folding, misfolding and aggregation: A tale of constructive to destructive assembly. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 112:217-229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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