1
|
Diessner E, Thomas LJ, Butts CT. Production of Distinct Fibrillar, Oligomeric, and Other Aggregation States from Network Models of Multibody Interaction. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20. [PMID: 39259851 PMCID: PMC11448054 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregation can produce a wide range of states, ranging from fibrillar structures and oligomers to unstructured and semistructured gel phases. Recent work has shown that many of these states can be recapitulated by relatively simple, topological models specified in terms of multibody interaction energies, providing a direct connection between aggregate intermolecular forces and aggregation products. Here, we examine a low-dimensional network Hamiltonian model (NHM) based on four basic multibody interactions found in any aggregate system. We characterize the phase behavior of this NHM family, showing that fibrils arise from a balance between elongation-inducing and contact-inhibiting forces. Complex oligomers (including annular oligomers resembling those thought to be toxic species in Alzheimer's disease) also form distinct phases in this regime, controlled in part by closure-inducing forces. We show that phase structure is largely independent of system size, and provide evidence of a rich structure of minor oligomeric phases that can arise from appropriate conditions. We characterize the phase behavior of this NHM family, demonstrating the range of ordered and disordered aggregation states possible with this set of interactions. As we show, fibrils arise from a balance between elongation-inducing and contact-inhibiting forces, existing in a regime bounded by gel-like and disaggregated phases; complex oligomers (including annular oligomers resembling those thought to be toxic species in Alzheimer's disease) also form distinct phases in this regime, controlled in part by closure-inducing forces. We show that phase structure is largely independent of system size, allowing generalization to macroscopic systems, and provide evidence of a rich structure of minor oligomeric phases that can arise from appropriate conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth
M. Diessner
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Loring J. Thomas
- Department
of Sociology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Carter T. Butts
- Department
of Sociology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Departments
of Statistics, Computer Science, and EECS, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ziaunys M, Sulskis D, Veiveris D, Kopustas A, Snieckute R, Mikalauskaite K, Sakalauskas A, Tutkus M, Smirnovas V. Liquid-liquid phase separation of alpha-synuclein increases the structural variability of fibrils formed during amyloid aggregation. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 39116032 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17244] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a rapidly emerging field of study on biomolecular condensate formation. In recent years, this phenomenon has been implicated in the process of amyloid fibril formation, serving as an intermediate step between the native protein transition into their aggregated state. The formation of fibrils via LLPS has been demonstrated for a number of proteins related to neurodegenerative disorders, as well as other amyloidoses. Despite the surge in amyloid-related LLPS studies, the influence of protein condensate formation on the end-point fibril characteristics is still far from fully understood. In this work, we compare alpha-synuclein aggregation under different conditions, which promote or negate its LLPS and examine the differences between the formed aggregates. We show that alpha-synuclein phase separation generates a wide variety of assemblies with distinct secondary structures and morphologies. The LLPS-induced structures also possess higher levels of toxicity to cells, indicating that biomolecular condensate formation may be a critical step in the appearance of disease-related fibril variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mantas Ziaunys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Darius Sulskis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Dominykas Veiveris
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Aurimas Kopustas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ruta Snieckute
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | | | - Andrius Sakalauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| | - Marijonas Tutkus
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
- Department of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Toleikis Z, Paluch P, Kuc E, Petkus J, Sulskis D, Org-Tago ML, Samoson A, Smirnovas V, Stanek J, Lends A. Solid-state NMR backbone chemical shift assignments of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils at fast MAS regime. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2024:10.1007/s12104-024-10186-2. [PMID: 38951472 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-024-10186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The α-synuclein (α-syn) amyloid fibrils are involved in various neurogenerative diseases. Solid-state NMR (ssNMR) has been showed as a powerful tool to study α-syn aggregates. Here, we report the 1H, 13C and 15N back-bone chemical shifts of a new α-syn polymorph obtained using proton-detected ssNMR spectroscopy under fast (95 kHz) magic-angle spinning conditions. The manual chemical shift assignments were cross-validated using FLYA algorithm. The secondary structural elements of α-syn fibrils were calculated using 13C chemical shift differences and TALOS software.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zigmantas Toleikis
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, Vilnius, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Piotr Paluch
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Ewelina Kuc
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Jana Petkus
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Darius Sulskis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, Vilnius, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Mai-Liis Org-Tago
- Tallin University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, Tallinn, 19086, Estonia
| | - Ago Samoson
- Tallin University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, Tallinn, 19086, Estonia
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio 7, Vilnius, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Jan Stanek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Alons Lends
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Blacher C, Abramov-Harpaz K, Miller Y. Primary Nucleation of Polymorphic α-Synuclein Dimers Depends on Copper Concentrations and Definite Copper-Binding Site. Biomolecules 2024; 14:627. [PMID: 38927031 PMCID: PMC11201572 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060627] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary nucleation process of α-synuclein (AS) that forms toxic oligomeric species is the early stage of the pathological cause of Parkinson's disease. It is well-known that copper influences this primary nucleation process. While significant efforts have been made to solve the structures of polymorphic AS fibrils, the structures of AS oligomers and the copper-bound AS oligomers at the molecular level and the effect of copper concentrations on the primary nucleation are elusive. Here, we propose and demonstrate new molecular mechanism pathways of primary nucleation of AS that are tuned by distinct copper concentrations and by a specific copper-binding site. We present the polymorphic AS dimers bound to different copper-binding sites at the atomic resolution in high- and low-copper concentrations, using extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show the complexity of the primary nucleation pathways that rely on the copper concentrations and the copper binding site. From a broader perspective, our study proposes a new strategy to control the primary nucleation of other toxic amyloid oligomers in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmia Blacher
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- The School of Brain Sciences and Cognition, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Karina Abramov-Harpaz
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- The School of Brain Sciences and Cognition, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Yifat Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- The School of Brain Sciences and Cognition, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beér-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baronaitė I, Šulskis D, Kopu̅stas A, Tutkus M, Smirnovas V. Formation of Calprotectin Inhibits Amyloid Aggregation of S100A8 and S100A9 Proteins. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1915-1925. [PMID: 38634811 PMCID: PMC11066842 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00093] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium-binding S100A8 and S100A9 proteins play a significant role in various disorders due to their pro-inflammatory functions. Substantially, they are also relevant in neurodegenerative disorders via the delivery of signals for the immune response. However, at the same time, they can aggregate and accelerate the progression of diseases. Natively, S100A8 and S100A9 exist as homo- and heterodimers, but upon aggregation, they form amyloid-like oligomers, fibrils, or amorphous aggregates. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the aggregation propensities of S100A8, S100A9, and their heterodimer calprotectin by investigating aggregation kinetics, secondary structures, and morphologies of the aggregates. For the first time, we followed the in vitro aggregation of S100A8, which formed spherical aggregates, unlike the fibrillar structures of S100A9 under the same conditions. The aggregates were sensitive to amyloid-specific ThT and ThS dyes and had a secondary structure composed of β-sheets. Similarly to S100A9, S100A8 protein was stabilized by calcium ions, resulting in aggregation inhibition. Finally, the formation of S100A8 and S100A9 heterodimers stabilized the proteins in the absence of calcium ions and prevented their aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Baronaitė
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Darius Šulskis
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aurimas Kopu̅stas
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department
of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for
Physical Sciences and Technology, LT- 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marijonas Tutkus
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department
of Molecular Compound Physics, Center for
Physical Sciences and Technology, LT- 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute
of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Farzadfard A, Kunka A, Mason TO, Larsen JA, Norrild RK, Dominguez ET, Ray S, Buell AK. Thermodynamic characterization of amyloid polymorphism by microfluidic transient incomplete separation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2528-2544. [PMID: 38362440 PMCID: PMC10866369 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05371g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils of proteins such as α-synuclein are a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases and much research has focused on their kinetics and mechanisms of formation. The question as to the thermodynamic stability of such structures has received much less attention. Here, we newly utilize the principle of transient incomplete separation of species in laminar flow in combination with chemical depolymerization for the quantification of amyloid fibril stability. The relative concentrations of fibrils and monomer at equilibrium are determined through an in situ separation of these species based on their different diffusivity inside a microfluidic capillary. The method is highly sample economical, using much less than a microliter of sample per data point and its only requirement is the presence of aromatic residues (W, Y) because of its label-free nature, which makes it widely applicable. Using this method, we investigate the differences in thermodynamic stability between different fibril polymorphs of α-synuclein and quantify these differences for the first time. Importantly, we show that fibril formation can be under kinetic or thermodynamic control and that a change in solution conditions can both stabilise and destabilise amyloid fibrils. Taken together, our results establish the thermodynamic stability as a well-defined and key parameter that can contribute towards a better understanding of the physiological roles of amyloid fibril polymorphism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azad Farzadfard
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University Gustav Wieds Vej 14 8000 Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Antonin Kunka
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Thomas Oliver Mason
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Jacob Aunstrup Larsen
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Rasmus Krogh Norrild
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Elisa Torrescasana Dominguez
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Soumik Ray
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Protein Biophysics Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark Søltofts Plads, Building 227, Kgs. Lyngby 2800 Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Šulskis D, Žiaunys M, Sakalauskas A, Sniečkutė R, Smirnovas V. Formation of amyloid fibrils by the regulatory 14-3-3 ζ protein. Open Biol 2024; 14:230285. [PMID: 38228169 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230285] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The 14-3-3 proteins are a highly conserved adaptor protein family with multi-layer functions, abundantly expressed in the brain. The 14-3-3 proteins modulate phosphorylation, regulate enzymatic activity and can act as chaperones. Most importantly, they play an important role in various neurodegenerative disorders due to their vast interaction partners. Particularly, the 14-3-3ζ isoform is known to co-localize in aggregation tangles in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as a result of protein-protein interactions. These abnormal clumps consist of amyloid fibrils, insoluble aggregates, mainly formed by the amyloid-β, tau and α-synuclein proteins. However, the molecular basis of if and how 14-3-3ζ can aggregate into amyloid fibrils is unknown. In this study, we describe the formation of amyloid fibrils by 14-3-3ζ using a comprehensive approach that combines bioinformatic tools, amyloid-specific dye binding, secondary structure analysis and atomic force microscopy. The results presented herein characterize the amyloidogenic properties of 14-3-3ζ and imply that the well-folded protein undergoes aggregation to β-sheet-rich amyloid fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darius Šulskis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Žiaunys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Andrius Sakalauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rūta Sniečkutė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lomeli-Lepe AK, Castañeda-Cabral JL, López-Pérez SJ. Synucleinopathies: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:427-442. [PMID: 37526884 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01154-z] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by alterations in α-synuclein (α-syn), a protein associated with membrane phospholipids, whose precise function in normal cells is still unknown. These kinds of diseases are caused by multiple factors, but the regulation of the α-syn gene is believed to play a central role in the pathology of these disorders; therefore, the α-syn gene is one of the most studied genes. α-Synucleinopathies are complex disorders that derive from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Here, we offer an update on the landscape of the epigenetic regulation of α-syn gene expression that has been linked with α-synucleinopathies. We also delve into the reciprocal influence between epigenetic modifications and other factors related to these disorders, such as posttranslational modifications, microbiota participation, interactions with lipids, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, to promote α-syn aggregation by acting on the transcription and/or translation of the α-syn gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alma Karen Lomeli-Lepe
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
| | - Jose Luis Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, México
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ziaunys M, Mikalauskaite K, Krasauskas L, Smirnovas V. Conformation-Specific Association of Prion Protein Amyloid Aggregates with Tau Protein Monomers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119277. [PMID: 37298227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation into amyloid fibrils is associated with several amyloidoses, including neurodegenerative Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Despite years of research and numerous studies, the process is still not fully understood, which significantly impedes the search for cures of amyloid-related disorders. Recently, there has been an increase in reports of amyloidogenic protein cross-interactions during the fibril formation process, which further complicates the already intricate process of amyloid aggregation. One of these reports displayed an interaction involving Tau and prion proteins, which prompted a need for further investigation into the matter. In this work, we generated five populations of conformationally distinct prion protein amyloid fibrils and examined their interaction with Tau proteins. We observed that there was a conformation-specific association between Tau monomers and prion protein fibrils, which increased the aggregate self-association and amyloidophilic dye binding capacity. We also determined that the interaction did not induce the formation of Tau protein amyloid aggregates, but rather caused their electrostatic adsorption to the prion protein fibril surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mantas Ziaunys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Kamile Mikalauskaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Lukas Krasauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roterman I, Stapor K, Konieczny L. Structural Specificity of Polymorphic Forms of α-Synuclein Amyloid. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051324. [PMID: 37238996 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural transformation producing amyloids is a phenomenon that sheds new light on the protein folding problem. The analysis of the polymorphic structures of the α-synuclein amyloid available in the PDB database allows analysis of the amyloid-oriented structural transformation itself, but also the protein folding process as such. The polymorphic amyloid structures of α-synuclein analyzed employing the hydrophobicity distribution (fuzzy oil drop model) reveal a differentiation with a dominant distribution consistent with the micelle-like system (hydrophobic core with polar shell). This type of ordering of the hydrophobicity distribution covers the entire spectrum from the example with all three structural units (single chain, proto-fibril, super-fibril) exhibiting micelle-like form, through gradually emerging examples of local disorder, to structures with an extremely different structuring pattern. The water environment directing protein structures towards the generation of ribbon micelle-like structures (concentration of hydrophobic residues in the center of the molecule forming a hydrophobic core with the exposure of polar residues on the surface) also plays a role in the amyloid forms of α-synuclein. The polymorphic forms of α-synuclein reveal local structural differentiation with a common tendency to accept the micelle-like structuralization in certain common fragments of the polypeptide chain of this protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Roterman
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Medyczna 7, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Stapor
- Department of Applied Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Leszek Konieczny
- Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Kopernika 7, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sakalauskas A, Ziaunys M, Snieckute R, Janoniene A, Veiveris D, Zvirblis M, Dudutiene V, Smirnovas V. The Major Components of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dictate the Characteristics of Inhibitors against Amyloid-Beta Aggregation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065991. [PMID: 36983069 PMCID: PMC10059578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the aggregation of amyloid-β into amyloid fibrils, leading to a neurodegeneration cascade. The current medications are far from sufficient to prevent the onset of the disease, hence requiring more research to find new alternative drugs for curing AD. In vitro inhibition experiments are one of the primary tools in testing whether a molecule may be potent to impede the aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ42). However, kinetic experiments in vitro do not match the mechanism found when aggregating Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid. The different aggregation mechanisms and the composition of the reaction mixtures may also impact the characteristics of the inhibitor molecules. For this reason, altering the reaction mixture to resemble components found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is critical to partially compensate for the mismatch between the inhibition experiments in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we used an artificial cerebrospinal fluid that contained the major components found in CSF and performed Aβ42 aggregation inhibition studies using oxidized epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and fluorinated benzenesulfonamide VR16-09. This led to a discovery of a complete turnaround of their inhibitory characteristics, rendering EGCG ineffective while significantly improving the efficacy of VR16-09. HSA was the main contributor in the mixture that significantly increased the anti-amyloid characteristics of VR16-09.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrius Sakalauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Ziaunys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ruta Snieckute
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Agne Janoniene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dominykas Veiveris
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Zvirblis
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Virginija Dudutiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mondal S, Ghanta KP, Bandyopadhyay S. Microscopic Understanding of the Conformational Stability of the Aggregated Nonamyloid β Components of α-Synuclein. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1542-1555. [PMID: 36866721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01540] [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: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Self-association of α-synuclein peptides into oligomeric species and ordered amyloid fibrils is associated with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In particular, the peptide domain formed between the residues Glu-61 (or E61) and Val-95 (or V95) of α-synuclein, typically termed the "nonamyloid β component" (NAC), is known to play critical roles in forming aggregated structures. In this work, we have employed molecular dynamics simulations to explore the conformational properties and relative stabilities of aggregated protofilaments of different orders, namely, tetramer (P(4)), hexamer (P(6)), octamer (P(8)), decamer (P(10)), dodecamer (P(12)), and tetradecamer (P(14)), formed by the NAC domains of α-synuclein. Besides, center-of-mass pulling and umbrella sampling simulation methods have also been employed to characterize the mechanistic pathway of peptide association/dissociation and the corresponding free energy profiles. Structural analysis showed that the disordered C-terminal loop and the central core regions of the peptide units lead to more flexible and distorted structures of the lower order protofilaments (P(4) and P(6)) as compared to the higher order ones. Interestingly, our calculation shows the presence of multiple distinctly populated conformational states for the lower order protofilament P(4), which may drive the oligomerization process along multiple pathways to form different polymorphic α-synuclein fibrillar structures. It is further observed that the nonpolar interaction between the peptides and the corresponding nonpolar solvation free energy play a dominant role in stabilizing the aggregated protofilaments. Importantly, our result showed that reduced cooperativity during the binding of a peptide unit beyond a critical size of the protofilament (P(12)) leads to less favorable binding free energy of a peptide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Mondal
- Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Krishna Prasad Ghanta
- Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Sanjoy Bandyopadhyay
- Molecular Modeling Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peña-Díaz S, García-Pardo J, Ventura S. Development of Small Molecules Targeting α-Synuclein Aggregation: A Promising Strategy to Treat Parkinson's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:839. [PMID: 36986700 PMCID: PMC10059018 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, is characterized by the accumulation of protein deposits in the dopaminergic neurons. These deposits are primarily composed of aggregated forms of α-Synuclein (α-Syn). Despite the extensive research on this disease, only symptomatic treatments are currently available. However, in recent years, several compounds, mainly of an aromatic character, targeting α-Syn self-assembly and amyloid formation have been identified. These compounds, discovered by different approaches, are chemically diverse and exhibit a plethora of mechanisms of action. This work aims to provide a historical overview of the physiopathology and molecular aspects associated with Parkinson's disease and the current trends in small compound development to target α-Syn aggregation. Although these molecules are still under development, they constitute an important step toward discovering effective anti-aggregational therapies for Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Peña-Díaz
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ziaunys M, Sakalauskas A, Mikalauskaite K, Smirnovas V. Rapid restructurization of conformationally-distinct alpha-synuclein amyloid fibrils at an elevated temperature. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14137. [PMID: 36199282 PMCID: PMC9528901 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation in the form of amyloid fibrils is linked with the onset and progression of more than 30 amyloidoses, including multiple neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Despite countless studies and years of research, the process of such aggregate formation is still not fully understood. One peculiar aspect of amyloids is that they appear to be capable of undergoing structural rearrangements even after the fibrils have already formed. Such a phenomenon was reported to occur in the case of alpha-synuclein and amyloid beta aggregates after a long period of incubation. In this work, we examine whether incubation at an elevated temperature can induce the restructurization of four different conformation alpha-synuclein amyloid fibrils. We show that this structural alteration occurs in a relatively brief time period, when the aggregates are incubated at 60 °C. Additionally, it appears that during this process multiple conformationally-distinct alpha-synuclein fibrils all shift towards an identical secondary structure.
Collapse
|
15
|
Exploring the Formation of Polymers with Anti-Amyloid Properties within the 2′3′-Dihydroxyflavone Autoxidation Process. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091711. [PMID: 36139781 PMCID: PMC9495709 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091711] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β and α-synuclein aggregation into amyloid fibrils is linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. While there are only a few disease-modifying drugs, it is essential to search for new, more effective ways to encounter these neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple research articles have shown that the autoxidation of flavone is a critical factor for activating the inhibitory potential against the protein aggregation. Despite this, the structure of the newly-formed inhibitors is unknown. In this research, we examined the autoxidation products of 2′,3′-dihydroxyflavone that were previously shown to possess one of the most prominent inhibitory effects against amyloid-β aggregation. Their analysis using HPLC suggested the formation of polymeric molecules that were isolated using a 3 kDa cut-off. These polymeric structures were indicated as the most potent inhibitors based on protein aggregation kinetics and AFM studies. This revelation was confirmed using MALDI-TOF and NMR. We also show that active molecules have a tendency to reduce the Amyloid-β and α-synuclein aggregates toxicity to SH-SY5Y cells.
Collapse
|
16
|
A Robust Assay to Monitor Ataxin-3 Amyloid Fibril Assembly. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121969. [PMID: 35741099 PMCID: PMC9222203 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is caused by the expansion of a glutamine repeat in the protein ataxin-3, which is deposited as intracellular aggregates in affected brain regions. Despite the controversial role of ataxin-3 amyloid structures in SCA3 pathology, the identification of molecules with the capacity to prevent aberrant self-assembly and stabilize functional conformation(s) of ataxin-3 is a key to the development of therapeutic solutions. Amyloid-specific kinetic assays are routinely used to measure rates of protein self-assembly in vitro and are employed during screening for fibrillation inhibitors. The high tendency of ataxin-3 to assemble into oligomeric structures implies that minor changes in experimental conditions can modify ataxin-3 amyloid assembly kinetics. Here, we determine the self-association rates of ataxin-3 and present a detailed study of the aggregation of normal and pathogenic ataxin-3, highlighting the experimental conditions that should be considered when implementing and validating ataxin-3 amyloid progress curves in different settings and in the presence of ataxin-3 interactors. This assay provides a unique and robust platform to screen for modulators of the first steps of ataxin-3 aggregation—a starting point for further studies with cell and animal models of SCA3.
Collapse
|
17
|
Interactions between S100A9 and Alpha-Synuclein: Insight from NMR Spectroscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126781. [PMID: 35743221 PMCID: PMC9224231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
S100A9 is a pro-inflammatory protein that co-aggregates with other proteins in amyloid fibril plaques. S100A9 can influence the aggregation kinetics and amyloid fibril structure of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), which is involved in Parkinson's disease. Currently, there are limited data regarding their cross-interaction and how it influences the aggregation process. In this work, we analyzed this interaction using solution 19F and 2D 15N-1H HSQC NMR spectroscopy and studied the aggregation properties of these two proteins. Here, we show that α-syn interacts with S100A9 at specific regions, which are also essential in the first step of aggregation. We also demonstrate that the 4-fluorophenylalanine label in alpha-synuclein is a sensitive probe to study interaction and aggregation using 19F NMR spectroscopy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Amyloid Formation in Nanoliter Droplets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105480. [PMID: 35628295 PMCID: PMC9143811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Processes that monitor the nucleation of amyloids and characterize the formation of amyloid fibrils are vital to medicine and pharmacology. In this study, we observe the nucleation and formation of lysozyme amyloid fibrils using a facile microfluidic system to generate nanoliter droplets that can control the flow rate and movement of monomer-in-oil emulsion droplets in a T-junction microchannel. Using a fluorescence assay, we monitor the nucleation and growth process of amyloids based on the volume of droplets. Using the microfluidic system, we demonstrate that the lag phase, which is vital to amyloid nucleation and growth, is reduced at a lower droplet volume. Furthermore, we report a peculiar phenomenon of high amyloid formation at the edge of a bullet-shaped droplet, which is likely due to the high local monomer concentration. Moreover, we discovered that amyloid fibrils synthesized in the nanoliter droplets are shorter and thicker than fibrils synthesized from a bulk solution via the conventional heating method. Herein, a facile procedure to observe and characterize the nucleation and growth of amyloid fibrils using nanoliter droplets is presented, which is beneficial for investigating new features of amyloid fibril formation as an unconventional synthetic method for amyloid fibrils.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mikalauskaite K, Ziaunys M, Smirnovas V. Lysozyme Amyloid Fibril Structural Variability Dependence on Initial Protein Folding State. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5421. [PMID: 35628230 PMCID: PMC9141980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibril formation is associated with several amyloidoses, including neurodegenerative Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. The process of such fibrillar structure formation is still not fully understood, with new mechanistic insights appearing on a regular basis. This, in turn, has limited the development of potential anti-amyloid compounds, with only a handful of effective cures or treatment modalities available. One of the multiple amyloid aggregation factors that requires further examination is the ability of proteins to form multiple, structurally distinct aggregates, based on the environmental conditions. In this work, we examine how the initial folding state affects the fibrilization of lysozyme-an amyloidogenic protein, often used in protein aggregation studies. We show that there is a correlation between the initial state of the protein and the aggregate formation lag time, rate of elongation, resulting aggregate structural variability and dye-binding properties, as well as formation lag time and rate of elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamile Mikalauskaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mantas Ziaunys
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Huang S, Mo X, Wang J, Ye X, Yu H, Liu Y. α-Synuclein phase separation and amyloid aggregation are modulated by C-terminal truncations. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1388-1400. [PMID: 35485974 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) is a key pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Syn undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to drive amyloid aggregation. How the LLPS of α-Syn is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered that the C-terminal region modulates α-Syn phase separation through electrostatic interactions. The wild-type (WT) and PD disease-related truncated α-Syn can co-exist in the condensates. The truncated α-Syn could dramatically promote WT α-Syn phase separation. Further studies demonstrated that the truncated α-Syn accelerated WT α-Syn turning to amyloid aggregates by modulation of phase separation. Together, our findings disclose the role of the C-terminal domain in the LLPS of α-Syn and pave the path for understanding the mechanism of truncated α-Syn in PD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaoli Mo
- Biology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01610, USA
| | - Jieyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xinyi Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haijia Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yinghui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|