scholarly journals α-Sheet secondary structure in amyloid β-peptide drives aggregation and toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (18) ◽  
pp. 8895-8900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Shea ◽  
Cheng-Chieh Hsu ◽  
Timothy M. Bi ◽  
Natasha Paranjapye ◽  
Matthew Carter Childers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Secondary Structure ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Lag Phase ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Β Sheet

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of β-sheet–rich, insoluble amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) plaques; however, plaque burden is not correlated with cognitive impairment in AD patients; instead, it is correlated with the presence of toxic soluble oligomers. Here, we show, by a variety of different techniques, that these Aβ oligomers adopt a nonstandard secondary structure, termed “α-sheet.” These oligomers form in the lag phase of aggregation, when Aβ-associated cytotoxicity peaks, en route to forming nontoxic β-sheet fibrils. De novo-designed α-sheet peptides specifically and tightly bind the toxic oligomers over monomeric and fibrillar forms of Aβ, leading to inhibition of aggregation in vitro and neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells. Based on this specific binding, a soluble oligomer-binding assay (SOBA) was developed as an indirect probe of α-sheet content. Combined SOBA and toxicity experiments demonstrate a strong correlation between α-sheet content and toxicity. The designed α-sheet peptides are also active in vivo where they inhibit Aβ-induced paralysis in a transgenic Aβ Caenorhabditis elegans model and specifically target and clear soluble, toxic oligomers in a transgenic APPsw mouse model. The α-sheet hypothesis has profound implications for further understanding the mechanism behind AD pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Longitudinal evaluation of the natural history of amyloid-β in plasma and brain

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha C Burnham ◽  
Noelia Fandos ◽  
Christopher Fowler ◽  
Virginia Pérez-Grijalba ◽  
Vincent Dore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Pet Amyloid

Abstract Plasma amyloid-β peptide concentration has recently been shown to have high accuracy to predict amyloid-β plaque burden in the brain. These amyloid-β plasma markers will allow wider screening of the population and simplify and reduce screening costs for therapeutic trials in Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this study was to determine how longitudinal changes in blood amyloid-β track with changes in brain amyloid-β. Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle study participants with a minimum of two assessments were evaluated (111 cognitively normal, 7 mild cognitively impaired, 15 participants with Alzheimer’s disease). Amyloid-β burden in the brain was evaluated through PET and was expressed in Centiloids. Total protein amyloid-β 42/40 plasma ratios were determined using ABtest® assays. We applied our method for obtaining natural history trajectories from short term data to measures of total protein amyloid-β 42/40 plasma ratios and PET amyloid-β. The natural history trajectory of total protein amyloid-β 42/40 plasma ratios appears to approximately mirror that of PET amyloid-β, with both spanning decades. Rates of change of 7.9% and 8.8%, were observed for total protein amyloid-β 42/40 plasma ratios and PET amyloid-β, respectively. The trajectory of plasma amyloid-β preceded that of brain amyloid-β by a median value of 6 years (significant at 88% confidence interval). These findings, showing the tight association between changes in plasma and brain amyloid-β, support the use of plasma total protein amyloid-β 42/40 plasma ratios as a surrogate marker of brain amyloid-β. Also, that plasma total protein amyloid-β 42/40 plasma ratios has potential utility in monitoring trial participants, and as an outcome measure.

scholarly journals Assembling amyloid fibrils from designed structures containing a significant amyloid β-peptide fragment

2002 ◽  
Vol 366 (1) ◽  
pp. 343-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars O. TJERNBERG ◽  
Agneta TJERNBERG ◽  
Niklas BARK ◽  
Yuan SHI ◽  
Bela P. RUZSICSKA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Fibril Formation ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Detailed Model ◽  
Aβ Fibrils ◽  
Β Sheet

The amyloid plaque, consisting of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) fibrils surrounded by dystrophic neurites, is an invariable feature of Alzheimer's disease. The determination of the molecular structure of Aβ fibrils is a significant goal that may lead to the structure-based design of effective therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease. Technical challenges have thus far rendered this goal impossible. In the present study, we develop an alternative methodology. Rather than determining the structure directly, we design conformationally constrained peptides and demonstrate that only certain ‘bricks’ can aggregate into fibrils morphologically identical to Aβ fibrils. The designed peptides include variants of a decapeptide fragment of Aβ, previously shown to be one of the smallest peptides that (1) includes a pentapeptide sequence necessary for Aβ—Aβ binding and aggregation and (2) can form fibrils indistinguishable from those formed by full-length Aβ. The secondary structure of these bricks is monitored by CD spectroscopy, and electron microscopy is used to study the morphology of the aggregates formed. We then made various residue deletions and substitutions to determine which structural features are essential for fibril formation. From the constraints, statistical analysis of side-chain pair correlations in β-sheets and experimental data, we deduce a detailed model of the peptide strand alignment in fibrils formed by these bricks. Our results show that the constrained decapeptide dimers rapidly form an intramolecular, antiparallel β-sheet and polymerize into amyloid fibrils at low concentrations. We suggest that the formation of an exposed β-sheet (e.g. an Aβ dimer formed by interaction in the decapeptide region) could be a rate-limiting step in fibril formation. A theoretical framework that explains the results is presented in parallel with the data.

scholarly journals Stabilization of Neurotoxic Soluble β-Sheet-Rich Conformations of the Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-β Peptide

2008 ◽  
Vol 94 (7) ◽  
pp. 2752-2766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah J. Tew ◽  
Stephen P. Bottomley ◽  
David P. Smith ◽  
Giuseppe D. Ciccotosto ◽  
Jeffrey Babon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Β Sheet

scholarly journals Destabilization of the Alzheimer’s Amyloid-β Peptide by a Proline-Rich β-Sheet Breaker Peptide: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavan Krishna Kanchi ◽  
Ashok Kumar Dasmahapatra
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Recognition Sequence ◽  
Self Recognition ◽  
Β Sheet

Abstract The amyloid-β peptide exists in the form of fibrils in the plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. One of the therapeutic strategies is the design of molecules which can destabilize these fibrils. We present a designed peptide KLVFFP5 with two segments: the self-recognition sequence KLVFF and a β-sheet breaker proline pentamer. Molecular dynamics simulations and docking results showed that this peptide could bind to the protofibrils and destabilize them by establishing hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonds with a higher affinity than the KLVFF peptide. In the presence of the KLVFFP5 peptide the β-sheet content of the protofibrils was reduced significantly, the hydrogen bonding network and the salt bridges were disrupted to a greater extent than the KLVFF peptide. Our results indicate that the KLVFFP5 peptide is an effective β-sheet disruptor which can be considered in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease.

The p3 Peptide, a Naturally Occurring Fragment of the Amyloid-β Peptide (Aβ)Found in Alzheimer's Disease, Has a Greater Aggregation Propensity In Vitro Than Full-Length Aβ, But Does Not Bind Cu2+.

2000 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feda Ali ◽  
Andrew J. Thompson ◽  
Colin J. Barrow
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Down's Syndrome ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Down’S Syndrome ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Sheet Structure ◽  
Β Sheet

Cerebellar preamyloid from both Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease contains the p3 fragment (Aβ 17–40/42) as a major amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) component. The p3 peptide was previously shown to form amyloid in vitro, but less readily than full-length Aβ. Here we show that the p3 peptide has a greater β-sheet-forming propensity than full-length Aβ. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy we determined that in aqueous solutions the p3 peptide forms β-sheet structure more readily than full-length Aβ. The p3 peptide also has a lower α-helical propensity than full-length Aβ in the structure-forming solvent trifluoroethanol. These results indicate that the lower amyloidogenicity of the p3 peptide is not related to an inability to form β-sheet structure. In this study we also show that, unlike full-length Aβ, the p3 peptide does not bind Cu2+ ions. This inability to bind copper ions may explain why the p3 peptide appears to play a lesser role in Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease related neurodegeneration than does full-length Aβ.

scholarly journals Mercury and Alzheimer’s Disease: Hg(II) Ions Display Specific Binding to the Amyloid-β Peptide and Hinder Its Fibrillization

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Wallin ◽  
Merlin Friedemann ◽  
Sabrina B. Sholts ◽  
Andra Noormägi ◽  
Teodor Svantesson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Metal Ions ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Aβ Peptides

Brains and blood of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients have shown elevated mercury concentrations, but potential involvement of mercury exposure in AD pathogenesis has not been studied at the molecular level. The pathological hallmark of AD brains is deposition of amyloid plaques, consisting mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregated into amyloid fibrils. Aβ peptide fibrillization is known to be modulated by metal ions such as Cu(II) and Zn(II). Here, we study in vitro the interactions between Aβ peptides and Hg(II) ions by multiple biophysical techniques. Fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that Hg(II) ions have a concentration-dependent inhibiting effect on Aβ fibrillization: at a 1:1 Aβ·Hg(II) ratio only non-fibrillar Aβ aggregates are formed. NMR spectroscopy shows that Hg(II) ions interact with the N-terminal region of Aβ(1–40) with a micromolar affinity, likely via a binding mode similar to that for Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, i.e., mainly via the histidine residues His6, His13, and His14. Thus, together with Cu(II), Fe(II), Mn(II), Pb(IV), and Zn(II) ions, Hg(II) belongs to a family of metal ions that display residue-specific binding interactions with Aβ peptides and modulate their aggregation processes.

scholarly journals MicroRNAs as Potential Orchestrators of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Pathologies: Insights on Current Status and Future Possibilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nermeen Z. Abuelezz ◽  
Fayza Eid Nasr ◽  
Mohammad Ahmed AbdulKader ◽  
Ahmad R. Bassiouny ◽  
Amira Zaky
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Pain Sensitization

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and deleterious neurodegenerative disease, strongly affecting the cognitive functions and memory of seniors worldwide. Around 58% of the affected patients live in low and middle-income countries, with estimates of increasing deaths caused by AD in the coming decade. AD is a multifactor pathology. Mitochondrial function declines in AD brain and is currently emerging as a hallmark of this disease. It has been considered as one of the intracellular processes severely compromised in AD. Many mitochondrial parameters decline already during aging; mitochondrial efficiency for energy production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, to reach an extensive functional failure, concomitant with the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. Besides its impact on cognitive functions, AD is characterized by loss of synapses, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, accompanied by drastic sleep disorders, sensory function alterations and pain sensitization. Unfortunately, till date, effective management of AD-related disorders and early, non-invasive AD diagnostic markers are yet to be found. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding nucleic acids that regulate key signaling pathway(s) in various disease conditions. About 70% of experimentally detectable miRNAs are expressed in the brain where they regulate neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine morphology, and synaptic plasticity. Increasing studies suggest that miRNAs are intimately involved in synaptic function and specific signals during memory formation. This has been the pivotal key for considering miRNAs crucial molecules to be studied in AD. MicroRNAs dysfunctions are increasingly acknowledged as a pivotal contributor in AD via deregulating genes involved in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, miRNAs have been proved to control pain sensitization processes and regulate circadian clock system that affects the sleep process. Interestingly, the differential expression of miRNA panels implies their emerging potential as diagnostic AD biomarkers. In this review, we will present an updated analysis of miRNAs role in regulating signaling processes that are involved in AD-related pathologies. We will discuss the current challenges against wider use of miRNAs and the future promising capabilities of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic means for better management of AD.

scholarly journals Genetic Depletion of Amylin/Calcitonin Receptors Improves Memory and Learning in Transgenic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Models.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aarti Patel ◽  
Ryoichi Kimura ◽  
Wen Fu ◽  
Rania Soudy ◽  
David MacTavish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Amyloid Plaque ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene ◽  
Amyloid Β Peptide ◽  
Class B

Abstract Based upon its interactions with amyloid β peptide (Aβ), the amylin receptor, a Class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is a potential modulator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, past pharmacological approaches have failed to resolve whether activation or blockade of this receptor would have greater therapeutic benefit. To address this issue, we generated compound mice expressing a human amyloid precursor protein gene with familial AD mutations in combination with deficiency of amylin receptors produced by hemizygosity for the critical calcitonin receptor subunit of this heterodimeric GPCR. These compound transgenic AD mice demonstrated attenuated responses to human amylin- and Aβ-induced depression of hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP) in keeping with the genetic depletion of amylin receptors. Both the LTP responses and spatial memory (as measured with Morris Water Maze) in these mice were improved compared to AD mouse controls and, importantly, a reduction in both the amyloid plaque burden and markers of neuroinflammation was observed. Our data support the notion of further development of antagonists of the amylin receptor as AD-modifying therapies.

scholarly journals Amyloid Structural Changes Studied by Infrared Microspectroscopy in Bigenic Cellular Models of Alzheimer’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3430
Author(s):  
Agnes Paulus ◽  
Anders Engdahl ◽  
Yiyi Yang ◽  
Antonio Boza-Serrano ◽  
Sara Bachiller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Secondary Structure ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Infrared Microspectroscopy ◽  
Β Sheet ◽  
In Cells

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of lives worldwide. This terminal disease is characterized by the formation of amyloid aggregates, so-called amyloid oligomers. These oligomers are composed of β-sheet structures, which are believed to be neurotoxic. However, the actual secondary structure that contributes most to neurotoxicity remains unknown. This lack of knowledge is due to the challenging nature of characterizing the secondary structure of amyloids in cells. To overcome this and investigate the molecular changes in proteins directly in cells, we used synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy, a label-free and non-destructive technique available for in situ molecular imaging, to detect structural changes in proteins and lipids. Specifically, we evaluated the formation of β-sheet structures in different monogenic and bigenic cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease that we generated for this study. We report on the possibility to discern different amyloid signatures directly in cells using infrared microspectroscopy and demonstrate that bigenic (amyloid-β, α-synuclein) and (amyloid-β, Tau) neuron-like cells display changes in β-sheet load. Altogether, our findings support the notion that different molecular mechanisms of amyloid aggregation, as opposed to a common mechanism, are triggered by the specific cellular environment and, therefore, that various mechanisms lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

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