scholarly journals Implications of Metal Binding and Asparagine Deamidation for Amyloid Formation

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 2449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yutaka Sadakane ◽  
Masahiro Kawahara
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Metal Binding ◽  
Prion Diseases ◽  
Amyloid Formation ◽  
Amyloidogenic Proteins ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Asparagine Deamidation ◽  
Β Amyloid

Increasing evidence suggests that amyloid formation, i.e., self-assembly of proteins and the resulting conformational changes, is linked with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, and Lewy body diseases. Among the factors that accelerate or inhibit oligomerization, we focus here on two non-genetic and common characteristics of many amyloidogenic proteins: metal binding and asparagine deamidation. Both reflect the aging process and occur in most amyloidogenic proteins. All of the amyloidogenic proteins, such as Alzheimer’s β-amyloid protein, prion protein, and α-synuclein, are metal-binding proteins and are involved in the regulation of metal homeostasis. It is widely accepted that these proteins are susceptible to non-enzymatic posttranslational modifications, and many asparagine residues of these proteins are deamidated. Moreover, these two factors can combine because asparagine residues can bind metals. We review the current understanding of these two common properties and their implications in the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Amyloidogenic metal-binding proteins: new investigative pathways

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1299-1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Davies ◽  
Sarah N. Fontaine ◽  
Dima Moualla ◽  
Xiaoyan Wang ◽  
Josephine A. Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyloid Precursor Protein ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Metal Binding ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Amyloidogenic Proteins ◽  
Logical Reason ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Β Amyloid

Neurodegenerative diseases remain perplexing and problematic for modern research. Those associated with amyloidogenic proteins have often been lumped together simply because those proteins aggregate. However, research has identified a more logical reason to group some of these diseases together. The associated proteins not only aggregate, but also bind copper. The APP (amyloid precursor protein) binds copper in an N-terminal region. Binding of copper has been suggested to influence generation of β-amyloid from the protein. PrP (prion protein) binds copper, and this appears to be necessary for its normal function and might also reduce its probability of conversion into an infectious prion. α-Synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease, also binds copper, but, in this case, it potentially increases the rate at which the protein aggregates. The similarities between these proteins, in terms of metal binding, has allowed us to investigate them using similar approaches. In the present review, we discuss some of these approaches.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation of the PHF-1 Epitope of Tau Protein Induce Local Conformational Changes of the C-Terminus and Modulate Tau Self-Assembly Into Fibrillar Aggregates

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
François-Xavier Cantrelle ◽  
Anne Loyens ◽  
Xavier Trivelli ◽  
Oliver Reimann ◽  
Clément Despres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Tau Protein ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Small Peptides ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
The Impact

Phosphorylation of the neuronal microtubule-associated Tau protein plays a critical role in the aggregation process leading to the formation of insoluble intraneuronal fibrils within Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. In recent years, other posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have been highlighted in the regulation of Tau (dys)functions. Among these PTMs, the O-β-linked N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) modulates Tau phosphorylation and aggregation. We here focus on the role of the PHF-1 phospho-epitope of Tau C-terminal domain that is hyperphosphorylated in AD (at pS396/pS404) and encompasses S400 as the major O-GlcNAc site of Tau while two additional O-GlcNAc sites were found in the extreme C-terminus at S412 and S413. Using high resolution NMR spectroscopy, we showed that the O-GlcNAc glycosylation reduces phosphorylation of PHF-1 epitope by GSK3β alone or after priming by CDK2/cyclin A. Furthermore, investigations of the impact of PTMs on local conformation performed in small peptides highlight the role of S404 phosphorylation in inducing helical propensity in the region downstream pS404 that is exacerbated by other phosphorylations of PHF-1 epitope at S396 and S400, or O-GlcNAcylation of S400. Finally, the role of phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation of PHF-1 epitope was probed in in-vitro fibrillization assays in which O-GlcNAcylation slows down the rate of fibrillar assembly while GSK3β phosphorylation stimulates aggregation counteracting the effect of glycosylation.

scholarly journals Amyloid-Mediated Mechanisms of Membrane Disruption

Biophysica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Michele F. M. Sciacca ◽  
Carmelo La Rosa ◽  
Danilo Milardi
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Conformational Transition ◽  
Prion Diseases ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Amyloid Formation ◽  
Islet Amyloid ◽  
Amyloid Aggregates ◽  
Abnormal Accumulation

Protein aggregation and amyloid formation are pathogenic events underlying the development of an increasingly large number of human diseases named “proteinopathies”. Abnormal accumulation in affected tissues of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), and the prion protein, to mention a few, are involved in the occurrence of Alzheimer’s (AD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prion diseases, respectively. Many reports suggest that the toxic properties of amyloid aggregates are correlated with their ability to damage cell membranes. However, the molecular mechanisms causing toxic amyloid/membrane interactions are still far to be completely elucidated. This review aims at describing the mutual relationships linking abnormal protein conformational transition and self-assembly into amyloid aggregates with membrane damage. A cross-correlated analysis of all these closely intertwined factors is thought to provide valuable insights for a comprehensive molecular description of amyloid diseases and, in turn, the design of effective therapies.

scholarly journals BODIPY Dyes as Probes and Sensors to Study Amyloid-β-Related Processes

Biosensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Sergei V. Dzyuba
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Photophysical Properties ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Amyloid Formation ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Aβ Peptides ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Amyloid formation plays a major role in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) are one of the primary markers associated with this pathology. Aβ aggregates exhibit a diverse range of morphologies with distinct pathological activities. Recognition of the Aβ aggregates by using small molecule-based probes and sensors should not only enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms of amyloid formation, but also facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies to interfere with amyloid neurotoxicity. BODIPY (boron dipyrrin) dyes are among the most versatile small molecule fluorophores. BODIPY scaffolds could be functionalized to tune their photophysical properties to the desired ranges as well as to adapt these dyes to various types of conditions and environments. Thus, BODIPY dyes could be viewed as unique platforms for the design of probes and sensors that are capable of detecting and tracking structural changes of various Aβ aggregates. This review summarizes currently available examples of BODIPY dyes that have been used to investigate conformational changes of Aβ peptides, self-assembly processes of Aβ, as well as Aβ interactions with various molecules.

Photosensitizing materials and platforms for light-triggered modulation of Alzheimer's β-amyloid self-assembly

Biomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 190-191 ◽  
pp. 121-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byung Il Lee ◽  
You Jung Chung ◽  
Chan Beum Park
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Β Amyloid

scholarly journals The Prion Protein Octarepeat Domain Forms Transient β-sheet Structures Upon Residue-Specific Cu(II) and Zn(II) Binding

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Gielnik ◽  
Aneta Szymanska ◽  
Xiaolin Dong ◽  
Jyri Jarvet ◽  
Zeljko M. Svedruzic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metal Ions ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Metal Binding ◽  
Cd Spectroscopy ◽  
Cellular Prion Protein ◽  
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies ◽  
Amyloid Formation ◽  
Spectroscopy Data ◽  
Spongiform Encephalopathies ◽  
Β Sheet

Misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is associated with the development of fatal neurodegenerative diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Metal ions appear to play a crucial role in the protein misfolding, and metal imbalance may be part of TSE pathologies. PrPC is a combined Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal binding protein, where the main metal binding site is located in the octarepeat (OR) region. Here, we used biophysical methods to characterize Cu(II) and Zn(II) binding to the isolated OR region. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy data suggest that the OR domain binds up to four Cu(II) ions or two Zn(II) ions. Upon metal binding, the OR region seems to adopt a transient antiparallel β-sheet hairpin structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy data indicates that under neutral conditions, the OR region can bind both Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, whereas under acidic conditions it binds only Cu(II) ions. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that binding of both metal ions to the OR region results in formation of β-hairpin structures. As formation of β-sheet structures is a first step towards amyloid formation, we propose that high concentrations of either Cu(II) or Zn(II) ions may have a pro-amyloid effect in TSEs.

Orthorhombic lysozyme crystallization at acidic pH values driven by phosphate binding

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 480-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Plaza-Garrido ◽  
M. Carmen Salinas-Garcia ◽  
Ana Camara-Artigas
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Protein Crystallization ◽  
Amyloid Formation ◽  
Acidic Ph ◽  
Phosphate Binding ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Phosphate Ion ◽  
Α Helix

The structure of orthorhombic lysozyme has been obtained at 298 K and pH 4.5 using sodium chloride as the precipitant and in the presence of sodium phosphate at a concentration as low as 5 mM. Crystals belonging to space groupP212121(unit-cell parametersa= 30,b= 56,c= 73 Å, α = β = γ = 90.00°) diffracted to a resolution higher than 1 Å, and the high quality of these crystals permitted the identification of a phosphate ion bound to Arg14 and His15. The binding of this ion produces long-range conformational changes affecting the loop containing Ser60–Asn74. The negatively charged phosphate ion shields the electrostatic repulsion of the positively charged arginine and histidine residues, resulting in higher stability of the phosphate-bound lysozyme. Additionally, a low-humidity orthorhombic variant was obtained at pH 4.5, and comparison with those previously obtained at pH 6.5 and 9.5 shows a 1.5 Å displacement of the fifth α-helix towards the active-site cavity, which might be relevant to protein function. Since lysozyme is broadly used as a model protein in studies related to protein crystallization and amyloid formation, these results indicate that the interaction of some anions must be considered when analysing experiments performed at acidic pH values.

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