RESUMO
Tau and α-synuclein are proteins involved in pathologies known as tauopathies and synucleinopathies, respectively. Moreover, evidence shows that there is a crosstalk between them as is seen in the brains of individuals with sporadic neurodegenerative disorders. Based on that, we present data showing that the hydrophobic α-peptide 71 VTGVTAVAQKTV82 induces the aggregation of the full-length tau fragment in the absence of heparin assessed by ThT. Moreover, AFM images reveal the presence of straight filaments and amorphous aggregates of full-length tau in the presence of the α-peptide. Additionally, ITC experiments showed the interaction of the α-peptide with tau full-length (441 amino acids),4R (amino acids from 244 to 369), and both hexapeptides 275 VQIINK280 and 306 VQIVYK311 through hydrophobic interactions. The Raman spectroscopy spectra showed conformational changes in the Amide region in the aggregates formed with full-length tau and α-syn peptide. Furthermore, the incubation of extracellular aggregates with N2a cells showed morphological differences in the cellular body and the nucleus suggesting cell death. Moreover,, the incubation of different types of aggregates in cell culture provokes the release of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Altogether, we found that α-synuclein peptide can drive the aggregation of full-length tau-provoking morphological and structural changes evoking cytotoxic effects.
Assuntos
alfa-Sinucleína , Proteínas tau , Humanos , alfa-Sinucleína/química , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismo , Proteínas tau/química , Peptídeos , Aminoácidos , Interações Hidrofóbicas e HidrofílicasRESUMO
Tauopathies and synucleinopathies are characterized by the aggregation of Tau and α-synuclein (AS) into amyloid structures, respectively. Individuals with these neuropathies have an elevated risk of developing subsequent neurodegenerative or comorbid disorders. Intriguingly, post-mortem brain examinations have revealed co-localization of Tau and AS aggregates, suggesting a synergistic pathological relationship with an adverse prognosis. The role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in the development of neurodegenerative diseases is currently receiving significant attention, as it can contribute to the aggregation and co-deposition of amyloidogenic proteins. In this study, we investigated the phase separation behavior of Tau and AS under various insults, some of which are implicated in disease progression. Our findings demonstrate the formation of heterotypic droplets composed of Tau and AS at physiologically relevant mole ratios that mimic neurons' soma and terminal buttons. Importantly, these heterotypic droplets exhibit increased resistance to electrostatic screening compared to homotypic condensates. Moreover, we observed that biologically relevant biomolecules, known to be dysregulated in disease, exert different effects on these droplets. Additionally, we provide evidence that phase separation itself influences the amyloid aggregation of Tau and AS, underscoring the significance of this process in the development of aggregopathies.
Assuntos
Doenças Neurodegenerativas , alfa-Sinucleína , Humanos , alfa-Sinucleína/química , Proteínas tau/química , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Amiloide/química , Proteínas AmiloidogênicasRESUMO
The misfolding and aggregation of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Targeting α-syn has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. Emerging in vitro evidence supports a dual action of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against amyloid neurotoxicity. EGCG can halt the formation of toxic aggregates by redirecting the amyloid fibril aggregation pathway toward non-toxic aggregates and remodeling the existing toxic fibrils into non-toxic aggregates. Moreover, EGCG oxidation can enhance fibril's remodeling by forming Schiff bases, leading to crosslinking of the fibril. However, this covalent modification is not required for amyloid remodeling, and establishing non-specific hydrophobic interactions with sidechains seems to be the main driver of amyloid remodeling by EGCG. Thioflavin (ThT) is a gold standard probe to detect amyloid fibrils in vitro, and oxidized EGCG competes with ThT for amyloid fibrils' binding sites. In this work, we performed docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain insights into the intermolecular interactions of oxidized EGCG and ThT with a mature α-syn fibril. We find that oxidized EGCG moves within lysine-rich sites within the hydrophobic core of the α-syn fibril, forming aromatic and hydrogen-bonding (H-bond) interactions with different residues during the whole MD simulation time. In contrast, ThT, which does not remodel amyloid fibrils, was docked to the same sites but only via aromatic interactions. Our findings suggest that non-covalent interactions play a role in oxidized EGCG binding into the hydrophobic core, including H-bond and aromatic interactions with some residues in the amyloid remodeling processes. These interactions would ultimately lead to a disturbance of structural features as determinants for stabilizing this fibril into a compact and pathogenic Greek key topology.
Assuntos
Catequina , Doença de Parkinson , Humanos , alfa-Sinucleína/química , Amiloide/química , Doença de Parkinson/metabolismo , Proteínas Amiloidogênicas , Catequina/química , Agregados ProteicosRESUMO
The α-synucleinopathies constitute a subset of neurodegenerative disorders, of which Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common worldwide, characterized by the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein in the cytoplasm of neurons, which spreads in a prion-like manner to anatomically interconnected brain areas. However, it is not clear how α-synucleinopathy triggers neurodegeneration. We recently developed a rat model through a single intranigral administration of the neurotoxic ß-sitosterol ß-D-glucoside (BSSG), which produces α-synucleinopathy. In this model, we aimed to evaluate the temporal pattern of levels in oxidative and nitrosative stress and mitochondrial complex I (CI) dysfunction and how these biochemical parameters are associated with neurodegeneration in different brain areas with α-synucleinopathy (Substantia nigra pars compacta, the striatum, in the hippocampus and the olfactory bulb, where α-syn aggregation spreads). Interestingly, an increase in oxidative stress and mitochondrial CI dysfunction accompanied neurodegeneration in those brain regions. Furthermore, in silico analysis suggests a high-affinity binding site for BSSG with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) alpha (PPAR-α) and gamma (PPAR-γ). These findings will contribute to elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with α-synucleinopathies and lead to the identification of new early biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Assuntos
Encéfalo , Complexo I de Transporte de Elétrons , Mitocôndrias , Estresse Oxidativo , Sinucleinopatias , alfa-Sinucleína , Animais , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Complexo I de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Estresse Nitrosativo , Receptores Ativados por Proliferador de Peroxissomo/metabolismo , Ratos , Sinucleinopatias/metabolismo , Sinucleinopatias/fisiopatologia , alfa-Sinucleína/química , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismoRESUMO
Recent studies revealed that molecular events related with the physiology and pathology of αS might be regulated by specific sequence motifs in the primary sequence of αS. The importance of individual residues in these motifs remains an important open avenue of investigation. In this work, we have addressed the structural details related to the amyloid fibril assembly and lipid-binding features of αS through the design of site-directed mutants at position 39 of the protein and their study by in vitro and in vivo assays. We demonstrated that aromaticity at position 39 of αS primary sequence influences strongly the aggregation properties and the membrane-bound conformations of the protein, molecular features that might have important repercussions for the function and dysfunction of αS. Considering that aggregation and membrane damage is an important driver of cellular toxicity in amyloid diseases, future work is needed to link our findings with studies based on toxicity and neuronal cell death. BRIEF STATEMENT OUTLINING SIGNIFICANCE: Modulation by distinct sequential motifs and specific residues of αS on its physiological and pathological states is an active area of research. Here, we demonstrated that aromaticity at position 39 of αS modulates the membrane-bound conformations of the protein, whereas removal of aromatic functionality at position 39 reduces strongly the amyloid assembly in vitro and in vivo. Our study provides new evidence for the modulation of molecular events related with the physiology and pathology of αS.
Assuntos
Amiloide , alfa-Sinucleína , Amiloide/genética , Amiloide/metabolismo , Membranas/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , Estrutura Secundária de Proteína , alfa-Sinucleína/químicaRESUMO
Amyloid aggregation of α-synuclein (AS) is one of the hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). Copper ions specifically bind at the N-terminus of AS, accelerating protein aggregation. Its protein homolog ß-synuclein (BS) is also a copper binding protein, but it inhibits AS aggregation. Here, a comparative spectroscopic study of the Cu2+ binding properties of AS and BS has been performed, using electronic absorption, circular dichroism (CD) and electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Our comparative spectroscopic study reveals striking similarities between the Cu2+ binding features of the two proteins. The Cu2+ binding site at the N-terminal group of BS protein, modeled by the BS (1-15) fragment is identical to that of AS; however, its rate of reduction is three times faster as compared to the AS site, consistent with BS having an additional Met residue in its Met1-Xn-Met5-Xn-Met10 motif. The latter is also evident in the cyclic voltammetry studies of the Cu-BS complex. On the other hand, the Cu2+ binding features of the His site in both proteins, as modeled by AS(45-55) and BS(60-70), are identical, indicating that the shift in the His position does not affect its coordination features. Finally, replacement of Glu46 by Ala does not alter Cu2+ binding to the His site, suggesting that the familial PD E46K mutation would not impact copper-induced aggregation. While further studies of the redox activity of copper bound to His50 in AS are required to understand the role of this site in metal-mediated aggregation, our study contributes to a better understanding of the bioinorganic chemistry of PD.
Assuntos
Cobre/metabolismo , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismo , beta-Sinucleína/metabolismo , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Sítios de Ligação , Histidina/química , Histidina/metabolismo , Metionina/química , Metionina/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , alfa-Sinucleína/química , beta-Sinucleína/químicaRESUMO
α-Synuclein (αSyn) species can be detected in synaptic boutons, where they play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, the effects of intracellular αSyn species on synaptic transmission have not been thoroughly studied. Here, using patch-clamp recordings in hippocampal neurons, we report that αSyn oligomers (αSynO), intracellularly delivered through the patch electrode, produced a fast and potent effect on synaptic transmission, causing a substantial increase in the frequency, amplitude and transferred charge of spontaneous synaptic currents. We also found an increase in the frequency of miniature synaptic currents, suggesting an effect located at the presynaptic site of the synapsis. Furthermore, our in silico approximation using docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations showed an interaction between a previously described small anti-amyloid beta (Aß) molecule, termed M30 (2-octahydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-ylethanamine), with a central hydrophobic region of αSyn. In line with this finding, our empirical data aimed to obtain oligomerization states with thioflavin T (ThT) and Western blot (WB) indicated that M30 interfered with αSyn aggregation and decreased the formation of higher-molecular-weight species. Furthermore, the effect of αSynO on synaptic physiology was also antagonized by M30, resulting in a decrease in the frequency, amplitude, and charge transferred of synaptic currents. Overall, the present results show an excitatory effect of intracellular αSyn low molecular-weight species, not previously described, that are able to affect synaptic transmission, and the potential of a small neuroactive molecule to interfere with the aggregation process and the synaptic effect of αSyn, suggesting that M30 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for synucleinopathies.
Assuntos
Isoquinolinas/farmacologia , Neurônios/citologia , alfa-Sinucleína/química , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismo , Animais , Benzotiazóis/farmacologia , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Interações Hidrofóbicas e Hidrofílicas , Camundongos , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Neurônios/efeitos dos fármacos , Neurônios/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , Domínios Proteicos , Ratos , Transmissão SinápticaRESUMO
Dysfunction of cellular homeostasis can lead to misfolding of proteins thus acquiring conformations prone to polymerization into pathological aggregates. This process is associated with several disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), and endoplasmic reticulum storage disorders (ERSDs), like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and hereditary hypofibrinogenemia with hepatic storage (HHHS). Given the shared pathophysiological mechanisms involved in such conditions, it is necessary to deepen our understanding of the basic principles of misfolding and aggregation akin to these diseases which, although heterogeneous in symptomatology, present similarities that could lead to potential mutual treatments. Here, we review: (i) the pathological bases leading to misfolding and aggregation of proteins involved in PD, AATD, and HHHS: alpha-synuclein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and fibrinogen, respectively, (ii) the evidence linking each protein aggregation to the stress mechanisms occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of each pathology, (iii) a comparison of the mechanisms related to dysfunction of proteostasis and regulation of homeostasis between the diseases (such as the unfolded protein response and/or autophagy), (iv) and clinical perspectives regarding possible common treatments focused on improving the defensive responses to protein aggregation for diseases as different as PD, and ERSDs.
Assuntos
Afibrinogenemia/genética , Fibrinogênio/química , Doença de Parkinson/genética , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/genética , alfa 1-Antitripsina/química , alfa-Sinucleína/química , Afibrinogenemia/tratamento farmacológico , Afibrinogenemia/metabolismo , Afibrinogenemia/patologia , Animais , Autofagia/efeitos dos fármacos , Autofagia/genética , Coagulantes/uso terapêutico , Retículo Endoplasmático/efeitos dos fármacos , Retículo Endoplasmático/metabolismo , Retículo Endoplasmático/patologia , Fibrinogênio/genética , Fibrinogênio/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Fígado/metabolismo , Fígado/patologia , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Doença de Parkinson/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Parkinson/metabolismo , Doença de Parkinson/patologia , Inibidores de Proteases/uso terapêutico , Agregados Proteicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Dobramento de Proteína/efeitos dos fármacos , Resposta a Proteínas não Dobradas/efeitos dos fármacos , alfa 1-Antitripsina/genética , alfa 1-Antitripsina/metabolismo , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/tratamento farmacológico , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/metabolismo , Deficiência de alfa 1-Antitripsina/patologia , alfa-Sinucleína/genética , alfa-Sinucleína/metabolismoRESUMO
The potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) of the major bioactive compound of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is well documented. Numerous findings now suggest that EGCG targets protein misfolding and aggregation, a common cause and pathological mechanism in many NDs. Several studies have shown that EGCG interacts with misfolded proteins such as amyloid beta-peptide (Aß), linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), and α-synuclein, linked to Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, NDs constitute a serious public health problem, causing a financial burden for health care systems worldwide. Although current treatments provide symptomatic relief, they do not stop or even slow the progression of these devastating disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective drugs for these incurable ailments. It is expected that targeting protein misfolding can serve as a therapeutic strategy for many NDs since protein misfolding is a common cause of neurodegeneration. In this context, EGCG may offer great potential opportunities in drug discovery for NDs. Therefore, this review critically discusses the role of EGCG in NDs drug discovery and provides updated information on the scientific evidence that EGCG can potentially be used to treat many of these fatal brain disorders.
Assuntos
Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide/química , Catequina/análogos & derivados , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Chá/química , alfa-Sinucleína/química , Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide/efeitos dos fármacos , Catequina/farmacologia , Catequina/uso terapêutico , Descoberta de Drogas , Humanos , Terapia de Alvo Molecular , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Parkinson/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Parkinson/metabolismo , Agregados Proteicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Dobramento de Proteína/efeitos dos fármacos , alfa-Sinucleína/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils, a major constituent of the neurotoxic Lewy Bodies in Parkinson's disease, form via nucleation dependent polymerization and can replicate by a seeding mechanism. Brazilin, a small molecule derived from red cedarwood trees in Brazil, has been shown to inhibit the fibrillogenesis of amyloid-beta (Aß) and α-syn as well as remodel mature fibrils and reduce cytotoxicity. Here we test the effects of Brazilin on both seeded and unseeded α-syn fibril formation and show that the natural polyphenol inhibits fibrillogenesis of α-syn by a unique mechanism that alters conformational equilibria in two separate points of the assembly mechanism: Brazilin preserves the natively unfolded state of α-syn by specifically binding to the compact conformation of the α-syn monomer. Brazilin also eliminates seeding competence of α-syn assemblies from Parkinson's disease patient brain tissue, and reduces toxicity of pre-formed assemblies in primary neurons by inducing the formation of large fibril clusters. Molecular docking of Brazilin shows the molecule to interact both with unfolded α-syn monomers and with the cross-ß sheet structure of α-syn fibrils. Our findings suggest that Brazilin has substantial potential as a neuroprotective and therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease.