1
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Anselmo S, Sancataldo G, Vetri V. Deciphering amyloid fibril molecular maturation through FLIM-phasor analysis of thioflavin T. BIOPHYSICAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100145. [PMID: 38404533 PMCID: PMC10884809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpr.2024.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The investigation of amyloid fibril formation is paramount for advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and for exploring potential correlated therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the self-assembling properties of amyloid fibrils show promise for the development of advanced protein-based biomaterials. Among the methods employed to monitor protein aggregation processes, fluorescence has emerged as a powerful tool. Its exceptional sensitivity enables the detection of early-stage aggregation events that are otherwise challenging to observe. This research underscores the pivotal role of fluorescence analysis, particularly in investigating the aggregation processes of hen egg white lysozyme, a model protein extensively studied for insights into amyloid fibril formation. By combining classical spectroscopies with fluorescence microscopy and by exploiting the fluorescence properties (intensity and lifetime) of the thioflavin T, we were able to noninvasively monitor key and complex molecular aspects of the process. Intriguingly, the fluorescence lifetime imaging-phasor analysis of thioflavin T fluorescence lifetime on structures at different stages of aggregation allowed to decipher the complex fluorescence decay behavior, highlighting that their changes rise from the combination of specific binding to amyloid typical cross-β structures and of the rigidity of the molecular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Anselmo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segré, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sancataldo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segré, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica – Emilio Segré, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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2
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In vitro and in vivo immunogenicity assessment of protein aggregate characteristics. Int J Pharm 2023; 631:122490. [PMID: 36521637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The immunogenicity risk of therapeutic protein aggregates has been extensively investigated over the past decades. While it is established that not all aggregates are equally immunogenic, the specific aggregate characteristics, which are most likely to induce an immune response, remain ambiguous. The aim of this study was to perform comprehensive in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity assessment of human insulin aggregates varying in size, structure and chemical modifications, while keeping other morphological characteristics constant. We found that flexible aggregates with highly altered secondary structure were most immunogenic in all setups, while compact aggregates with native-like structure were found to be immunogenic primarily in vivo. Moreover, sub-visible (1-100 µm) aggregates were found to be more immunogenic than sub-micron (0.1-1 µm) aggregates, while chemical modifications (deamidation, ethylation and covalent dimers) were not found to have any measurable impact on immunogenicity. The findings highlight the importance of utilizing aggregates varying in few characteristics for assessment of immunogenicity risk of specific morphological features and may provide a workflow for reliable particle analysis in biotherapeutics.
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3
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Strofaldi A, Quinn MK, Seddon AM, McManus JJ. Polymorphic protein phase transitions driven by surface anisotropy. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:014905. [PMID: 36610968 DOI: 10.1063/5.0125452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phase transitions of proteins are strongly influenced by surface chemical modifications or mutations. Human γD-crystallin (HGD) single-mutants have been extensively studied because they are associated with the onset of juvenile cataract. However, they have also provided a rich library of molecules to examine how specific inter-protein interactions direct protein assembly, providing new insights and valuable experimental data for coarse-grained patchy-particle models. Here, we demonstrate that the addition of new inter-protein interactions by mutagenesis is additive and increases the number and variety of condensed phases formed by proteins. When double mutations incorporating two specific single point mutations are made, the properties of both single mutations are retained in addition to the formation of a new condensed phase. We find that the HGD double-mutant P23VC110M self-assembles into spherical particles with retrograde solubility, orthorhombic crystals, and needle/plate shape crystals, while retaining the ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. This rich polymorphism is only partially predicted by the experimental data on the constituent single mutants. We also report a previously un-characterized amorphous protein particle, with unique properties that differ from those of protein spherulites, protein particulates previously described. The particles we observe are amorphous, reversible with temperature, tens of microns in size, and perfectly spherical. When they are grown on pristine surfaces, they appear to form by homogeneous nucleation, making them unique, and we believe a new form of protein condensate. This work highlights the challenges in predicting protein behavior, which has frustrated rational assembly and crystallization but also provides rich data to develop new coarse-grained models to explain the observed polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle K Quinn
- Department of Chemistry Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Annela M Seddon
- HH Wills Physics Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer J McManus
- HH Wills Physics Laboratory, School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, United Kingdom
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4
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Thorlaksen C, Neergaard MB, Groenning M, Foderà V. Reproducible Formation of Insulin Superstructures: Amyloid-Like Fibrils, Spherulites, and Particulates. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2551:297-309. [PMID: 36310211 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2597-2_20] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Inducing protein aggregation in vitro under various formulation and stress conditions may lead to an increased understanding of the different association routes a protein can undergo. However, a range of factors can affect the aggregation process, often leading to heterogenous samples and experimental irreproducibility between labs. Here, we present detailed methods to reproducibly form homogenous samples of superstructures: amyloid-like fibrils, spherulites, and particulates from human insulin. We discuss pitfalls and good practice in the lab, with the aim of creating awareness on the potential sources of artefacts for protein stability and aggregation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Thorlaksen
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Thorlaksen C, Stanciu AM, Busch Neergaard M, Jiskoot W, Groenning M, Foderà V. Subtle pH variation around pH 4.0 affects aggregation kinetics and aggregate characteristics of recombinant human insulin. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 179:166-172. [PMID: 36087880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.09.001] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Insulin is a biotherapeutic protein, which, depending on environmental conditions such as pH, has been shown to form a large variety of aggregates with different structures and morphologies. This work focuses on the formation and characteristics of insulin particulates, dense spherical aggregates having diameters spanning from nanometre to low-micron size. An in-depth investigation of the system is obtained by applying a broad range of techniques for particle sizing and characterisation. An interesting observation was achieved regarding the formation kinetics and aggregate characteristics of the particulates; a subtle change in the pH from pH 4.1 to pH 4.3 markedly affected the kinetics of the particulate formation and led to different particulate sizes, either nanosized or micronsized particles. Also, a clear difference between the secondary structure of the protein particulates formed at the two pH values was observed, where the nanosized particulates had an increased content of aggregated β-structure compared to the micronsized particles. The remaining characteristics of the particles were identical for the two particulate populations. These observations highlight the importance of carefully studying the formulation design space and of knowing the impact of parameters such as pH on the aggregation to secure a drug product in control. Furthermore, the identification of particles only varying in few parameters, such as size, are considered highly valuable for studying the effect of particle features on the immunogenicity potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Thorlaksen
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Måløv, Denmark; Department of pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Adriana-Maria Stanciu
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Måløv, Denmark; Department of pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Minna Groenning
- Biophysical analysis, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park 1, 2760 Måløv, Denmark.
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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6
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Chaaban H, Vallooran JJ, van de Weert M, Foderà V. Ion-Mediated Morphological Diversity in Protein Amyloid Systems. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:3586-3593. [PMID: 35426676 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Salt ions are considered among the major determinants ruling protein folding, stability, and self-assembly in the context of amyloid-related diseases, protein drug development, and functional biomaterials. Here, we report that Hofmeister ions not only determine the rate constants of the aggregation reaction for human insulin and hen egg white lysozyme but also control the generation of a plethora of amyloid-like morphologies ranging from the nanoscale to the microscale. We anticipate that the latter is a result of a balance between colloidal and conformational stability combined with an ion-specific effect and highlight the importance of salt ions in controlling the biological functions of protein aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Chaaban
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Nano-Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jijo J Vallooran
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco van de Weert
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Nano-Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Nano-Science Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Kasho K, Krasauskas L, Smirnovas V, Stojkovič G, Morozova-Roche LA, Wanrooij S. Human Polymerase δ-Interacting Protein 2 (PolDIP2) Inhibits the Formation of Human Tau Oligomers and Fibrils. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115768. [PMID: 34071254 PMCID: PMC8199196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A central characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies is the accumulation of aggregated and misfolded Tau deposits in the brain. Tau-targeting therapies for AD have been unsuccessful in patients to date. Here we show that human polymerase δ-interacting protein 2 (PolDIP2) interacts with Tau. With a set of complementary methods, including thioflavin-T-based aggregation kinetic assays, Tau oligomer-specific dot-blot analysis, and single oligomer/fibril analysis by atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate that PolDIP2 inhibits Tau aggregation and amyloid fibril growth in vitro. The identification of PolDIP2 as a potential regulator of cellular Tau aggregation should be considered for future Tau-targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoshi Kasho
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90 187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lukas Krasauskas
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gorazd Stojkovič
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90 187 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Sjoerd Wanrooij
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90 187 Umeå, Sweden
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8
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Fennema Galparsoro D, Zhou X, Jaaloul A, Piccirilli F, Vetri V, Foderà V. Conformational Transitions upon Maturation Rule Surface and pH-Responsiveness of α-Lactalbumin Microparticulates. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:1876-1887. [PMID: 35014457 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
De novo designed protein supramolecular structures are nowadays attracting much interest as highly performing biomaterials. While a clear advantage is provided by the intrinsic biocompatibility and biodegradability of protein and peptide building blocks, developing sustainable and green bottom up approaches for finely tuning the material properties still remains a challenge. Here, we present an experimental study on the formation of protein microparticles in the form of particulates from the protein α-lactalbumin using bulk mixing in water solution and high temperature. Once formed, the structure and stability of these spherical protein condensates change upon further thermal incubation while the size of aggregates does not significantly increase. Combining advanced microscopy and spectroscopy methods, we prove that this process, named maturation, is characterized by a gradual increase of amyloid-like structure in protein particulates, an enhancement in surface roughness and in molecular compactness, providing a higher stability and resistance of the structure in acidic environments. When dissolved at pH 2, early stage particulates disassemble into a homogeneous population of small oligomers, while the late stage particulates remain unaffected. Particulates at the intermediate stage of maturation partially disassemble into a heterogeneous population of fragments. Importantly, differently matured microparticles show different features when loading a model lipophilic molecule. Our findings suggest conformational transitions localized at the interface as a key step in the maturation of amyloid protein condensates, promoting this phenomenon as an intrinsic knob to tailor the properties of protein microparticles formed via bulk mixing in aqueous solution. This provides a simple and sustainable platform for the design and realization of protein microparticles for tailored applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Fennema Galparsoro
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle scienze Edificio 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anas Jaaloul
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Federica Piccirilli
- CNR-IOM, Istituto Officina dei Materiali, Area Science Park - Basovizza, Strada Statale 14 km 163,5, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle scienze Edificio 18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Mathew M, T V D, Aravindakumar CT, Aravind UK. Potential involvement of environmental triggers in protein aggregation with mercuric chloride as a model. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 174:153-161. [PMID: 33484803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metal based toxicity has a direct relation with the perturbation of protein structure. We have investigated the progressive unfolding of ovalbumin, in the presence of increasing concentration mercury (0-6.25 μM) using different spectroscopic techniques. Formation of amorphous aggregate has been observed at the physiological pH. Initial addition of HgCl2 resulted in the association of monomers to oligomers that proceeded to non-fibrillar aggregates on further addition. The sigmoidal curve obtained from the Stern-Volmer plot clearly divided into three stage transition. A strong lag phase is observed indicating the time dependence for the association of competent monomers. The second stage was resolved into non-cooperative binding. These results match very well with the data from atomic force microscopy and the free energy change observed in the regions. Raman spectroscopic studies indicated toxic antiparallel β-sheets structure. Time dependent atomic force microscopy study revealed the off-pathway nature of amorphous aggregates. At molten globular state, similar quenching behaviour is observed. The atomic force microscopy images clearly indicate at pH 2.2 the initiation of fibril formation occurs at lower concentration of HgCl2 itself. Our results revealed the conformation switch of ovalbumin upon the contact of an environmental toxin and its possible way of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjumol Mathew
- Advanced Centre of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam 686 560, India
| | - Divyalakshmi T V
- School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam 686 560, India
| | | | - Usha K Aravind
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 682022, India.
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10
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Pounot K, Chaaban H, Foderà V, Schirò G, Weik M, Seydel T. Tracking Internal and Global Diffusive Dynamics During Protein Aggregation by High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:6299-6304. [PMID: 32663030 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c01530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Proteins can misfold and form either amorphous or organized aggregates with different morphologies and features. Aggregates of amyloid nature are pathological hallmarks in so-called protein conformational diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Evidence prevails that the transient early phases of the reaction determine the aggregate morphology and toxicity. As a consequence, real-time monitoring of protein aggregation is of utmost importance. Here, we employed time-resolved neutron backscattering spectroscopy to follow center-of-mass self-diffusion and nano- to picosecond internal dynamics of lysozyme during aggregation into a specific β-sheet rich superstructure, called particulates, formed at the isoelectric point of the protein. Particulate formation is found to be a one-step process, and protein internal dynamics, to remain unchanged during the entire aggregation process. The time-resolved neutron backscattering spectroscopy approach developed here, in combination with standard kinetics assays, provides a unifying framework in which dynamics and conformational transitions can be related to the different aggregation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pounot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38000 Grenoble, France
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, F-38042 Grenoble cedex 9, France
| | - Hussein Chaaban
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giorgio Schirò
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Martin Weik
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Tilo Seydel
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, F-38042 Grenoble cedex 9, France
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11
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De Luca G, Fennema Galparsoro D, Sancataldo G, Leone M, Foderà V, Vetri V. Probing ensemble polymorphism and single aggregate structural heterogeneity in insulin amyloid self-assembly. J Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 574:229-240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.03.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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12
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Achieving cytochrome c fibril/aggregate control towards micro-platelets and micro-fibers by tuning pH and protein concentration: A combined morphological and spectroscopic analysis. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 138:106-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Rao E, Foderà V, Leone M, Vetri V. Direct observation of alpha-lactalbumin, adsorption and incorporation into lipid membrane and formation of lipid/protein hybrid structures. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:784-794. [PMID: 30742952 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between proteins and membranes is of great interest in biomedical and biotechnological research for its implication in many functional and dysfunctional processes. We present an experimental study on the interaction between model membranes and alpha-lactalbumin (α-La). α-La is widely studied for both its biological function and its anti-tumoral properties. We use advanced fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to characterize α-La-membrane mechanisms of interaction and α-La-induced modifications of membranes when insertion of partially disordered regions of protein chains in the lipid bilayer is favored. Moreover, using fluorescence lifetime imaging, we are able to distinguish between protein adsorption and insertion in the membranes. Our results indicate that, upon addition of α-La to giant vesicles samples, protein is inserted into the lipid bilayer with rates that are concentration-dependent. The formation of heterogeneous hybrid protein-lipid co-aggregates, paralleled with protein conformational and structural changes, alters the membrane structure and morphology, leading to an increase in membrane fluidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estella Rao
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica, Università di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy, Universitetsparken 2, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica, Università di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica, Università di Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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14
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Vetri V, Piccirilli F, Krausser J, Buscarino G, Łapińska U, Vestergaard B, Zaccone A, Foderà V. Ethanol Controls the Self-Assembly and Mesoscopic Properties of Human Insulin Amyloid Spherulites. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:3101-3112. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b01779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Vetri
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica and Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATEN), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze ed.18, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Federica Piccirilli
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica and Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATEN), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze ed.18, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Johannes Krausser
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, U.K
| | - Gianpiero Buscarino
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica and Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATEN), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze ed.18, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Urszula Łapińska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | | | - Alessio Zaccone
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, U.K
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15
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Noninvasive Structural Analysis of Intermediate Species During Fibrillation: An Application of Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1779:209-239. [PMID: 29886536 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7816-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Structural investigation of intermediately formed oligomers and pre-fibrillar species is of tremendous importance in order to elucidate the structural principles of fibrillation, and because intermediate species have been suggested as the pathogenic agents in several amyloid diseases. Structural investigations are however greatly complicated by the dynamic changes between structural states of very different sizes and life-times. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is an ideal method to handle this challenge. The method provides information about the fibrillation process (number of species present and their volume fractions) and low-resolution 3-dimensional structural models of individual species, notably also of the intermediately formed, in-process species from undisturbed fibrillation equilibria. Here, we provide a detailed description of the methods used for the measurement and analysis of SAXS data from fibrillating samples, exemplified using data from our own research.
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16
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Sasidharan S, Hazam PK, Ramakrishnan V. Symmetry-Directed Self-Organization in Peptide Nanoassemblies through Aromatic π-π Interactions. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:404-411. [PMID: 27935713 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b09474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Almost all biological systems are assemblies of one or more biomolecules from nano- to macrodimensions. Unlike inorganic molecules, peptide systems attune with the conceptual framework of aggregation models when forming nanoassemblies. Three significant recent theoretical models have indicated that nucleation, end-to-end association, and geometry of growth are determined primarily by the size and electrostatics of the individual basic building blocks. In this study, we tested six model systems, differentially modulating the prominence of three design variables, namely, aromatic π-π interactions, local electrostatics, and overall symmetry of the basic building unit. Our results indicate that the crucial design elements in a peptide-based nanoassembly are (a) a stable extended π-π interaction network, (b) size, and (c) overall symmetry of the basic building blocks. The six model systems represent all of the design variables in the best manner possible, considering the complexity of a biomolecule. The results provide important directives in deciding the morphology and crystallinity of peptide nanoassemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajitha Sasidharan
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati , Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Prakash Kishore Hazam
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati , Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Vibin Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati , Guwahati 781039, India
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Santangelo MG, Foderà V, Militello V, Vetri V. Back to the oligomeric state: pH-induced dissolution of concanavalin A amyloid-like fibrils into non-native oligomers. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra16690c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in solution pH may result in modifications of energy landscape shape making readily accessible or more favourable native or oligomeric intermediate minima with respect to the fibrillar one.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. G. Santangelo
- Department of Physics and Chemistry
- University of Palermo
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - V. Foderà
- Section for Biologics
- Department of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
- University of Copenhagen
- Copenhagen
| | - V. Militello
- Department of Physics and Chemistry
- University of Palermo
- Palermo
- Italy
| | - V. Vetri
- Department of Physics and Chemistry
- University of Palermo
- Palermo
- Italy
- Aten Center
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The route to protein aggregate superstructures: Particulates and amyloid-like spherulites. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:2448-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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