Methionine oxidation induces amyloid fibril formation by full-length apolipoprotein A-I

An unusual phenotype of hereditary AApoAI amyloidosis caused by a novel Asp20Tyr substitution is linked to pH-dependent aggregation of apolipoprotein A-I

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) plays beneficial roles as the major structural and functional protein on plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL). However, APOA1 gene mutations can cause protein misfolding and pathologic amyloid deposition in various organs in human hereditary AApoAI amyloidosis, a potentially lethal systemic disease. We report esophageal and duodenal AApoAI amyloidosis in a 56-year-old patient with Barrett's esophagus, a condition involving chronic acid reflux. Amyloid deposits contained full-length apoA-I featuring a novel D20Y mutation identified by gene sequencing and protein mass spectrometry. Genetic analysis of asymptomatic family members revealed autosomal dominant inheritance. Fibril formation by the full-length variant apoA-I rather than its fragments and the location of the mutation in a conserved amyloid-prone N-terminal segment were highly unusual for hereditary AApoA-I amyloidosis. Structural and stability studies of the recombinant D20Y and wild-type apoA-I showed small but significant mutation-induced structural perturbations in the native lipid-free protein at pH 7.4. Major destabilization and aggregation of the variant protein were observed at pH 4.0. We propose that acidic conditions in Barrett's esophagus promoted protein misfolding and amyloid formation by the D20Y variant. These findings expand our understanding of the clinical features and molecular basis of AApoAI amyloidosis and suggest clinical strategies.

Amyloid-forming property of the N-terminal 1-70 residues of human apolipoprotein A-IV

Apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV), the largest member of the exchangeable apolipoprotein family, is a common constituent of amyloid deposits in renal and cardiac amyloidosis. In this study, we characterized the aggregation propensity of the apoA-IV N-terminal fragment to form amyloid fibrils using a variety of biophysical techniques. Thioflavin T fluorescence assay, circular dichroism measurement, and microscopic observations revealed that the N-terminal 1-70 amino acid fragment of apoA-IV readily forms amyloid fibrils by a transition from a random coil to a β-sheet-rich structure. Sequence-based analysis indicated that residues 7-16 and 38-42 are the major aggregation-prone segments within the N-terminal 1-70 residues of apoA-IV. Consistent with this, deletion of these residues strongly inhibited the β-transition and fibril formation of apoA-IV 1-70. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of fibril formation by the apoA-IV 1-70 fragment demonstrated that primary nucleation is the dominant step in fibril formation, for which the activation energy barrier is entirely entropic. In addition, we found that the presence of heparin, a representative glycosaminoglycan, accelerated fibril formation kinetics and enhanced the yield of apoA-IV 1-70 fibrils, and the positively charged residues K58-K59 play a critical role in heparin interaction. Overall, our results suggest that the strong amyloid-forming propensity of the N-terminal fragment of apoA-IV may play a key role in amyloid deposition associated with apoA-IV amyloidosis.

A Tale of Two Diseases: Decoding Aortic Stenosis and Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background/Objectives: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is an infiltrative cardiomyopathy caused by transthyretin (TTR) amyloid deposition in the myocardium, increasingly recognized in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). This study aims to investigate the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic strategies for patients with both conditions, focusing on shared pathophysiological mechanisms and key diagnostic indicators. Methods: A multimodal diagnostic approach was applied, utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and bone scintigraphy with technetium-99m-labeled tracers to assess AS patients with suspected ATTR-CA. Clinical signs, such as disproportionate heart failure symptoms, conduction abnormalities, and low-flow, low-gradient AS, were evaluated. Electrocardiographic findings, including low-voltage QRS complexes and pseudo-infarction patterns, were also assessed. Treatment options, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and emerging pharmacotherapies for ATTR-CA, were analyzed. Results: The study found that ATTR-CA is increasingly prevalent in AS patients, with shared mechanisms like oxidative stress and amyloid-induced tissue remodeling. Key diagnostic signs include disproportionate heart failure symptoms, conduction abnormalities, and specific electrocardiographic patterns. TAVR was effective in both isolated AS and AS with ATTR-CA, although patients with both conditions had a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization and persistent symptoms. Emerging pharmacotherapies, such as TTR stabilizers and gene-silencing agents, showed promise in slowing disease progression. Conclusions: A multimodal diagnostic approach is essential for the early detection of ATTR-CA in AS patients. Combining TAVR with emerging pharmacotherapies may improve long-term outcomes for this high-risk group, enhancing patient care in those with both conditions.

Localised apolipoprotein A-I amyloidosis arising in a fibroadnexal hamartoma in a dog

Canine apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) amyloidosis has only been reported as an age-related pulmonary vascular condition. In this report, the authors identified cutaneous ApoA-I amyloidosis within a fibroadnexal hamartoma in a dog. Based on proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry, the mechanism of ApoA-I amyloidogenesis is discussed.

Role and Diagnostic Significance of Apolipoprotein D in Selected Neurodegenerative Disorders

The World Health Organization in 2021 ranked Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as the seventh leading cause of death globally. Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive, intractable, and often fatal diseases. Early diagnosis may allow patients to enjoy prolonged survival with attenuated symptomatology because of early intervention. Hence, further research on finding non-invasive biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases is warranted. Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a glycoprotein involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress regulation, and inflammation. It is expressed in various body fluids and regions of the central nervous system. ApoD's roles in neuroprotection, lipid transport, and anti-inflammatory processes are crucial as far as the prevention of neurodegenerative pathologies is concerned. This review aims to summarize the background knowledge on ApoD, and it covers studies indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. It discusses the evidence for the multifaceted roles of ApoD in the mechanisms and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. ApoD may be a specific, sensitive, easily obtained, cost-effective biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases and its applications in diagnostic practices, treatment strategies, and advancing neurodegenerative disorders' management.

Amyloid and collagen templates in aortic valve calcification

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a widely prevalent heart disorder in need of pharmacological interventions. Calcified areas in aortic valves often contain amyloid fibrils that promote calcification in vitro. This opinion paper suggests that amyloid contributes to CAVD development; amyloid-assisted nucleation can accelerate hydroxyapatite deposition onto collagen matrix. Notably, acidic arrays in amyloid match calcium-calcium spacing in the amorphous hydroxyapatite precursor, while oscillating hemodynamic perturbations promote amyloid deposition in the valve. Lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for CAVD, augments calcification via several mechanisms, wherein hydrolysis of oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) by Lp(a)-associated enzymes helps generate orthophosphate, and apolipoprotein(a) blocks plasmin-induced fibril degradation. Current studies of amyloid-calcium-collagen interactions in solution and in fibrillar complexes allow deeper insight into the role of amyloid in calcification.

Redox-dependent plasticity of oxMIF facilitates its interaction with CD74 and therapeutic antibodies

MIF is a ubiquitous protein involved in proinflammatory processes, which undergoes an oxidation-driven conformational change to oxidized (ox)MIF. We demonstrate that hypochlorous acid, produced by neutrophil-released myeloperoxidase (MPO) under inflammatory conditions, effectively oxidizes MIF into the oxMIF isoform, which is specifically recognized by the anti-oxMIF therapeutic antibody, ON104. NMR investigation of MIF oxidized by the MPO system revealed increased flexibility throughout the MIF structure, including at several catalytic and allosteric sites. Mass spectrometry of MPO-oxMIF revealed methionines as the primary site of oxidation, whereas Pro2 and Tyr99/100 remained almost unmodified. ELISA, SPR and cell-based assays demonstrated that structural changes caused by MPO-driven oxidation promoted binding of oxMIF to its receptor, CD74, which does not occur with native MIF. These data reveal the environment and modifications that facilitate interactions between MIF and its pro-inflammatory receptor, and a route for therapeutic intervention targeting the oxMIF isoform.

Role of Oxidative Stress, Methionine Oxidation and Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases (MSR) in Alzheimer's Disease

A major contributor to dementia seen in aging is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid beta (Aβ), a main component of senile plaques (SPs) in AD, induces neuronal death through damage to cellular organelles and structures, caused by oxidation of important molecules such as proteins by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hyperphosphorylation and accumulation of the protein tau in the microtubules within the brain also promote ROS production. Methionine, a residue of proteins, is particularly sensitive to oxidation by ROS. One of the enzyme systems that reverses the oxidative damage in mammalian cells is the enzyme system known as Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases (MSRs). The components of the MSR system, namely MSRA and MSRB, reduce oxidized forms of methionine (Met-(o)) in proteins back to methionine (Met). Furthermore, the MSRs scavenge ROS by allowing methionine residues in proteins to utilize their antioxidant properties. This review aims to improve the understanding of the role of the MSR system of enzymes in reducing cellular oxidative damage and AD pathogenesis, which may contribute to effective therapeutic approaches for AD by targeting the MSR system.

Amyloidogenic 60-71 deletion/ValThr insertion mutation of apolipoprotein A-I generates a new aggregation-prone segment that promotes nucleation through entropic effects

The N-terminal fragment of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), comprising residues 1-83, contains three segments prone to aggregation: residues 14-22, 53-58, and 67-72. We previously demonstrated that residues 14-22 are critical in apoA-I fibril formation while residues 53-58 entropically drove the nucleation process. Here, we investigated the impact of amyloidogenic mutations (Δ60-71/VT, Δ70-72, and F71Y) located around residues 67-72 on fibril formation by the apoA-I 1-83 fragment. Thioflavin T fluorescence assay demonstrated that the Δ60-71/VT mutation significantly enhances both nucleation and fibril elongation rates, whereas the Δ70-72 and F71Y mutations had minimal effects. Circular dichroism measurements and microscopic observations revealed that all variant fragments formed straight fibrils, transitioning from random coils to β-sheet structures. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that primary nucleation is the dominant step in fibril formation, with fibril elongation reaching saturation at high protein concentrations. Thermodynamically, both nucleation and fibril elongation were enthalpically and entropically unfavorable in all apoA-I 1-83 variants, in which the entropic barrier of nucleation was almost eliminated for the Δ60-71/VT variant. Taken together, our results suggest the presence of new aggregation-prone segment in the Δ60-71/VT variant that promotes nucleation through entropic effects.

The contribution of amyloid deposition in the aortic valve to calcification and aortic stenosis

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and stenosis have a complex pathogenesis, and no therapies are available that can halt or slow their progression. Several studies have shown the presence of apolipoprotein-related amyloid deposits in close proximity to calcified areas in diseased aortic valves. In this Perspective, we explore a possible relationship between amyloid deposits, calcification and the development of aortic valve stenosis. These amyloid deposits might contribute to the amplification of the inflammatory cycle in the aortic valve, including extracellular matrix remodelling and myofibroblast and osteoblast-like cell proliferation. Further investigation in this area is needed to characterize the amyloid deposits associated with CAVD, which could allow the use of antisense oligonucleotides and/or isotype gene therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of CAVD.

Re-mining serum proteomics data reveals extensive post-translational modifications upon Zika and dengue infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) are two closely related flaviviruses with similar symptoms. However, due to the implications of ZIKV infections for pregnancy outcomes, understanding differences in their molecular impact on the host is of high interest. Viral infections change the host proteome, including post-translational modifications. As modifications are diverse and of low abundance, they typically require additional sample processing which is not feasible for large cohort studies. Therefore, we tested the potential of next-generation proteomics data in its ability to prioritize specific modifications for later analysis. We re-mined published mass spectra from 122 serum samples from ZIKV and DENV patients for the presence of phosphorylated, methylated, oxidized, glycosylated/glycated, sulfated, and carboxylated peptides. We identified 246 modified peptides with significantly differential abundance in ZIKV and DENV patients. Amongst these, methionine-oxidized peptides from apolipoproteins and glycosylated peptides from immunoglobulin proteins were more abundant in ZIKV patient serum and generate hypotheses on the potential roles of the modification in the infection. The results demonstrate how data-independent acquisition techniques can help prioritize future analyses of peptide modifications.

On the Aggregation of Apolipoprotein A-I

In vivo, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) is commonly found together with lipids in so-called lipoprotein particles. The protein has also been associated with several diseases—such as atherosclerosis and amyloidosis—where insoluble aggregates containing ApoA-I are deposited in various organs or arteries. The deposited ApoA-I has been found in the form of amyloid fibrils, suggesting that amyloid formation may be involved in the development of these diseases. In the present study we investigated ApoA-I aggregation into amyloid fibrils and other aggregate morphologies. We studied the aggregation of wildtype ApoA-I as well as a disease-associated mutant, ApoA-I K107Δ, under different solution conditions. The aggregation was followed using thioflavin T fluorescence intensity. For selected samples the aggregates formed were characterized in terms of size, secondary structure content, and morphology using circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and cryo transmission electron microscopy. We find that ApoA-I may form globular protein-only condensates, in which the α-helical conformation of the protein is retained. The protein in its unmodified form appears resistant to amyloid formation; however, the conversion into amyloid fibrils rich in β-sheet is facilitated by oxidation or mutation. In particular, the K107Δ mutant shows higher amyloid formation propensity, and the end state appears to be a co-existence of β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils and α-helix-rich condensates.

Dynamic protein structures in normal function and pathologic misfolding in systemic amyloidosis

Dynamic and disordered regions in native proteins are often critical for their function, particularly in ligand binding and signaling. In certain proteins, however, such regions can contribute to misfolding and pathologic deposition as amyloid fibrils in vivo. For example, dynamic and disordered regions can promote amyloid formation by destabilizing the native structure, by directly triggering the aggregation, by promoting protein condensation, or by acting as sites of early proteolytic cleavage that favor a release of aggregation-prone fragments or facilitate fibril maturation. At the same time, enhanced dynamics in the native protein state accelerates proteolytic degradation that counteracts amyloid accumulation in vivo. Therefore, the functional need for dynamic protein regions must be balanced against their inherently labile nature. How exactly this balance is achieved and how is it shifted upon amyloidogenic mutations or post-translational modifications? To illustrate possible scenarios, here we review the beneficial and pathologic roles of dynamic and disordered regions in the native states of three families of human plasma proteins that form amyloid precursors in systemic amyloidoses: immunoglobulin light chain, apolipoproteins, and serum amyloid A. Analysis of structure, stability and local dynamics of these diverse proteins and their amyloidogenic variants exemplifies how disordered/dynamic regions can provide a functional advantage as well as an Achilles heel in pathologic amyloid formation.

Oxidative Modification of Proteins: From Damage to Catalysis, Signaling, and Beyond

Significance: The systematic investigation of oxidative modification of proteins by reactive oxygen species started in 1980. Later, it was shown that reactive nitrogen species could also modify proteins. Some protein oxidative modifications promote loss of protein function, cleavage or aggregation, and some result in proteo-toxicity and cellular homeostasis disruption. Recent Advances: Previously, protein oxidation was associated exclusively to damage. However, not all oxidative modifications are necessarily associated with damage, as with Met and Cys protein residue oxidation. In these cases, redox state changes can alter protein structure, catalytic function, and signaling processes in response to metabolic and/or environmental alterations. This review aims to integrate the present knowledge on redox modifications of proteins with their fate and role in redox signaling and human pathological conditions. Critical Issues: It is hypothesized that protein oxidation participates in the development and progression of many pathological conditions. However, no quantitative data have been correlated with specific oxidized proteins or the progression or severity of pathological conditions. Hence, the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying these modifications, their importance in human pathologies, and the fate of the modified proteins is of clinical relevance. Future Directions: We discuss new tools to cope with protein oxidation and suggest new approaches for integrating knowledge about protein oxidation and redox processes with human pathophysiological conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 1016-1080.

The Role of Methionine Residues in the Regulation of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

Membraneless organelles are non-stoichiometric supramolecular structures in the micron scale. These structures can be quickly assembled/disassembled in a regulated fashion in response to specific stimuli. Membraneless organelles contribute to the spatiotemporal compartmentalization of the cell, and they are involved in diverse cellular processes often, but not exclusively, related to RNA metabolism. Liquid-liquid phase separation, a reversible event involving demixing into two distinct liquid phases, provides a physical framework to gain insights concerning the molecular forces underlying the process and how they can be tuned according to the cellular needs. Proteins able to undergo phase separation usually present a modular architecture, which favors a multivalency-driven demixing. We discuss the role of low complexity regions in establishing networks of intra- and intermolecular interactions that collectively control the phase regime. Post-translational modifications of the residues present in these domains provide a convenient strategy to reshape the residue-residue interaction networks that determine the dynamics of phase separation. Focus will be placed on those proteins with low complexity domains exhibiting a biased composition towards the amino acid methionine and the prominent role that reversible methionine sulfoxidation plays in the assembly/disassembly of biomolecular condensates.

Modulation of amyloid fibrillation of bovine β-lactoglobulin by selective methionine oxidation

Deposition of oxidation-modified proteins during normal aging and oxidative stress are directly associated with systemic amyloidoses. Methionine (Met) is believed to be one of the most readily oxidisable amino acid residues of protein. Bovine beta-lactoglobulin (β-lg), a model globular whey protein, has been presented as a subsequent paradigm for studies on protein aggregation and amyloid formation. Herein, we investigated the effect of t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidation on structure, compactness and fibrillation propensity of β-lg at physiological pH. Notably, whey protein modification, specifically Met residues, plays an important role in the dairy industry during milk processing and lowering nutritional value and ultimately affecting their technological properties. Several bio-physical studies revealed enhanced structural flexibility and aggregation propensity of oxidised β-lg in a temperature dependent manner. A molecular docking study is used to predict possible interactions with tBHP and infers selective oxidation of methionine residues at 7, 24 and 107 positions. From our studies, it can be corroborated that specific orientations of Met residues directs the formation of a partially unfolded state susceptible to fibrillation with possible different cytotoxic effects. Our studies have greater implications in deciphering the underlying mechanism of different whey proteins encountering oxidative stress. Our findings are also important to elucidate the understanding of oxidation induced amyloid fibrillation of protein which may constitute a new route to pave the way for a modulatory role of oxidatively stressed proteins in neurological disorders.

Activation of phospholipase A2 by prostaglandin in vitro

Prostaglandins are a diverse family of biological active molecules that are synthesized after liberation of arachnidonic or linolenic acid from the plasma membrane by phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Specific prostaglandins may be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory due to a poorly understood biochemical equilibrium. Some of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins namely, prostaglandin A1 (PGA1) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) have a cyclopentenone moiety that can react and modify a protein's activity. These two prostaglandins are electrophilic reactive lipid species and are formed as a result of the reaction cascade initiated by PLA2. It was of interest to study the interaction with these prostaglandins as they could either amplify or block this enzyme's activity. We found that the former is true initially as there is a shorter time to activate the protein on the lipid membrane and an overall increase in hydrolysis was observed when PGA1 and PGE1 prostaglandin was added with PLA2 and liposomes. The interfacial activation model was further explored in which there is a modification of the enzyme rather than a modifcation of the substrate. However, after a time the protein was shown to form amyloid like fibrils thereby blocking further hydrolysis. The fibrillization kinetics in the presence of the one of the prostaglandins was monitored using thioflavin T (ThT) and the resulting fibrils were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Modification of PLA2 by these prostaglandins leading to amyloid like fibrils gives an additional perspective of control of the interfacial activation mechanism of this enzyme.

Analysis of pyrene-labelled apolipoprotein A-I oligomerization in solution: Spectra deconvolution and changes in P-value and excimer formation

ApoA-I is the main protein of HDL which has anti-atherogenic properties attributed to reverse cholesterol transport. It shares with other exchangeable apolipoproteins a high level of structural plasticity. In the lipid-free state, the apolipoprotein amphipathic α-helices interact intra- and inter-molecularly, providing structural stabilization by a complex self-association mechanism. In this study, we employed a multi-parametric fluorescent probe to study the self-association of apoA-I. We constructed six single cysteine mutants spanning positions along three helices: F104C, K107C (H4), K133C, L137C (H5), F225C and K226C (H10); and labelled them with N-Maleimide Pyrene. Taking advantage of its spectral properties, namely formation of an excited dimer (excimer) and polarity-dependent changes in its fluorescence fine structure (P-value), we monitored the apoA-I self-association in its lipid-free form as a function of its concentration. Interactions in helices H5 (K133C) and H10 (F225C and K226C) were highlighted by excimer emission; while polarity changes were reported in helix H4 (K107C), as well as in helices H5 and H10. Mathematical models were developed to enrich data analysis and estimate association constants (K_A) and oligomeric species distribution. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the usefulness of the multi-parametric fluorescent probe to monitor different equilibria, even at a single labelling position. Results suggest that apoA-I self-association must be considered to fully understand its physiological roles. Particularly, some contacts that stabilize discoidal HDL particles seem to be already present in the lipid-free apoA-I oligomers.

Interaction between high-density lipoproteins and inflammation: Function matters more than concentration!

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in lipid metabolism and especially contributes to the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. Over recent years it has become clear that the effect of HDL on immune-modulation is not only dependent on HDL concentration but also and perhaps even more so on HDL function. This review will provide a concise general introduction to HDL followed by an overview of post-translational modifications of HDL and a detailed overview of the role of HDL in inflammatory diseases. The clinical potential of HDL and its main apolipoprotein constituent, apoA-I, is also addressed in this context. Finally, some conclusions and remarks that are important for future HDL-based research and further development of HDL-focused therapies are discussed.

Understanding the role of apolipoproteinA-I in atherosclerosis. Post-translational modifications synergize dysfunction?

BACKGROUND

The identification of dysfunctional human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in atherosclerotic plaques suggests that protein structure and function may be hampered under a chronic pro inflammatory scenario. Moreover, the fact that natural mutants of this protein elicit severe cardiovascular diseases (CVD) strongly indicates that the native folding could shift due to the mutation, yielding a structure more prone to misfold or misfunction. To understand the events that determine the failure of apoA-I structural flexibility to fulfill its protective role, we took advantage of the study of a natural variant with a deletion of the residue lysine 107 (K107del) associated with atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Biophysical approaches, such as electrophoresis, fluorescence and spectroscopy were used to characterize proteins structure and function, either in native conformation or under oxidation or intramolecular crosslinking.

RESULTS

K107del structure was more flexible than the protein with the native sequence (Wt) but interactions with artificial membranes were preserved. Instead, structural restrictions by intramolecular crosslinking impaired the Wt and K107del lipid solubilization function. In addition, controlled oxidation decreased the yield of the native dimer conformation for both variants.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that even though mutations may alter protein structure and spatial arrangement, the highly flexible conformation compensates the mild shift from the native folding. Instead, post translational apoA-I modifications (probably chronic and progressive) are required to raise a protein conformation with significant loss of function and increased aggregation tendency.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The results learnt from this variant strength a close association between amyloidosis and atherosclerosis.

Cross-talk between redox signalling and protein aggregation

It is well established that both an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS: i.e. O2•-, H2O2 and OH•), as well as protein aggregation, accompany ageing and proteinopathies such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. However, it is far from clear whether there is a causal relation between the two. This review describes how protein aggregation can be affected both by redox signalling (downstream of H2O2), as well as by ROS-induced damage, and aims to give an overview of the current knowledge of how redox signalling affects protein aggregation and vice versa. Redox signalling has been shown to play roles in almost every step of protein aggregation and amyloid formation, from aggregation initiation to the rapid oligomerization of large amyloids, which tend to be less toxic than oligomeric prefibrillar aggregates. We explore the hypothesis that age-associated elevated ROS production could be part of a redox signalling-dependent-stress response in an attempt to curb protein aggregation and minimize toxicity.

Fibrillar conformation of an apolipoprotein A-I variant involved in amyloidosis and atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Different protein conformations may be involved in the development of clinical manifestations associated with human amyloidosis. Although a fibrillar conformation is usually the signature of damage in the tissues of patients, it is not clear whether this species is per se the cause or the consequence of the disease. Hereditary amyloidosis due to variants of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with a substitution of a single amino acid is characterized by the presence of fibrillar protein within the lesions. Thus mutations result in increased protein aggregation. Here we set up to characterize the folding of a natural variant with a mutation leading to a deletion at position 107 (apoA-I Lys107-0). Patients carrying this variant show amyloidosis and severe atherosclerosis.

METHODS

We oxidized this variant under controlled concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and analyzed the structure obtained after 30-day incubation by fluorescence, circular dichroism and microscopy approaches. Neutrophils activation was characterized by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

We obtained a high yield of well-defined stable fibrillar structures of apoA-I Lys107-0. In an in vitro neutrophils system, we were able to detect the induction of Neutrophils Extracellular Traps (NETs) when we incubated with oxidized apoA-I variants. This effect was exacerbated by the fibrillar structure of oxidized Lys 107-0.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that a pro-inflammatory microenvironment could result in the formation of aggregation-prone species, which, in addition may induce a positive feed-back in the activation of an inflammatory response.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

These events may explain a close association between amyloidosis due to apoA-I Lys107-0 and atherosclerosis.

Inhibition of amyloid fibrillation of apo-carbonic anhydrase by flavonoid compounds

Flavonoids are polyphenol compounds abundantly found in plants and reported to have an inhibitory effect on amyloid fibrillation. The number and position of hydroxyl groups, as well as the arrangement of flavonoids rings, may influence their inhibitory effects. In this study, we investigate the effect of structural characteristics of flavonoids on amyloid fibril formation. For this purpose, five compounds (i.e., biochanin A, daidzein, quercetin, chrysin and fisetin) were selected that represent a variety in the number and position of their hydroxyl groups. The inhibitory effect of these flavonoids on the amyloid fibril formation of apo-carbonic anhydrase (apo-BCA), as a model protein, was evaluated using thioflavin T and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that fisetin possessed the most significant inhibitory effect. Interestingly, upon apo-BCA acetylation, none of the tested flavonoids could inhibit the fibrillation process, which indicates that the interactions of these compounds with the amine groups of lysine residues could be somewhat important.

Knockout of receptor for advanced glycation end-products attenuates age-related renal lesions

Pro‐aging effects of endogenous advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) have been reported, and there is increasing interest in the pro‐inflammatory and ‐fibrotic effects of their binding to RAGE (the main AGE receptor). The role of dietary AGEs in aging remains ill‐defined, but the predominantly renal accumulation of dietary carboxymethyllysine (CML) suggests the kidneys may be particularly affected. We studied the impact of RAGE invalidation and a CML‐enriched diet on renal aging. Two‐month‐old male, wild‐type (WT) and RAGE^−/− C57Bl/6 mice were fed a control or a CML‐enriched diet (200 μg CML/g_food) for 18 months. Compared to controls, we observed higher CML levels in the kidneys of both CML WT and CML RAGE^−/− mice, with a predominantly tubular localization. The CML‐rich diet had no significant impact on the studied renal parameters, whereby only a trend to worsening glomerular sclerosis was detected. Irrespective of diet, RAGE^−/− mice were significantly protected against nephrosclerosis lesions (hyalinosis, tubular atrophy, fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis) and renal senile apolipoprotein A‐II (ApoA‐II) amyloidosis (p < 0.001). A positive linear correlation between sclerosis score and ApoA‐II amyloidosis score (r = 0.92) was observed. Compared with old WT mice, old RAGE^−/− mice exhibited lower expression of inflammation markers and activation of AKT, and greater expression of Sod2 and SIRT1. Overall, nephrosclerosis lesions and senile amyloidosis were significantly reduced in RAGE^−/− mice, indicating a protective effect of RAGE deletion with respect to renal aging. This could be due to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in RAGE^−/− mice, suggesting RAGE is an important receptor in so‐called inflamm‐aging.

Oxidation of methionine residues in human apolipoprotein A-I generates a potent pro-inflammatory molecule

Amyloid deposits of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and inflammation are common in atherosclerotic arteries. In this study, we investigated the interplay between oxidation of apoA-I methionine residues (Met(O)-ApoA-I), a known amyloidogenic modification of apoA-I, and the inflammatory response of immune cells. Soluble pre-fibrillar Met(O)-ApoA-I, but not apoA-I, induced intracellular accumulation of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and IL-6 in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and human primary monocytes. Additionally, secretion of mature IL-1β was also activated in human monocytes. The pro-inflammatory activity of Met(O)-ApoA-I was Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent and CD36-independent and was solely determined by oxidation of apoA-I methionine residues, in particular Met-86 and Met-148. In contrast, amyloid fibrils or reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) generated from Met(O)-ApoA-I did not induce cytokine production in BMDMs. Although lipid-free Met(O)-ApoA-I remained functional in extracting lipids from cells and generating HDL, it gained strong pro-inflammatory properties that may aggravate local inflammation in the arteries and atherosclerosis. Our study indicates that oxidation of apoA-I methionine residues produces a potent danger-associated molecular pattern capable of stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion at levels similar to those induced by known pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as lipopolysaccharide.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate remodels apolipoprotein A-I amyloid fibrils into soluble oligomers in the presence of heparin

Amyloid deposits of WT apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the main protein component of high-density lipoprotein, accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques where they may contribute to coronary artery disease by increasing plaque burden and instability. Using CD analysis, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and transmission EM, we report here a surprising cooperative effect of heparin and the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a known inhibitor and modulator of amyloid formation, on apoA-I fibrils. We found that heparin, a proxy for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) polysaccharides that co-localize ubiquitously with amyloid in vivo, accelerates the rate of apoA-I formation from monomeric protein and associates with insoluble fibrils. Mature, insoluble apoA-I fibrils bound EGCG (KD = 30 ± 3 μm; Bmax = 40 ± 3 μm), but EGCG did not alter the kinetics of apoA-I amyloid assembly from monomer in the presence or absence of heparin. EGCG selectively increased the mobility of specific backbone and side-chain sites of apoA-I fibrils formed in the absence of heparin, but the fibrils largely retained their original morphology and remained insoluble. By contrast, fibrils formed in the presence of heparin were mobilized extensively by the addition of equimolar EGCG, and the fibrils were remodeled into soluble 20-nm-diameter oligomers with a largely α-helical structure that were nontoxic to human umbilical artery endothelial cells. These results argue for a protective effect of EGCG on apoA-I amyloid associated with atherosclerosis and suggest that EGCG-induced remodeling of amyloid may be tightly regulated by GAGs and other amyloid co-factors in vivo, depending on EGCG bioavailability.

Generation and propagation of yeast prion [URE3] are elevated under electromagnetic field

In this study, we studied the effect of 2.0 GHz radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on prion generation and propagation using two budding yeast strains, NT64C and SB34, as model organisms. Under exposure to RF-EMF or ELF-EMF, the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prions [URE3] were elevated in both strains. The elevation increased over time, and the effects of ELF-EMF occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The transcription and expression levels of the molecular chaperones Hsp104, Hsp70-Ssa1/2, and Hsp40-Ydj1 were not statistically significantly changed after exposure. Furthermore, the levels of ROS, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were significantly elevated after short-term, but not long-term exposure. This work demonstrated for the first time that EMF exposure could elevate the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prions and supports the hypothesis that ROS may play a role in the effects of EMF on protein misfolding. The effects of EMF on protein folding and ROS levels may mediate the broad effects of EMF on cell function.

Methionine oxidized apolipoprotein A-I at the crossroads of HDL biogenesis and amyloid formation

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) shares with other exchangeable apolipoproteins a high level of structural plasticity. In the lipid-free state, the apolipoprotein amphipathic α-helices interact intra- and intermolecularly, providing structural stabilization by self-association. We have reported that lipid-free apoA-I becomes amyloidogenic upon physiologically relevant (myeloperoxidase-mediated) Met oxidation. In this study, we established that Met oxidation promotes amyloidogenesis by reducing the stability of apoA-I monomers and irreversibly disrupting self-association. The oxidized apoA-I monomers also exhibited increased cellular cholesterol release capacity and stronger association with macrophages, compared to nonoxidized apoA-I. Of physiologic relevance, preformed oxidized apoA-I amyloid fibrils induced amyloid formation in nonoxidized apoA-I. This process was enhanced when self-association of nonoxidized apoA-I was disrupted by thermal treatment. Solid state NMR analysis revealed that aggregates formed by seeded nonoxidized apoA-I were structurally similar to those formed by the oxidized protein, featuring a β-structure-rich amyloid fold alongside α-helices retained from the native state. In atherosclerotic lesions, the conditions that promote apoA-I amyloid formation are readily available: myeloperoxidase, active oxygen species, low pH, and high concentration of lipid-free apoA-I. Our results suggest that even partial Met oxidation of apoA-I can nucleate amyloidogenesis, thus sequestering and inactivating otherwise antiatherogenic and HDL-forming apoA-I.-Witkowski, A., Chan, G. K. L., Boatz, J. C., Li, N. J., Inoue, A. P., Wong, J. C., van der Wel, P. C. A., Cavigiolio, G. Methionine oxidized apolipoprotein A-I at the crossroads of HDL biogenesis and amyloid formation.

Effect of curcumin on amyloid-like aggregates generated from methionine-oxidized apolipoprotein A-I

Curcumin is a polyphenolic phytonutrient that has antineurodegenerative properties. In this study, we investigated the anti‐amyloidogenic properties of curcumin. Following incubation with curcumin, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence emission of apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I was strongly quenched. At the same time, curcumin fluorescence emission was enhanced. The fluorescence emission spectra of curcumin in the presence of amyloid‐like aggregates formed by methionine‐oxidized (ox) apoA‐I varied, depending on whether curcumin was added before, or after, aggregate formation. The impact of curcumin on the structure of the aggregating material was revealed by the lower amount of β‐structure in ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregates formed in the presence of curcumin, compared to aggregates formed without curcumin. However, the kinetics of ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregate formation was not altered by the presence of curcumin. Moreover, electron microscopy analysis detected no discernable differences in amyloid morphology when ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregates were formed in the presence or absence of curcumin. In conclusion, curcumin interacts with apoA‐I and alters the structure of ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregates yet does not diminish the propensity of ox‐apoA‐I to form aggregates.

Cell milieu significantly affects the fate of AApoAI amyloidogenic variants: predestination or serendipity?

BACKGROUND

Specific apolipoprotein A-I variants are associated to severe hereditary amyloidoses. The organ distribution of AApoAI amyloidosis seems to depend on the position of the mutation, since mutations in residues from 1 to 75 are mainly associated to hepatic and renal amyloidosis, while mutations in residues from 173 to 178 are mostly responsible for cardiac, laryngeal, and cutaneous amyloidosis. Molecular bases of this tissue specificity are still poorly understood, but it is increasingly emerging that protein destabilization induced by amyloidogenic mutations is neither necessary nor sufficient for amyloidosis development.

METHODS

By using a multidisciplinary approach, including circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, spectrofluorometric and atomic force microscopy analyses, the effect of target cells on the conformation and fibrillogenic pathway of the two AApoAI amyloidogenic variants AApoAI^L75P and AApoAI^L174S has been monitored.

RESULTS

Our data show that specific cell milieus selectively affect conformation, aggregation propensity and fibrillogenesis of the two AApoAI amyloidogenic variants.

CONCLUSIONS

An intriguing picture emerged indicating that defined cell contexts selectively induce fibrillogenesis of specific AApoAI variants.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

An innovative methodological approach, based on the use of whole intact cells to monitor the effects of cell context on AApoAI variants fibrillogenic pathway, has been set up.

Self-assembling peptide and protein amyloids: from structure to tailored function in nanotechnology

Self-assembled peptide and protein amyloid nanostructures have traditionally been considered only as pathological aggregates implicated in human neurodegenerative diseases. In more recent times, these nanostructures have found interesting applications as advanced materials in biomedicine, tissue engineering, renewable energy, environmental science, nanotechnology and material science, to name only a few fields. In all these applications, the final function depends on: (i) the specific mechanisms of protein aggregation, (ii) the hierarchical structure of the protein and peptide amyloids from the atomistic to mesoscopic length scales and (iii) the physical properties of the amyloids in the context of their surrounding environment (biological or artificial). In this review, we will discuss recent progress made in the field of functional and artificial amyloids and highlight connections between protein/peptide folding, unfolding and aggregation mechanisms, with the resulting amyloid structure and functionality. We also highlight current advances in the design and synthesis of amyloid-based biological and functional materials and identify new potential fields in which amyloid-based structures promise new breakthroughs.

The functional roles of the unstructured N- and C-terminal regions in αB-crystallin and other mammalian small heat-shock proteins

Small heat-shock proteins (sHsps), such as αB-crystallin, are one of the major classes of molecular chaperone proteins. In vivo, under conditions of cellular stress, sHsps are the principal defence proteins that prevent large-scale protein aggregation. Progress in determining the structure of sHsps has been significant recently, particularly in relation to the conserved, central and β-sheet structured α-crystallin domain (ACD). However, an understanding of the structure and functional roles of the N- and C-terminal flanking regions has proved elusive mainly because of their unstructured and dynamic nature. In this paper, we propose functional roles for both flanking regions, based around three properties: (i) they act in a localised crowding manner to regulate interactions with target proteins during chaperone action, (ii) they protect the ACD from deleterious amyloid fibril formation and (iii) the flexibility of these regions, particularly at the extreme C-terminus in mammalian sHsps, provides solubility for sHsps under chaperone and non-chaperone conditions. In the eye lens, these properties are highly relevant as the crystallin proteins, in particular the two sHsps αA- and αB-crystallin, are present at very high concentrations.

Triglyceride increase in the core of high-density lipoproteins augments apolipoprotein dissociation from the surface: Potential implications for treatment of apolipoprotein deposition diseases

Lipids in the body are transported via lipoproteins that are nanoparticles comprised of lipids and amphipathic proteins termed apolipoproteins. This family of lipid surface-binding proteins is over-represented in human amyloid diseases. In particular, all major proteins of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), including apoA-I, apoA-II and serum amyloid A, can cause systemic amyloidoses in humans upon protein mutations, post-translational modifications or overproduction. Here, we begin to explore how the HDL lipid composition influences amyloid deposition by apoA-I and related proteins. First, we summarize the evidence that, in contrast to lipoproteins that are stabilized by kinetic barriers, free apolipoproteins are labile to misfolding and proteolysis. Next, we report original biochemical and biophysical studies showing that increase in triglyceride content in the core of plasma or reconstituted HDL destabilizes the lipoprotein assembly, making it more labile to various perturbations (oxidation, thermal and chemical denaturation and enzymatic hydrolysis), and promotes apoA-I release in a lipid-poor/free aggregation-prone form. Together, the results suggest that decreasing plasma levels of triglycerides will shift the dynamic equilibrium from the lipid-poor/free (labile) to the HDL-bound (protected) apolipoprotein state, thereby decreasing the generation of the protein precursor of amyloid. This prompts us to propose that triglyceride-lowering therapies may provide a promising strategy to alleviate amyloid diseases caused by the deposition of HDL proteins.

Sulphur Atoms from Methionines Interacting with Aromatic Residues Are Less Prone to Oxidation

Methionine residues exhibit different degrees of susceptibility to oxidation. Although solvent accessibility is a relevant factor, oxidation at particular sites cannot be unequivocally explained by accessibility alone. To explore other possible structural determinants, we assembled different sets of oxidation-sensitive and oxidation-resistant methionines contained in human proteins. Comparisons of the proteins containing oxidized methionines with all proteins in the human proteome led to the conclusion that the former exhibit a significantly higher mean value of methionine content than the latter. Within a given protein, an examination of the sequence surrounding the non-oxidized methionine revealed a preference for neighbouring tyrosine and tryptophan residues, but not for phenylalanine residues. However, because the interaction between sulphur atoms and aromatic residues has been reported to be important for the stabilization of protein structure, we carried out an analysis of the spatial interatomic distances between methionines and aromatic residues, including phenylalanine. The results of these analyses uncovered a new determinant for methionine oxidation: the S-aromatic motif, which decreases the reactivity of the involved sulphur towards oxidants.

Structural Stability and Local Dynamics in Disease-Causing Mutants of Human Apolipoprotein A-I: What Makes the Protein Amyloidogenic?

ApoA-I, the major protein of plasma high-density lipoprotein, removes cellular cholesterol and protects against atherosclerosis. ApoA-I mutations can cause familial amyloidosis, a life-threatening disease wherein N-terminal protein fragments form fibrils in vital organs. To unveil the protein misfolding mechanism and to understand why some mutations cause amyloidosis while others do not, we analyzed the structure, stability, and lipid-binding properties of naturally occurring mutants of full-length human apoA-I causing either amyloidosis (G26R, W50R, F71Y, and L170P) or aberrant lipid metabolism (L159R). Global and local protein conformation and dynamics in solution were assessed by circular dichroism, fluorescence, and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. All mutants showed increased deuteration in residues 14-22, supporting our hypothesis that decreased protection of this major amyloid "hot spot" can trigger protein misfolding. In addition, L159R showed local helical unfolding near the mutation site, consistent with cleavage of this mutant in plasma to generate the labile 1-159 fragment. Together, the results suggest that reduced protection of the major amyloid "hot spot", combined with the structural integrity of the native helix bundle conformation, shifts the balance from protein clearance to β-aggregation. A delicate balance between the overall structural integrity of a globular protein and the local destabilization of its amyloidogenic segments may be a fundamental determinant of this and other amyloid diseases. Furthermore, mutation-induced conformational changes observed in the helix bundle, which comprises the N-terminal 75% of apoA-I, and its flexible C-terminal tail suggest the propagation of structural perturbations to distant sites via an unexpected template-induced ensemble-based mechanism, challenging the classical structure-based view.

Amyloidogenic Mutation Promotes Fibril Formation of the N-terminal Apolipoprotein A-I on Lipid Membranes

The N-terminal amino acid 1-83 fragment of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) has a strong propensity to form amyloid fibrils at physiological neutral pH. Because apoA-I has an ability to bind to lipid membranes, we examined the effects of the lipid environment on fibril-forming properties of the N-terminal fragment of apoA-I variants. Thioflavin T fluorescence assay as well as fluorescence and transmission microscopies revealed that upon lipid binding, fibril formation by apoA-I 1-83 is strongly inhibited, whereas the G26R mutant still retains the ability to form fibrils. Such distinct effects of lipid binding on fibril formation were also observed for the amyloidogenic prone region-containing peptides, apoA-I 8-33 and 8-33/G26R. This amyloidogenic region shifts from random coil to α-helical structure upon lipid binding. The G26R mutation appears to prevent this helix transition because lower helical propensity and more solvent-exposed conformation of the G26R variant upon lipid binding were observed in the apoA-I 1-83 fragment and 8-33 peptide. With a partially α-helical conformation induced by the presence of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, fibril formation by apoA-I 1-83 was strongly inhibited, whereas the G26R variant can form amyloid fibrils. These findings suggest a new possible pathway for amyloid fibril formation by the N-terminal fragment of apoA-I variants: the amyloidogenic mutations partially destabilize the α-helical structure formed upon association with lipid membranes, resulting in physiologically relevant conformations that allow fibril formation.

Chameleon 'aggregation-prone' segments of apoA-I: A model of amyloid fibrils formed in apoA-I amyloidosis

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major component of high density lipoproteins and plays a vital role in reverse cholesterol transport. Lipid-free apoA-I is the main constituent of amyloid deposits found in atherosclerotic plaques, an acquired type of amyloidosis, whereas its N-terminal fragments have been associated with a hereditary form, known as familial apoA-I amyloidosis. Here, we identified and verified four "aggregation-prone" segments of apoA-I with amyloidogenic properties, utilizing electron microscopy, X-ray fiber diffraction, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy and polarized light microscopy. These segments may act as conformational switches, possibly controlling the transition of the α-helical apoA-I content into the "cross-β" architecture of amyloid fibrils. A structural model illuminating the structure of amyloid fibrils formed by the N-terminal fragments of apoA-I is proposed, indicating that two of the identified chameleon segments may play a vital part in the formation of amyloid fibrils in familial apoA-I amyloidosis.

Myeloperoxidase-mediated Methionine Oxidation Promotes an Amyloidogenic Outcome for Apolipoprotein A-I

High plasma levels of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) correlate with cardiovascular health, whereas dysfunctional apoA-I is a cause of atherosclerosis. In the atherosclerotic plaques, amyloid deposition increases with aging. Notably, apoA-I is the main component of these amyloids. Recent studies identified high levels of oxidized lipid-free apoA-I in atherosclerotic plaques. Likely, myeloperoxidase (MPO) secreted by activated macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions is the promoter of such apoA-I oxidation. We hypothesized that apoA-I oxidation by MPO levels similar to those present in the artery walls in atherosclerosis can promote apoA-I structural changes and amyloid fibril formation. ApoA-I was exposed to exhaustive chemical (H2O2) oxidation or physiological levels of enzymatic (MPO) oxidation and incubated at 37 °C and pH 6.0 to induce fibril formation. Both chemically and enzymatically oxidized apoA-I produced fibrillar amyloids after a few hours of incubation. The amyloid fibrils were composed of full-length apoA-I with differential oxidation of the three methionines. Met to Leu apoA-I variants were used to establish the predominant role of oxidation of Met-86 and Met-148 in the fibril formation process. Importantly, a small amount of preformed apoA-I fibrils was able to seed amyloid formation in oxidized apoA-I at pH 7.0. In contrast to hereditary amyloidosis, wherein specific mutations of apoA-I cause protein destabilization and amyloid deposition, oxidative conditions similar to those promoted by local inflammation in atherosclerosis are sufficient to transform full-length wild-type apoA-I into an amyloidogenic protein. Thus, MPO-mediated oxidation may be implicated in the mechanism that leads to amyloid deposition in the atherosclerotic plaques in vivo.

Charge and charge-pair mutations alter the rate of assembly and structural properties of apolipoprotein C-II amyloid fibrils

The misfolding, aggregation, and accumulation of proteins as amyloid fibrils is a defining characteristic of several debilitating diseases. Human apolipoprotein C-II (apoC-II) amyloid fibrils are representative of the fibrils formed by a number of plasma apolipoproteins implicated in amyloid-related disease. Previous structural analyses identified a buried charge pair between residues K30 and D69 within apoC-II amyloid fibrils. We have investigated the effects of amino acid substitutions of these residues on apoC-II fibril formation. Two point mutations of apoC-II, D69K and K30D, as well as a reversed ion-pair mutant containing both mutations (KDDK) were generated. Fibril formation by the double mutant, apoC-II KDDK, and apoC-II D69K was enhanced compared to that of wild-type (WT) apoC-II, while apoC-II K30D lacked the ability to form fibrils under standard conditions. Structural analyses showed that WT apoC-II, apoC-II D69K, and apoC-II KDDK fibrils have similar secondary structures and morphologies. Size distribution analyses revealed that apoC-II D69K fibrils have a broader range of fibril sizes while apoC-II KDDK fibrils showed an increased frequency of closed fibrillar loops. ApoC-II D69K fibrils exhibited reduced thioflavin T binding capacity compared to that of fibrils formed by WT apoC-II and apoC-II KDDK. These results indicate that specific charge and charge-pair mutations within apoC-II significantly alter the ability to form fibrils and that position 69 within apoC-II plays a key role in the rate-limiting step of apoC-II fibril formation.

Plasma levels of HDL and carotenoids are lower in dementia patients with vascular comorbidities

Elevated serum cholesterol concentrations in mid-life increase risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in later life. However, lower concentrations of cholesterol-carrying high density lipoprotein (HDL) and its principal apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) correlate with increased risk for AD. As HDL transports oxocarotenoids, which are scavengers of peroxynitrite, we have investigated the hypothesis that lower HDL and oxocarotenoid concentrations during AD may render HDL susceptible to nitration and oxidation and in turn reduce the efficiency of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from lipid-laden cells. Fasting blood samples were obtained from subjects with (1) AD without cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors (AD); (2) AD with cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors (AD Plus); (3) normal cognitive function; for carotenoid determination by HPLC, analysis of HDL nitration and oxidation by ELISA, and 3H-cholesterol export to isolated HDL. HDL concentration in the plasma from AD Plus patients was significantly lower compared to AD or control subject HDL levels. Similarly, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin concentrations were significantly lower in AD Plus patients compared to those in control subjects or AD patients, and oxocarotenoid concentrations correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination scores. At equivalent concentrations of ApoA1, HDL isolated from all subjects irrespective of diagnosis was equally effective at mediating RCT. HDL concentration is lower in AD Plus patients' plasma and thus capacity for RCT is compromised. In contrast, HDL from patients with AD-only was not different in concentration, modifications, or function from HDL of healthy age-matched donors. The relative importance of elevating HDL alone compared with elevating carotenoids alone or elevating both to reduce risk for dementia should be investigated in patients with early signs of dementia.

Amyloid-Forming Properties of Human Apolipoproteins: Sequence Analyses and Structural Insights

Apolipoproteins are protein constituents of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol and fat in circulation and are central to cardiovascular health and disease. Soluble apolipoproteins can transiently dissociate from the lipoprotein surface in a labile free form that can misfold, potentially leading to amyloid disease. Misfolding of apoA-I, apoA-II, and serum amyloid A (SAA) causes systemic amyloidoses, apoE4 is a critical risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, and apolipoprotein misfolding is also implicated in cardiovascular disease. To explain why apolipoproteins are over-represented in amyloidoses, it was proposed that the amphipathic α-helices, which form the lipid surface-binding motif in this protein family, have high amyloid-forming propensity. Here, we use 12 sequence-based bioinformatics approaches to assess amyloid-forming potential of human apolipoproteins and to identify segments that are likely to initiate β-aggregation. Mapping such segments on the available atomic structures of apolipoproteins helps explain why some of them readily form amyloid while others do not. Our analysis shows that nearly all amyloidogenic segments: (i) are largely hydrophobic, (ii) are located in the lipid-binding amphipathic α-helices in the native structures of soluble apolipoproteins, (iii) are predicted in both native α-helices and β-sheets in the insoluble apoB, and (iv) are predicted to form parallel in-register β-sheet in amyloid. Most of these predictions have been verified experimentally for apoC-II, apoA-I, apoA-II and SAA. Surprisingly, the rank order of the amino acid sequence propensity to form amyloid (apoB>apoA-II>apoC-II≥apoA-I, apoC-III, SAA, apoC-I>apoA-IV, apoA-V, apoE) does not correlate with the proteins' involvement in amyloidosis. Rather, it correlates directly with the strength of the protein-lipid association, which increases with increasing protein hydrophobicity. Therefore, the lipid surface-binding function and the amyloid-forming propensity are both rooted in apolipoproteins' hydrophobicity, suggesting that functional constraints make it difficult to completely eliminate pathogenic apolipoprotein misfolding. We propose that apolipoproteins have evolved protective mechanisms against misfolding, such as the sequestration of the amyloidogenic segments via the native protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions involving amphipathic α-helices and, in case of apoB, β-sheets.