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Wang Y, Liu W, Sun Y, Dong X. Transthyretin-Penetratin: A Potent Fusion Protein Inhibitor against Alzheimer's Amyloid-β Fibrillogenesis with High Blood Brain Barrier Crossing Capability. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:419-431. [PMID: 38450606 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The design of a potent amyloid-β protein (Aβ) inhibitor plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite endogenous transthyretin (TTR) being recognized as an Aβ inhibitor, the weak inhibitory and blood brain barrier (BBB) crossing capabilities hinder it for Aβ aggregation inhibition and transport. Therefore, we have herein designed a recombinant TTR by conjugating a cationic cell penetrating peptide (penetratin, Pen), which not only enabled the fusion protein, TTR-Pen (TP), to present high BBB penetration but also greatly enhanced the potency of Aβ inhibition. Namely, the protein fusion made TP positively charged, leading to a potent suppression of Aβ40 fibrillization at a low concentration (1.5 μM), while a TTR concentration as high as 12.5 μM was required to gain a similar function. Moreover, TP could mitigate Aβ-induced neuronal death, increase cultured cell viability from 72% to 92% at 2.5 μM, and extend the lifespan of AD nematodes from 14 to 18 d. Thermodynamic studies revealed that TP, enriched in positive charges, presented extensive electrostatic interactions with Aβ40. Importantly, TP showed excellent BBB penetration performance, with a 10 times higher BBB permeability than TTR, which would allow TP to enter the brain of AD patients and participate in the transport of Aβ species out of the brain. Thus, it is expected that the fusion protein has great potential for drug development in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Lewkowicz E, Nakamura MN, Rynkiewicz MJ, Gursky O. Molecular modeling of apoE in complexes with Alzheimer's amyloid-β fibrils from human brain suggests a structural basis for apolipoprotein co-deposition with amyloids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:376. [PMID: 38010414 PMCID: PMC11061799 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoproteins co-deposit with amyloids, yet apolipoprotein-amyloid interactions are enigmatic. To understand how apoE interacts with Alzheimer's amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in fibrillary deposits, the NMR structure of full-length human apoE was docked to four structures of patient-derived Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 fibrils determined previously using cryo-electron microscopy or solid-state NMR. Similar docking was done using the NMR structure of human apoC-III. In all complexes, conformational changes in apolipoproteins were required to expose large hydrophobic faces of their amphipathic α-helices for sub-stoichiometric binding to hydrophobic surfaces on sides or ends of fibrils. Basic residues flanking the hydrophobic helical faces in apolipoproteins interacted favorably with acidic residue ladders in some amyloid polymorphs. Molecular dynamics simulations of selected apoE-fibril complexes confirmed their stability. Amyloid binding via cryptic sites, which became available upon opening of flexibly linked apolipoprotein α-helices, resembled apolipoprotein-lipid binding. This mechanism probably extends to other apolipoprotein-amyloid interactions. Apolipoprotein binding alongside fibrils could interfere with fibril fragmentation and secondary nucleation, while binding at the fibril ends could halt amyloid elongation and dissolution in a polymorph-specific manner. The proposed mechanism is supported by extensive prior experimental evidence and helps reconcile disparate reports on apoE's role in Aβ aggregation. Furthermore, apoE domain opening and direct interaction of Arg/Cys158 with amyloid potentially contributes to isoform-specific effects in Alzheimer's disease. In summary, current modeling supported by prior experimental studies suggests similar mechanisms for apolipoprotein-amyloid and apolipoprotein-lipid interactions; explains why apolipoproteins co-deposit with amyloids; and helps reconcile conflicting reports on the chaperone-like apoE action in Aβ aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lewkowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, W302, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Mari N Nakamura
- Undergraduate program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Middlebury College, 14 Old Chapel Rd, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA
| | - Michael J Rynkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, W302, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Olga Gursky
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, W302, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Lewkowicz E, Nakamura MN, Rynkiewicz MJ, Gursky O. Molecular modeling of apoE in complexes with Alzheimer's amyloid-β fibrils from human brain suggests a structural basis for apolipoprotein co-deposition with amyloids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.551703. [PMID: 37577501 PMCID: PMC10418262 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.551703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoproteins co-deposit with amyloids, yet apolipoprotein-amyloid interactions are enigmatic. To understand how apoE interacts with Alzheimer's amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in fibrillary deposits, the NMR structure of full-length human apoE was docked to four structures of patient-derived Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 fibrils determined previously using cryo-electron microscopy or solid-state NMR. Similar docking was done using the NMR structure of human apoC-III. In all complexes, conformational changes in apolipoproteins were required to expose large hydrophobic faces of their amphipathic α-helices for sub-stoichiometric binding to hydrophobic surfaces on sides or ends of fibrils. Basic residues flanking the hydrophobic helical faces in apolipoproteins interacted favorably with acidic residue ladders in some amyloid polymorphs. Molecular dynamics simulations of selected apoE-fibril complexes confirmed their stability. Amyloid binding via cryptic sites, which became available upon opening of flexibly linked apolipoprotein α-helices, resembled apolipoprotein-lipid binding. This mechanism probably extends to other apolipoprotein-amyloid interactions. Apolipoprotein binding alongside fibrils could interfere with fibril fragmentation and secondary nucleation, while binding at the fibril ends could halt amyloid elongation and dissolution in a polymorph-specific manner. The proposed mechanism is supported by extensive prior experimental evidence and helps reconcile disparate reports on apoE's role in Aβ aggregation. Furthermore, apoE domain opening and direct interaction of Arg/Cys158 with amyloid potentially contributes to isoform-specific effects in Alzheimer's disease. In summary, current modeling supported by prior experimental studies suggests similar mechanisms for apolipoprotein-amyloid and apolipoprotein-lipid interactions; explains why apolipoproteins co-deposit with amyloids; and helps reconcile conflicting reports on the chaperone-like apoE action in Aβ aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lewkowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, W302, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Mari N. Nakamura
- Undergraduate program, Department of Chemistry, Middlebury College, 14 Old Chapel Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753VT United States
| | - Michael J. Rynkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, W302, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Olga Gursky
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, W302, 700 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
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Zein HF, Sutthibutpong T. Roles of Tryptophan and Charged Residues on the Polymorphisms of Amyloids Formed by K-Peptides of Hen Egg White Lysozyme Investigated through Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032626. [PMID: 36768943 PMCID: PMC9916845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of amyloid models, consisting of the previously reported STDY-K-peptides and K-peptides from the hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), were performed to address the effects of charged residues and pH observed in an in vitro study. Simulation results showed that amyloid models with antiparallel configurations possessed greater stability and compactness than those with parallel configurations. Then, peptide chain stretching and ordering were measured through the end-to-end distance and the order parameter, for which the amyloid models consisting of K-peptides and the STDY-K-peptides at pH 2 displayed a higher level of chain stretching and ordering. After that, the molecular mechanics energy decomposition and the radial distribution function (RDF) clearly displayed the importance of Trp62 to the K-peptide and the STDY-K-peptide models at pH 2. Moreover, the results also displayed how the negatively charged Asp52 disrupted the interaction networks and prevented the amyloid formation from STDY-K-peptide at pH 7. Finally, this study provided an insight into the interplay between pH conditions and molecular interactions underlying the formation of amyloid fibrils from short peptides contained within the HEWL. This served as a basis of understanding towards the design of other amyloids for biomaterial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husnul Fuad Zein
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Program, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Department of Physics, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Thana Sutthibutpong
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Program, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Department of Physics, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Theoretical and Computational Science (TaCS-CoE), Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Braun JE. Extracellular chaperone networks and the export of J-domain proteins. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102840. [PMID: 36581212 PMCID: PMC9867986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An extracellular network of molecular chaperones protects a diverse array of proteins that reside in or pass through extracellular spaces. Proteins in the extracellular milieu face numerous challenges that can lead to protein misfolding and aggregation. As a checkpoint for proteins that move between cells, extracellular chaperone networks are of growing clinical relevance. J-domain proteins (JDPs) are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that are known for their essential roles in a wide array of fundamental cellular processes through their regulation of heat shock protein 70s. As the largest molecular chaperone family, JDPs have long been recognized for their diverse functions within cells. Some JDPs are elegantly selective for their "client proteins," some do not discriminate among substrates and others act cooperatively on the same target. The realization that JDPs are exported through both classical and unconventional secretory pathways has fueled investigation into the roles that JDPs play in protein quality control and intercellular communication. The proposed functions of exported JDPs are diverse. Studies suggest that export of DnaJB11 enhances extracellular proteostasis, that intercellular movement of DnaJB1 or DnaJB6 enhances the proteostasis capacity in recipient cells, whereas the import of DnaJB8 increases resistance to chemotherapy in recipient cancer cells. In addition, the export of DnaJC5 and concurrent DnaJC5-dependent ejection of dysfunctional and aggregation-prone proteins are implicated in the prevention of neurodegeneration. This review provides a brief overview of the current understanding of the extracellular chaperone networks and outlines the first wave of studies describing the cellular export of JDPs.
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Canesi L, Auguste M, Balbi T, Prochazkova P. Soluble mediators of innate immunity in annelids and bivalve mollusks: A mini-review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1051155. [PMID: 36532070 PMCID: PMC9756803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1051155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Annelids and mollusks, both in the superphylum of Lophotrochozoa (Bilateria), are important ecological groups, widespread in soil, freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. Like all invertebrates, they lack adaptive immunity; however, they are endowed with an effective and complex innate immune system (humoral and cellular defenses) similar to vertebrates. The lack of acquired immunity and the capacity to form antibodies does not mean a lack of specificity: invertebrates have evolved genetic mechanisms capable of producing thousands of different proteins from a small number of genes, providing high variability and diversity of immune effector molecules just like their vertebrate counterparts. This diversity allows annelids and mollusks to recognize and eliminate a wide range of pathogens and respond to environmental stressors. Effector molecules can kill invading microbes, reduce their pathogenicity, or regulate the immune response at cellular and systemic levels. Annelids and mollusks are "typical" lophotrochozoan protostome since both groups include aquatic species with trochophore larvae, which unite both taxa in a common ancestry. Moreover, despite their extensive utilization in immunological research, no model systems are available as there are with other invertebrate groups, such as Caenorhabditis elegans or Drosophila melanogaster, and thus, their immune potential is largely unexplored. In this work, we focus on two classes of key soluble mediators of immunity, i.e., antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cytokines, in annelids and bivalves, which are the most studied mollusks. The mediators have been of interest from their first identification to recent advances in molecular studies that clarified their role in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Canesi
- Department of Earth Environment & Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manon Auguste
- Department of Earth Environment & Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Teresa Balbi
- Department of Earth Environment & Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Petra Prochazkova
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia,*Correspondence: Petra Prochazkova,
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Murakami K, Ono K. Interactions of amyloid coaggregates with biomolecules and its relevance to neurodegeneration. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22493. [PMID: 35971743 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200235r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is a pathological hallmark of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In these diseases, oligomeric intermediates or toxic aggregates of amyloids cause neuronal damage and degeneration. Despite the substantial effort made over recent decades to implement therapeutic interventions, these neurodegenerative diseases are not yet understood at the molecular level. In many cases, multiple disease-causing amyloids overlap in a sole pathological feature or a sole disease-causing amyloid represents multiple pathological features. Various amyloid pathologies can coexist in the same brain with or without clinical presentation and may even occur in individuals without disease. From sparse data, speculation has arisen regarding the coaggregation of amyloids with disparate amyloid species and other biomolecules, which are the same characteristics that make diagnostics and drug development challenging. However, advances in research related to biomolecular condensates and structural analysis have been used to overcome some of these challenges. Considering the development of these resources and techniques, herein we review the cross-seeding of amyloidosis, for example, involving the amyloids amyloid β, tau, α-synuclein, and human islet amyloid polypeptide, and their cross-inhibition by transthyretin and BRICHOS. The interplay of nucleic acid-binding proteins, such as prions, TAR DNA-binding protein 43, fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma, and fragile X mental retardation polyglycine, with nucleic acids in the pathology of neurodegeneration are also described, and we thereby highlight the potential clinical applications in central nervous system therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuma Murakami
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Ono
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Sanchez-Pulido L, Ponting CP. OAF: a new member of the BRICHOS family. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2022; 2:vbac087. [PMID: 36699367 PMCID: PMC9714404 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Summary The 10 known BRICHOS domain-containing proteins in humans have been linked to an unusually long list of pathologies, including cancer, obesity and two amyloid-like diseases. BRICHOS domains themselves have been described as intramolecular chaperones that act to prevent amyloid-like aggregation of their proteins' mature polypeptides. Using structural comparison of coevolution-based AlphaFold models and sequence conservation, we identified the Out at First (OAF) protein as a new member of the BRICHOS family in humans. OAF is an experimentally uncharacterized protein that has been proposed as a candidate biomarker for clinical management of coronavirus disease 2019 infections. Our analysis revealed how structural comparison of AlphaFold models can discover remote homology relationships and lead to a better understanding of BRICHOS domain molecular mechanism. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Sanchez-Pulido
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Chris P Ponting
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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