Molecular understanding of copper and iron interaction with alpha-synuclein by fluorescence analysis

J Mol Neurosci. 2008 Jul;35(3):273-81. doi: 10.1007/s12031-008-9076-4. Epub 2008 May 20.

Abstract

Alpha-synuclein aggregation is a hallmark pathological feature in Parkinson's disease (PD). The conversion of alpha-synuclein from a soluble monomer to an insoluble fibril may underlie the neurodegeneration associated with PD. Redox-active metal ions such as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are known to enhance alpha-synuclein fibrillogenesis. In the present investigation, we analyzed the binding efficiency of Cu and Fe to alpha-synuclein by fluorescence studies. It is interesting to note that Cu and Fe showed differential binding pattern toward alpha-synuclein (wild type and A30P, A53T, and E46K mutant forms) as revealed by intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, thioflavin-T fluorescence, 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate-binding studies, and scatchard plot analysis. The experimental data might prove useful in understanding the hierarchy of metals binding to alpha-synuclein and its role in neurodegeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates / chemistry
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Binding Sites / physiology
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Copper / metabolism*
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Humans
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Thiazoles / chemistry
  • Tyrosine / chemistry
  • alpha-Synuclein / chemistry*
  • alpha-Synuclein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Thiazoles
  • alpha-Synuclein
  • thioflavin T
  • Tyrosine
  • 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate
  • Copper
  • Iron