Entrapment of Aβ(1-40) peptide in unstructured aggregates

J Phys Condens Matter. 2012 Jun 20;24(24):244103. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/24/244103. Epub 2012 May 18.

Abstract

Recognizing the complexity of the fibrillogenesis process provides a solid ground for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or inhibiting protein-protein aggregation. Under this perspective, it is meaningful to identify the possible aggregation pathways and their relative products. We found that Aβ-peptide dissolved in a pH 7.4 solution at small peptide concentration and low ionic strength forms globular aggregates without typical amyloid β-conformation. ThT binding kinetics was used to monitor aggregate formation. Circular dichroism spectroscopy, AFM imaging, static and dynamic light scattering were used for structural and morphological characterization of the aggregates. They appear stable or at least metastable with respect to fiber growth, therefore appearing as an incidental product in the pathway of fibrillogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry*
  • Protein Multimerization*
  • Protein Stability
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Peptide Fragments
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-40)