Molecular dynamics simulations of amyloid-β(16-22) peptide aggregation at air-water interfaces

J Chem Phys. 2020 Mar 7;152(9):095101. doi: 10.1063/1.5131848.

Abstract

Oligomers of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are known to be related to Alzheimer's disease, and their formation is accelerated at hydrophilic-hydrophobic interfaces, such as the cell membrane surface and air-water interface. Here, we report molecular dynamics simulations of aggregation of Aβ(16-22) peptides at air-water interfaces. First, 100 randomly distributed Aβ(16-22) peptides moved to the interface. The high concentration of peptides then accelerated their aggregation and formation of antiparallel β-sheets. Two layers of oligomers were observed near the interface. In the first layer from the interface, the oligomer with less β-bridges exposed the hydrophobic residues to the air. The second layer consisted of oligomers with more β-bridges that protruded into water. They are more soluble in water because the hydrophobic residues are covered by N- and C-terminal hydrophilic residues that are aligned well along the oligomer edge. These results indicate that amyloid protofibril formation mainly occurs in the second layer.

MeSH terms

  • Air
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry*
  • Protein Aggregates*
  • Protein Aggregation, Pathological*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Protein Aggregates
  • amyloid beta-protein (16-22)
  • Water