Zn2+-triggered self-assembly of Gonadorelin [6-D-Phe] to produce nanostructures and fibrils

Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 26;8(1):11280. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-29529-w.

Abstract

A synthetic derivative, GnRH [6-D-Phe], stable against enzymatic degradation, self-assembles and forms nanostructures and fibrils upon a pH shift in the presence of different concentrations of Zn2+ in vitro. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed the existence of higher order assembly of Zn2+: GnRH [6-D-Phe]. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) indicated a weak interaction between Zn2+ and GnRH [6-D-Phe]. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) showed the existence of GnRH [6-D-Phe] oligomers and fibrils. Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation of the 10:1 Zn2+: GnRH [6-D-Phe] explored the interaction and dimerization processes. In contrast to already existing short peptide fibrils, GnRH [6-D-Phe] nanostructures and fibrils form in a Tris-buffered pH environment in a controlled manner through a temperature reduction and a pH shift. The lyophilized Zn2+: GnRH [6-D-Phe] assembly was tested as a platform for the sustained delivery of GnRH [6-D-Phe] and incorporated into two different oil vehicle matrices. The in vitro release was slow and continuous over 14 days and not influenced by the oil matrix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cations, Divalent / metabolism
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Nanostructures*
  • Protein Multimerization*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Zinc / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cations, Divalent
  • gonadorelin(6-D-Phe)
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Zinc