Peptides as modulators of α-synuclein aggregation

Protein Pept Lett. 2015;22(4):354-61. doi: 10.2174/0929866522666150209142649.

Abstract

α-Synuclein forms amyloid deposits in the dopaminergic neurons; a process that is believed to contribute to the Parkinson's disease. An emerging theme in amyloid research is the hypothesis that the toxic species produced during amyloid formation share common physic-chemical features and exert their effects by common modes. This prompted the idea that molecules able to inhibit a protein aggregation process may cross-react with other amyloidogenic proteins, interfering in their fibrils formation. We investigate the ability of analogues of the heptapeptide H-Arg-Lys-Val-MePhe-Tyr-Thr-Trp- OH2, an inhibitor of Aβ-peptide aggregation, to cross-react with α-synuclein interfering with its fibril formation. The influence of the MePhe topography on the interaction with α-synuclein has also been evaluated, replacing the MePhe residue with either Phe or the conformationally restricted Tic residues. Peptides interact with good affinity with the α-synuclein monomer, promoting its aggregation process. This work provides the basis for the development of new drugs based on peptidomimetics able to modify the oligomers - mature fibrils equilibrium towards this last species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Protein Aggregates*
  • alpha-Synuclein / chemistry
  • alpha-Synuclein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Protein Aggregates
  • alpha-Synuclein