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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A11-positive β-amyloid Oligomer Preparation and Assessment Using Dot Blotting Analysis
Published on: May 22, 2018
Discrete conformational changes as regulators of the hydrolytic properties of beta-amyloid (1-40)
Maria Brzyska1, Katarzyna Trzesniewska, Tomasz Gers
1Laboratory of Bio-Physical Methods, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. M.Brzyska@nencki.gov.pl
Abstract:
Beta-amyloid (1-40) (Abeta), the main component of senile plaques seen in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, was found to be toxic both as fibrils and smaller soluble globular aggregates. The hydrolytic properties of Abeta, a new biochemical activity described previously [Brzyska M, Bacia A & Elbaum D (2001) Eur J Biochem 268, 3443-3454], may contribute to its overall toxicity. In this study, the hydrolysis of fluorescein ester series was studied under predetermined conditions affecting Abeta hydrophobicity and conformation. Reaction products of the most effectively decomposed ester (dibutyrate) were characterized using HPLC and ESI-MS. Hydrophobicity of Abeta, as measured by bis-8-anilinonaphthalene fluorescence, correlated with its hydrolytic abilities. FTIR and CD data analysis showed a relationship between enhanced hydrolytic abilities and Abeta structure. Seriously limited hydrolysis caused by higher peptide concentrations is consistent with monomeric/dimeric Abeta species participation in the process, confirmed by thioflavine T binding. Inhibition of hydrolysis was caused by beta-sheet breaker peptide (LPFFD), indicating that the Abeta central hydrophobic cluster (amino acids 17-21) participates in the process. The reported Abeta properties suggest that small conformational alterations of the peptide structure may have a pronounced effect on its functions and biological activity.
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