Molecular understanding of copper and iron interaction with alpha-synuclein by fluorescence analysis

Alpha-synuclein aggregation is a hallmark pathological feature in Parkinson's disease (PD). The conversion of alpha-synuclein from a soluble monomer to an insoluble fibril may underlie the neurodegeneration associated with PD. Redox-active metal ions such as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are known to enhance alpha-synuclein fibrillogenesis. In the present investigation, we analyzed the binding efficiency of Cu and Fe to alpha-synuclein by fluorescence studies. It is interesting to note that Cu and Fe showed differential binding pattern toward alpha-synuclein (wild type and A30P, A53T, and E46K mutant forms) as revealed by intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, thioflavin-T fluorescence, 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate-binding studies, and scatchard plot analysis. The experimental data might prove useful in understanding the hierarchy of metals binding to alpha-synuclein and its role in neurodegeneration.