α-Synuclein interaction with POPC/POPS vesicles.
Marija Dubackic1, Veronica Lattanzi1,2, Yun Liu3,4
1Physical Chemistry, Chemistry Centre, Lund University, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden. majuskad@hotmail.com.
Soft Matter
|January 13, 2025
Summary
Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein binds to anionic lipid vesicles, forming alpha-helical structures. Fibril formation triggers vesicle fusion, doubling vesicle size.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is an amyloid-forming protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) are model systems for cell membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adsorption of αSyn monomers onto SUVs composed of zwitterionic (POPC) and anionic (POPS) lipids.
- To understand the structural changes and vesicle dynamics during αSyn fibril formation.
Main Methods:
- Studied αSyn adsorption onto mixed lipid vesicles (POPC/POPS).
- Analyzed secondary structure changes of adsorbed αSyn.
- Investigated vesicle size changes during seeded fibril formation.
Main Results:
- αSyn monomers adsorb to anionic POPS-containing vesicles, adopting an α-helical structure.
- Adsorption is dependent on the POPS fraction, considering electrostatic shifts.
- Seeded fibril formation induced vesicle fusion, approximately doubling average vesicle size.
Conclusions:
- αSyn adsorption onto anionic lipid membranes is concentration and lipid composition-dependent.
- Vesicle fusion is a key event during αSyn fibril formation on membranes.
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