Enhanced aggregation and beta structure of amyloid beta peptide after coincubation with C1q

Several lines of evidence now suggest that aggregation of soluble amyloid beta peptide (A beta) into a cross beta sheet configuration may be an important factor in mediating potential neurotoxicity of A beta. Synthetic A beta has been shown to self aggregate in vitro. Here, we demonstrate that coincubation of freshly solubilized A beta with C1q, a complement component known to bind A beta in vitro and to colocalize with A beta in vivo, results in as much as a 7-fold enhancement of A beta aggregation, as well as a 2-4-fold enhancement of beta structure within aggregates. The addition of C1q to preformed A beta aggregates also results in significantly increased resistance to aggregate resolubilization.