scholarly journals DJ-1 Acts as a Scavenger of α-Synuclein Oligomers and Restores Monomeric Glycated α-Synuclein

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1466
Author(s):  
Tamr B. Atieh ◽  
Jonathan Roth ◽  
Xue Yang ◽  
Cody L. Hoop ◽  
Jean Baum
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Oligomer Formation ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
Catalytic Cysteine ◽  
Solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Integrate Solution ◽  
Toxic Oligomer

Glycation of α-synuclein (αSyn), as occurs with aging, has been linked to the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) through the promotion of advanced glycation end-products and the formation of toxic oligomers that cannot be properly cleared from neurons. DJ-1, an antioxidative protein that plays a critical role in PD pathology, has been proposed to repair glycation in proteins, yet a mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we integrate solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to characterize glycated N-terminally acetylated-αSyn (glyc-ac-αSyn) and its interaction with DJ-1. Glycation of ac-αSyn by methylglyoxal increases oligomer formation, as visualized by AFM in solution, resulting in decreased dynamics of the monomer amide backbone around the Lys residues, as measured using NMR. Upon addition of DJ-1, this NMR signature of glyc-ac-αSyn monomers reverts to a native ac-αSyn-like character. This phenomenon is reversible upon removal of DJ-1 from the solution. Using relaxation-based NMR, we have identified the binding site on DJ-1 for glycated and native ac-αSyn as the catalytic pocket and established that the oxidation state of the catalytic cysteine is imperative for binding. Based on our results, we propose a novel mechanism by which DJ-1 scavenges glyc-ac-αSyn oligomers without chemical deglycation, suppresses glyc-ac-αSyn monomer–oligomer interactions, and releases free glyc-ac-αSyn monomers in solution. The interference of DJ-1 with ac-αSyn oligomers may promote free ac-αSyn monomer in solution and suppress the propagation of toxic oligomer and fibril species. These results expand the understanding of the role of DJ-1 in PD pathology by acting as a scavenger for aggregated αSyn.

scholarly journals All chemical YBa2Cu3O7 superconducting multilayers: Critical role of CeO2 cap layer flatness

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 1446-1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Coll ◽  
J. Gàzquez ◽  
R. Huhne ◽  
B. Holzapfel ◽  
Y. Morilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Buffer Layers ◽  
Solution Deposition ◽  
Ybco Films ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Current Densities ◽  
Atomically Flat

New advances toward microstructural improvement of epitaxial CeO2 films grown by chemical solution deposition and their use as buffer layers for YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) films are presented. We demonstrate that the degree of epitaxy and the fraction of (001) atomically flat surface area are controlled by the incorporation of tetravalent (Zr4+) or trivalent (Gd3+) cations into the ceria lattice. The degree of epitaxy has been investigated by means of Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy-channeling and reflection high-energy electron diffraction, and a new methodology is also presented to quantify the fraction of (001) atomically flat area from atomic force microscopy images. Results are further correlated with the superconducting properties, microstructure, and texture of YBCO films grown by the trifluoroacetate route. A comparison with pulsed laser deposition and YBCO films grown on the same ceria layers is also presented. This growth procedure has allowed us to obtain all chemical multilayer films with controlled microstructure and critical current densities above 4 MA cm−2 at 77 K.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of antiwear tribofilm growth revealed in situ by single-asperity sliding contacts

Science ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 348 (6230) ◽  
pp. 102-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. N. Gosvami ◽  
J. A. Bares ◽  
F. Mangolini ◽  
A. R. Konicek ◽  
D. G. Yablon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Thermally Activated ◽  
Single Asperity ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Sliding Interfaces ◽  
Lubricant Base Stock

Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs) form antiwear tribofilms at sliding interfaces and are widely used as additives in automotive lubricants. The mechanisms governing the tribofilm growth are not well understood, which limits the development of replacements that offer better performance and are less likely to degrade automobile catalytic converters over time. Using atomic force microscopy in ZDDP-containing lubricant base stock at elevated temperatures, we monitored the growth and properties of the tribofilms in situ in well-defined single-asperity sliding nanocontacts. Surface-based nucleation, growth, and thickness saturation of patchy tribofilms were observed. The growth rate increased exponentially with either applied compressive stress or temperature, consistent with a thermally activated, stress-assisted reaction rate model. Although some models rely on the presence of iron to catalyze tribofilm growth, the films grew regardless of the presence of iron on either the tip or substrate, highlighting the critical role of stress and thermal activation.

The role of cross-linking in the scratch resistance of organic coatings: An investigation using Atomic Force Microscopy

Wear ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 418-419 ◽  
pp. 151-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan F. Gonzalez-Martinez ◽  
Erum Kakar ◽  
Stefan Erkselius ◽  
Nicola Rehnberg ◽  
Javier Sotres
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Force Microscopy ◽  
Scratch Resistance ◽  
Organic Coatings ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force

scholarly journals Morphometric characterization of fibrinogen's αC regions and their role in fibrin self-assembly and molecular organization

Nanoscale ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (36) ◽  
pp. 13707-13716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna D. Protopopova ◽  
Rustem I. Litvinov ◽  
Dennis K. Galanakis ◽  
Chandrasekaran Nagaswami ◽  
Nikolay A. Barinov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atomic Force Microscopy ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Molecular Organization ◽  
Microscopy Imaging ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging ◽  
Morphometric Characterization

High-resolution atomic force microscopy imaging reveals the role of fibrinogen αC regions in the early stages of fibrin self-assembly.

scholarly journals The role of diabetes in the onset and development of endothelial dysfunction

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Era B. Popyhova ◽  
Tatiana V. Stepanova ◽  
Dar’ya D. Lagutina ◽  
Tatiana S. Kiriiazi ◽  
Alexey N. Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Glycation End Products ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell Migration ◽  
Basic Functions ◽  
Cell Migration And Proliferation ◽  
Radical Processes

The vascular endothelium performs many functions. It is a key regulator of vascular homeostasis, maintains a balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction, inhibition and stimulation of smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, fibrinolysis and thrombosis, and is involved to regulation of platelet adhesion and aggregation. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays the critical role in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) vascular complications. The purpose of this review was to consider the mechanisms leading to the occurrence of ED in DM. The paper discusses current literature data concerning the role of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, advanced glycation end products in endothelial alteration. A separate section is devoted to the particularities of the functioning of the antioxidant system and their significance in the development of ED in DM. The analysis of the literature allows to conclude that pathological activation of glucose utilization pathways causes damage of endothelial cells, which is accompanied by disorders of all their basic functions. Metabolic disorders in DM cause a pronounced imbalance of free radical processes and antioxidant defense, accompanied by oxidative stress of endotheliocytes, which contributes to the progression of ED and the development of vascular complications. Many aspects of multicomponent regulatory reactions in the pathogenesis of the development of ED in DM have not been sufficiently studied.

scholarly journals Nanostructural and mechanical changes in the sclera following proteoglycan depletion

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
Zhuola Zhuola ◽  
Steve Barrett ◽  
Yalda Ashraf Kharaz ◽  
Riaz Akhtar
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Collagen Fibril ◽  
Enzymatic Degradation ◽  
Ocular Tissues ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Nanomechanical Properties ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Fibril Morphology

The mechanical properties of ocular tissues, such as the sclera, have a major impact on healthy eye function, and are governed by the properties and composition of the microstructural components. For example, biomechanical degradation associated with myopia occurs alongside a reduction of proteoglycans (PGs). In this study, the role of PG degradation in the nanomechanical properties of the porcine sclera is explored. In-vitro enzymatic degradation of PGs was conducted with α-amylase and chondroitinase ABC enzymes. Collagen fibril morphology and nanomechanical stiffness were measured with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The elastic modulus of the tissue was reduced in all enzyme-treated samples relative to controls. In addition, collagen fibril organization was disrupted by PG depletion. Our data demonstrate that PGs play an important role in determining not only the mechanical properties at these length scales, but also collagen fibril arrangement.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document