Journal articles

The presynaptic protein α-synuclein (aSyn) is an 'intrinsically disordered protein' that is highly dynamic in conformation. Transient intramolecular interactions between its charged N and C termini, and between its hydrophobic region and the C terminus, prevent self-association. These interactions inhibit the formation of insoluble inclusions, which are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease and many other synucleinopathies. This review discusses how these intramolecular interactions are influenced by the specific environment aSyn is in.

Understanding the mechanisms behind amyloid protein aggregation in diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease is often hampered by the reproducibility of in vitro assays. Yet, understanding the basic mechanisms of protein misfolding is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. We show here, that for the amyloid protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn), a protein involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD), chromatographic buffers and storage conditions can significantly interfere with the overall structure of the protein and thus affect protein aggregation kinetics.

Alpha-synuclein is known to bind to small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) via its N terminus, which forms an amphipathic alpha-helix upon membrane interaction. Here we show that calcium binds to the C terminus of alpha-synuclein, therewith increasing its lipid-binding capacity. Using CEST-NMR, we reveal that alpha-synuclein interacts with isolated synaptic vesicles with two regions, the N terminus, already known from studies on SUVs, and additionally via its C terminus, which is regulated by the binding of calcium.

Alpha-synuclein is known to bind to small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) via its N-terminus which forms an amphipathic alpha-helix upon membrane interaction. Here we show that calcium binds to the C-terminus of alpha-synuclein, therewith increasing its lipid binding capacity. Using CEST-NMR we reveal that alpha-synuclein interacts with isolated synaptic vesicles with two regions, the N-terminus, already known from studies on SUVs, and additionally via its C-terminus, which is regulated by the binding of calcium.

BACKGROUND. Acute thrombotic syndromes lead to atherosclerotic plaque rupture with subsequent thrombus formation, myocardial infarction and stroke. Following rupture, flowing blood is exposed to plaque components, including collagen, which triggers platelet activation and aggregation. However, plaque rupture releases other components into the surrounding vessel which have the potential to influence platelet function and thrombus formation. OBJECTIVES.

Summary. Background: Platelet collagen receptor GPVI binds collagen, initiating thrombogenesis and stabilizes thrombi by binding fibrin. Objectives: To determine if GPVI-dimer, monomer, or both bind to fibrinogen substrates, and which region common to these substrates contains the interaction site. Methods: Recombinant GPVI monomeric extracellular domain (GPVIex) or dimeric Fc-fusion protein (GPVI-Fc2) binding to immobilized fibrinogen derivatives was measured by ELISA, including competition assays involving collagenous substrates and fibrinogen derivatives.

Following platelet adhesion and primary activation at sites of vascular injury, secondary platelet activation is induced by soluble platelet agonists, such as ADP, ATP, thrombin and thromboxane. Zinc ions are also released from platelets and damaged cells and have been shown to act as a platelet agonist. However, the mechanism of zinc-induced platelet activation is not well understood.

BACKGROUND: Atherothrombosis underlies acute coronary syndromes, including unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. Within the unstable plaque, monocytes express collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-13, which degrades fibrous collagen. Following rupture, vessel wall components including degraded collagen are exposed to circulating platelets. Platelet receptors then mediate the recruitment and activation of platelets to form a thrombus, blocking blood flow and resulting in myocardial infarction and sudden death.

Remodeling of collagen by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is crucial to tissue homeostasis and repair. MMP-13 is a collagenase with a substrate preference for collagen II over collagens I and III. It recognizes a specific, well-known site in the tropocollagen molecule where its binding locally perturbs the triple helix, allowing the catalytic domain of the active enzyme to cleave the collagen α chains sequentially, at Gly(775)-Leu(776) in collagen II.