Characterization of Uranyl (UO <sub>2</sub> <sup>2+</sup> ) Ion Binding to Amyloid Beta (Aβ) Peptides: Effects on Aβ Structure and Aggregation
Elina Berntsson, Faraz Vosough, Andra Noormägi, Kärt Padari, Fanny Asplund, Maciej Gielnik, Suman Paul, Jüri Jarvet, Vello Tõugu, Per M. Roos, Maciej Kozak, Astrid Gräslund, Andreas Barth, Margus Pooga, Peep Palumaa, Sebastian K.T.S. Wärmländer
Abstract
, of DU. We show for the first time that uranyl ions bind to Aβ peptides with affinities in the micromolar range, induce structural changes in Aβ monomers and oligomers, and inhibit Aβ fibrillization. This suggests a possible link between AD and U exposure, which could be further explored by cell, animal, and epidemiological studies. General toxic mechanisms of uranyl ions could be modulation of protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation.
Topics & Concepts
UranylChemistryUraniumCharacterization (materials science)RadiochemistryIonBinding siteBETA (programming language)CrystallographyNuclear chemistryBiochemistryMaterials scienceNanotechnologyPhysicsNuclear physicsOrganic chemistryComputer scienceProgramming languageAlzheimer's disease research and treatmentsEnzyme Structure and FunctionProtein Structure and Dynamics