Mapping long-range interactions in alpha-synuclein using spin-label NMR and ensemble
 

Mapping long-range interactions in alpha-synuclein using spin-label NMR and ensemble molecular dynamics simulations.

Related Articles Mapping long-range interactions in alpha-synuclein using spin-label NMR and ensemble molecular dynamics simulations.

J Am Chem Soc. 2005 Jan 19;127(2):476-7

Authors: Dedmon MM, Lindorff-Larsen K, Christodoulou J, Vendruscolo M, Dobson CM

The intrinsically disordered protein alpha-synuclein plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We show here that the native state of alpha-synuclein consists of a broad distribution of conformers with an ensemble-averaged hydrodynamic radius significantly smaller than that expected for a random coil structure. This partial condensation is driven by interactions between the highly charged C-terminus and a large hydrophobic central region of the protein sequence. We suggest that this structure could inhibit the formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates, which are thought to be the cytotoxic species responsible for neurodegeneration in PD.

PMID: 15643843 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Source: PubMed