loading page

The amyloid concentric β-barrel hypothesis: models of Synuclein oligomers, annular protofibrils, lipoproteins, and transmembrane channels.
  • H, Guy,
  • Stewart Durell
H, Guy
Amyloid Research Consultants

Corresponding Author:hrguy46@yahoo.com

Author Profile
Stewart Durell
National Cancer Institute
Author Profile

Abstract

Amyloid beta (Aβ of Alzheimer’s disease) and α-synuclein (α-Syn of Parkinson’s disease) form large fibrils. Evidence is increasing however that much smaller oligomers are more toxic and that these oligomers can form transmembrane ion channels. We have proposed previously that Aβ42 oligomers, annular protofibrils, and ion channels adopt concentric β-barrel molecular structures. Here we extend that hypothesis to the superfamily of α, β, and γ-synucleins. Our models of numerous Synuclein oligomers, annular protofibrils, tubular protofibrils, lipoproteins, and ion channels were developed to be consistent with sizes, shapes, molecular weights, and secondary structures of assemblies as determined by EM and other studies. The models have the following features: 1) all subunits have identical structures and interactions; 2) they are consistent with conventional β-barrel theory; 3) the distance between walls of adjacent β-barrels is between 0.6 and 1.2 nm; 4) hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, interactions among aromatic side-chains, burial and tight packing of hydrophobic side-chains, and aqueous solvent exposure of hydrophilic side-chains are relatively optimal; and 5) residues that are identical among distantly related homologous proteins cluster in the interior of most oligomers whereas residues that are hypervariable are exposed on protein surfaces. Atomic scale models of some assemblies were developed.
09 Apr 2021Submitted to PROTEINS: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics
13 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
13 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
05 May 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept