Single particle detection and characterization of synuclein co-aggregation

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Aug 12;333(4):1202-10. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.06.025.

Abstract

Protein aggregation is the key event in a number of human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. We present a general method to quantify and characterize protein aggregates by dual-colour scanning for intensely fluorescent targets (SIFT). In addition to high sensitivity, this approach offers a unique opportunity to study co-aggregation processes. As the ratio of two fluorescently labelled components can be analysed for each aggregate separately in a homogeneous assay, the molecular composition of aggregates can be studied even in samples containing a mixture of different types of aggregates. Using this method, we could show that wild-type alpha-synuclein forms co-aggregates with a mutant variant found in familial Parkinson's disease. Moreover, we found a striking increase in aggregate formation at non-equimolar mixing ratios, which may have important therapeutic implications, as lowering the relative amount of aberrant protein may cause an increase of protein aggregation leading to adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / analysis
  • Amyloid / chemistry*
  • Amyloid / ultrastructure*
  • Binding Sites
  • Dimerization
  • Multiprotein Complexes / analysis
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry
  • Multiprotein Complexes / ultrastructure
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Protein Binding
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Synucleins
  • alpha-Synuclein

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Synucleins
  • alpha-Synuclein