Amyloids, amorphous aggregates and assemblies of peptides - Assessing aggregation

Biophys Chem. 2024 Feb 15;308:107202. doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107202. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAmyloid and amorphous aggregates represent the two major categories of aggregates associated with diseases, and although exhibiting distinct features, researchers often treat them as equivalent, which demonstrates the need for more thorough characterization. Here, we compare amyloid and amorphous aggregates based on their biochemical properties, kinetics, and morphological features. To further decipher this issue, we propose the use of peptide self-assemblies as minimalistic models for understanding the aggregation process. Peptide building blocks are significantly smaller than proteins that participate in aggregation, however, they make a plausible means to bridge the gap in discerning the aggregation process at the more complex, protein level. Additionally, we explore the potential use of peptide-inspired models to research the liquid-liquid phase separation as a feasible mechanism preceding amyloid formation. Connecting these concepts can help clarify our understanding of aggregation-related disorders and potentially provide novel drug targets to impede and reverse these serious illnesses.PMID:38382283 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107202

Source: Biophysical Chemistry - February 21, 2024 Category: Chemistry Authors: Maja Jukovi ć Ivana Ratkaj Daniela Kalafatovic Nicholas J Bradshaw Source Type: research