Uncovering the Mechanism of Aggregation of Human Transthyretin.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

J Biol Chem, Volume 290, Issue 48, p.28932-43 (2015)

Keywords:

Amyloid, Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial, Humans, Models, Molecular, Peptides, Prealbumin, Protein Aggregates, Protein Structure, Secondary

Abstract:

<p>The tetrameric thyroxine transport protein transthyretin (TTR) forms amyloid fibrils upon dissociation and monomer unfolding. The aggregation of transthyretin has been reported as the cause of the life-threatening transthyretin amyloidosis. The standard treatment of familial cases of TTR amyloidosis has been liver transplantation. Although aggregation-preventing strategies involving ligands are known, understanding the mechanism of TTR aggregation can lead to additional inhibition approaches. Several models of TTR amyloid fibrils have been proposed, but the segments that drive aggregation of the protein have remained unknown. Here we identify β-strands F and H as necessary for TTR aggregation. Based on the crystal structures of these segments, we designed two non-natural peptide inhibitors that block aggregation. This work provides the first characterization of peptide inhibitors for TTR aggregation, establishing a novel therapeutic strategy.</p>

PDB: 
4TLT 4TL4 4TKW 4TNE 4TM9 4TL5 5TLS 4TLK 4XFN 4XFO
Detector: 
PILATUS
Beamline: 
24-ID-C
24-ID-E