Proteins are folded during their synthesis; this process may be spontaneous or assisted. Both phenomena are carefully regulated by the "housekeeping" mechanism and molecular chaperones to avoid the appearance of misfolded proteins. Unfolding process generally occurs during physiological degradation of protein, but in some specific cases it results from genetic or environmental changes and does not correspond to metabolic needs. The main outcome of these phenomena is the appearance of nonfunctional pathologically unfolded proteins with a strong tendency to aggregation. Moreover, for some of these unfolded proteins, the agglomeration that follows initial proteins association may give rise to highly structured soluble aggregates. These aggregates have been identified as the main cause of the so-called amyloidosis or amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases, and type II diabetes mellitus. Although some common mechanisms of amyloid protein aggregation have been identified, the roles of the environmental conditions inducing amyloidosis remain to be clarified. In this review, we will summarize recent studies identifying the origin of amyloid nucleation and will try to predict the therapeutic prospects that may be opened by elucidation of the amyloidosis mechanisms.

The S100 family, with about 20 members in humans, is composed of EF-hand calcium-regulated proteins and is linked to a range of serious human diseases, including cancer and autoimmune and neurological disorders. The oldest S100 family members are found in teleosts (bony fish). The zebrafish, Danio rerio, was suggested as a promising model system for in vivo studies on S100 family functions, and we chose to investigate zebrafish S100Z as the closest homologue of the metastasis-promoting human S100A4. Here, we report the first crystal structure of an S100 protein from this organism, the calcium-bound state of S100Z to 2.03 Å resolution. Crystal packing suggests higher-order oligomerisation of S100Z dimers, with a tetramerisation interface very similar to, but even more extensive than, that reported for S100A4. The interactions are primarily through the C-terminal αIV helices from adjacent dimers in an antiparallel orientation. Structural comparisons between known S100 multimeric assemblies together with analysis of calcium-driven changes to the dimerisation cores suggest a mechanism for calcium-promoted oligomerisation of S100 proteins.

We here aim to summarise the present knowledge on zinc binding by S100 proteins. While the importance of modulation of the function of the S100 family of EF-hand proteins by calcium is well established, a substantial proportion is also regulated by zinc or copper. Indeed regulation by zinc in addition to calcium was suggested almost as soon as the first S100 protein was discovered and has been confirmed for many family members by numerous experiments. For the first, "His-Zn", group, zinc-binding sites composed of three histidines and an aspartic acid were first proposed based on sequence comparisons and later confirmed by structural studies. A second, "Cys-Zn", group lacks such well-defined zinc-binding motifs and for these cysteines were suggested as the main zinc ligands. There is no three-dimensional structure for a Cys-Zn S100 in the presence of zinc. However, analysis of their sequences together with their X-ray structures in the absence of zinc suggests the possibility of two zinc-binding sites: a conserved site with a degree of similarity to those of the His-Zn group and a less-defined site with a Cys interdimer-binding motif. Some S100 protein-mediated events, such as signalling in the extracellular space, where the levels of calcium are already high, are most unlikely to be calcium regulated. Therefore, a broader knowledge of the role of zinc in the functioning of the S100 proteins will add significantly to the understanding how they propagate their signals.

The functions of the members of the S100 family of EF-hand proteins are modulated by calcium and, in a number of cases, by zinc or copper. One such protein is S100A12, which is implicated in inflammation and host-parasite responses. Previously, we reported the structures of human S100A12 in both low (dimeric) and high (hexameric) calcium forms and, in addition, that of a complex with copper and calcium. Here we report the crystal structures of the metal-free apo form of human S100A12 at 1.77 A resolution and of the zinc complex in two crystal forms (P2(1)2(1)2(1) and F222) to 1.88 A and 1.73 A resolution, respectively. These are the first structures of a zinc-only complex of an S100 protein to be determined. The zinc complex structure shows significant differences from those of both calcium-loaded and apo-S100A12 structures, and comparisons suggest an explanation for the zinc-induced 1500-fold increase in calcium affinity. In addition, the new structures provide insight into the role of zinc-calcium interplay in the transition of S100A12 from a dimer through a tetramer to a hexamer. The role of both zinc and calcium in target binding by S100A12 during host-parasite responses is confirmed by experiments with paramyosin from the tropical parasites Onchocerca volvulus and Brugia malayi.

Background Human S100A12 is a member of the S100 family of EF-hand calcium-modulated proteins that are associated with many diseases including cancer, chronic inflammation and neurological disorders. S100A12 is an important factor in host/parasite defenses and in the inflammatory response. Like several other S100 proteins, it binds zinc and copper in addition to calcium. Mechanisms of zinc regulation have been proposed for a number of S100 proteins e.g. S100B, S100A2, S100A7, S100A8/9. The interaction of S100 proteins with their targets is strongly dependent on cellular microenvironment. Results The aim of the study was to explore the factors that influence S100A12 oligomerization and target interaction. A comprehensive series of biochemical and biophysical experiments indicated that changes in the concentration of calcium and zinc led to changes in the oligomeric state of S100A12. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed that the presence of both calcium and zinc is essential for the interaction of S100A12 with one of its extracellular targets, RAGE – the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products. By using a single-molecule approach we have shown that the presence of zinc in tissue culture medium favors both the oligomerization of exogenous S100A12 protein and its interaction with targets on the cell surface. Conclusion We have shown that oligomerization and target recognition by S100A12 is regulated by both zinc and calcium. Our present work highlighted the potential role of calcium-binding S100 proteins in zinc metabolism and, in particular, the role of S100A12 in the cross talk between zinc and calcium in cell signaling.

Deimination is the post-translational conversion of arginine residues to citrulline. It has been implicated as a causative factor in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis and more recently, as a marker of neurodegeneration. We have investigated the effect of the post-translational modification of arginine residues on the structure of recombinant ovine prion protein. Deiminated prion protein exhibited biophysical properties characteristic of the scrapie-associated conformer of prion protein viz. an increased beta-sheet secondary structure, congophilic structures indicative of amyloid and proteinase K resistance which could be templated onto normal unmodified prion protein. In the light of these findings, a potential role of post-translational modifications to prion protein in disease initiation or propagation is discussed.

Formation of PrP aggregates is considered to be a characteristic event in the pathogenesis of TSE diseases, accompanied by brain inflammation and neurodegeneration. Factors identified as contributing to aggregate formation are of interest as potential therapeutic targets. We report that in vitro proteolysis of ovine PrP94–233 (at neutral pH and in the absence of denaturants) by the protease cathepsin S, a cellular enzyme that also shows enhanced expression in pathogenic conditions, occurs selectively in the region 135–156. This results in an unusually efficient, concentration-dependent conformational conversion of a large subfragment of PrP94–233 into a soluble β-structured oligomeric intermediate species, that readily forms a thioflavin-T-positive aggregate. N-terminal sequencing of the proteolysis fragments shows the aggregating species have marked sequence similarities to truncated PrP variants known to confer unusually severe pathogenicity when transgenically expressed in PrPo/o mice. Circular dichroism analysis shows that PrP fragments 138–233, 144–233 and 156–233 are significantly less stable than PrP94–233. This implies an important structural contribution of the β1 sequence within the globular domain of PrP. We propose that the removal or detachment of the β1 sequence enhances β-oligomer formation from the globular domain, leading to aggregation. The cellular implications are that specific proteases may have an important role in the generation of membrane-bound, potentially toxic, β-oligomeric PrP species in pre-amyloid states of prion diseases. Such species may induce cell death by lysis, and also contribute to the transport of PrP to neuronal targets with subsequent amplification of pathogenic effects.

Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are typically characterised by CNS accumulation of PrPSc, an aberrant conformer of a normal cellular protein PrPC. It is thought PrPSc is itself infectious and the causative agent of such diseases. To date, no chemical modifications of PrPSc, or a sub-population thereof, have been reported. In this study we have investigated whether chemical modification of amino acids within PrP might cause this protein to exhibit aberrant properties and whether these properties can be propagated onto unmodified prion protein. Of particular interest were post-translational modifications resulting from physiological conditions shown to be associated with TSE disease. Here we report that in vitro exposure of recombinant PrP to conditions that imitate the end effects of oxidative/nitrative stress in TSE-infected mouse brains cause the protein to adopt many of the physical characteristics of PrPSc. Most interestingly, these properties could be propagated onto unmodified PrP protein when the modified protein was used as a template. These data suggest that post-translational modifications of PrP might contribute to the initiation and/or propagation of prion protein-associated plaques in vivo during prion disease, thereby high-lighting novel biochemical pathways as possible therapeutic targets for these conditions.

Defects in axonal transport and synaptic dysfunctions are associated with early stages of several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases. Here, we tested the effect of full-length mammalian prion protein (rPrP) converted into three conformationally different isoforms to induce pathological changes regarded as early subcellular hallmarks of prion disease. We employed human embryonal teratocarcinoma NTERA2 cells (NT2) that were terminally differentiated into neuronal and glial cells and co-cultured together. We found that rPrP fibrils but not alpha-rPrP or soluble beta-sheet rich oligomers caused degeneration of neuronal processes. Degeneration of processes was accompanied by a collapse of microtubules and aggregation of cytoskeletal proteins, formation of neuritic beads, and a dramatic change in localization of synaptophysin. Our studies demonstrated the utility of NT2 cells as valuable human model system for elucidating subcellular events of prion pathogenesis, and supported the emerging hypothesis that defects in neuronal transport and synaptic abnormalities are early pathological hallmarks associated with prion diseases.

S100A12 is a calcium-binding protein predominantly found in neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes. Its usefulness in monitoring inflammatory disease states depends on documentation that assay results are reliable. This study aimed at defining guidelines for blood sampling, selection of optimal material handling and reference intervals in healthy controls while taking into account the basic features of S100A12. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was developed based upon antibodies induced in rabbits by injection of recombinant S100A12. Our studies confirm that oligomers of S100A12 are generated in the presence of calcium. Structural changes in S100A12 mediated by calcium influence the interaction with antibody. This is proposed as the background for our very low readings of S100A12 in Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) plasma. Individual S100A12 levels did not change substantially over a 5-week sampling period. Based upon testing of 150 blood donors we suggest reference intervals of S100A12 in serum to be 49-1340 microg/l for women and 27-1750 microg/l for men. The estimated mean concentrations were 234 microg/l in serum samples (range 12-15791), 114 microg/l (range 3-17282) in re-calcified EDTA plasma and 48 microg/l (range 2-14843) in heparin plasma. Without adding calcium to EDTA plasma before running the assay, concentrations were around 2 microg/l (16 persons). S100A12 quantification is assumed to become relevant for diagnostic use in many disease states. The importance of the handling and analysing conditions for a reliable result was examined. We recommend serum collected in gel-containing tubes as the preferred sample material and have suggested reference intervals for healthy individuals.

S100A4 (also known as Mts1, metastasin, p9Ka, pEL98, CAPL, calvasculin, Fsp-1, placental calcium-binding protein) belongs to the family of EF-hand calcium-binding proteins, whose expression is elevated in a number of pathological conditions. Although it is well documented that S100A4 is expressed in cancer cells and contributes to tumor cell motility and metastatic progression, the exact underlying mechanisms remain elusive. An important characteristic feature of S100 proteins is their dual function, inside and outside the cell. In this review, we focus on the intracellular function of S100A4. The review contains structural analysis of S1004 in comparison with other members of S100 proteins. Possible modes of the interaction of S100 proteins with targets are described. Several examples of best-studied molecular interactions involving S100A4 with heavy chain of nonmuscle myosin IIA, LAR-interacting protein liprin beta1 and tumor suppressor protein p53 are provided. We suggest that the binding of S100A4 to these molecules is critical for the S100A4 function. Further studies of the implications of these interactions in different molecular pathways may shed additional light on the role of S100A4 protein in the control of tumor cell motility and migration. We discuss the approaches for down-regulation of S100A4 expression and their potential for application in the clinics.

Calgranulin C (S100A12) is a member of the S100 family of proteins that undergoes a conformational change upon calcium binding allowing them to interact with target molecules and initiate biological responses; one such target is the receptor for advanced glycation products (RAGE). The RAGE-calgranulin C interaction mediates a pro-inflammatory response to cellular stress and can contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory lesions. The soluble extracellular part of RAGE (sRAGE) was shown to decrease the inflammation response possibly by scavenging RAGE-activating ligands. Here, by using high resolution NMR spectroscopy, we identified the sRAGE-calgranulin C interaction surface. Ca2+ binding creates two symmetric hydrophobic surfaces on Ca2+-calgranulin C that allow calgranulin C to bind to the C-type immunoglobulin domain of RAGE. Apo-calgranulin C also binds to sRAGE using a completely different surface and with substantially lower affinity, thus underscoring the role of Ca2+ binding to S100 proteins as a molecular switch. By using native gel electrophoresis, chromatography, and fluorescence spectroscopy, we established that sRAGE forms tetramers that bind to hexamers of Ca2+-calgranulin C. This arrangement creates a large platform for effectively transmitting RAGE-dependent signals from extracellular S100 proteins to the cytoplasmic signaling complexes.

The coexistence of multiple strains or subtypes of the disease-related isoform of prion protein ( PrP) in natural isolates, together with the observed conformational heterogeneity of PrP amyloid fibrils generated in vitro, indicates the importance of probing the conformation of single particles within heterogeneous samples. Using an array of PrP-specific antibodies, we report the development of a novel immunoconformational assay. Uniquely, application of this new technology allows the conformation of multimeric PrP within a single fibril or particle to be probed without pretreatment of the sample with proteinase K. Using amyloid fibrils prepared from full-length recombinant PrP, we demonstrated the utility of this assay to define ( i) PrP regions that are surface-exposed or buried, ( ii) the susceptibility of defined PrP regions to GdnHCl-induced denaturation, and ( iii) the conformational heterogeneity of PrP fibrils as measured for either the entire fibrillar population or for individual fibrils. Specifically, PrP regions 159 - 174 and 224 230 were shown to be buried and were the most resistant to denaturation. The 132 - 156 segment of PrP was found to be cryptic under native conditions and solvent-exposed under partially denaturing conditions, whereas the region 95 - 105 was solvent-accessible regardless of the solvent conditions. Remarkably, a subfraction of fibrils showed immunoreactivity to PrPSc-specific antibodies designated as IgGs 89 - 112 and 136 - 158. The immunoreactivity of the conformational epitopes was reduced upon exposure to partially denaturing conditions. Unexpectedly, PrPSc-specific antibodies revealed conformational polymorphisms even within individual fibrils. Our studies provide valuable new insight into fibrillar substructure and offer a new tool for probing the conformation of single PrP fibrils.

Functionalisation of PAMAM dendrimers with a small number of thiol groups makes them good ligands for CdSe/ ZnSe nanoparticles; the particles coated with thiolated dendrimers have good cell permeability and are potent transfection agents.