Hierarchical Protofilament Intertwining Rules the Formation of Mixed-Curvature Amyloid Polymorphs


Date

2024-08

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Data

Abstract

Amyloid polymorphism is a hallmark of almost all amyloid species, yet the mechanisms underlying the formation of amyloid polymorphs and their complex architectures remain elusive. Commonly, two main mesoscopic topologies are found in amyloid polymorphs characterized by non-zero Gaussian and mean curvatures: twisted ribbons and helical fibrils, respectively. Here, a rich heterogeneity of configurations is demonstrated on insulin amyloid fibrils, where protofilament packing can occur, besides the common polymorphs, also in a combined mode forming mixed-curvature polymorphs. Through AFM statistical analysis, an extended array of heterogeneous architectures that are rationalized by mesoscopic theoretical arguments are identified. Notably, an unusual fibrillization pathway is also unraveled toward mixed-curvature polymorphs via the widespread recruitment and intertwining of protofilaments and protofibrils. The results present an original view of amyloid polymorphism and advance the fundamental understanding of the fibrillization mechanism from single protofilaments into mature amyloid fibrils.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

11 (32)

Pages / Article No.

2402740

Publisher

Wiley-VCH

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

amyloid polymorphism; atomic force microscopy; filament intertwining mechanism; mixed-curvature amyloid

Organisational unit

03857 - Mezzenga, Raffaele / Mezzenga, Raffaele check_circle

Notes

Funding

177195 - Molecular and Cellular Modulation in Parkinson's Disease (SNF)

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