Models of -Amyloid Ion-Channels in the Membrane Suggest that Channel Formation in the Bilayer is a Dynamic Process

¹ NCI-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, Inc.
² SAIC Frederick, Inc

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jangh{at}ncifcrf.gov.

Submitted on April 3, 2007
Revised on May 7, 2007
Accepted on 18 May 2007

	Abstract

Here we model the Alzheimer -peptide ion channel with the goal of obtaining insight into the mechanism of amyloid toxicity. The models are built based on NMR data of the oligomers, with the universal U-shaped (strand-turn-strand) motif. Following 30 ns simulations in the bilayer, the channel dimensions, shapes and subunit organization are in good agreement with atomic force microscopy (AFM). Here, the models use the A_17-42 pentamer NMR-based coordinates. Extension and bending of the straight oligomers lead to two channel topologies, depending on the direction of the curvature: (1) the polar/charged N-terminal -strand of A_17-42 faces the water-filled pore and the hydrophobic C-terminal -strand faces the bilayer (CNpNC; p for pore); (2) the C-terminal -strand faces the solvated pore (NCpCN). In the atomistic simulations in a fully solvated DOPC lipid bilayer, the first (CNpNC) channel preserves the pore and conducts solvent; by contrast, hydrophobic collapse blocks the NCpCN channel. AFM demonstrated open pores and collapsed complexes. The final averaged CNpNC pore dimensions (outer diameter 8 nm; inner diameter ~2.5 nm) are in the AFM range (8-12 nm; ~2 nm, respectively). Further, in agreement with high resolution AFM images, during the simulations the channels spontaneously break into ordered subunits in the bilayer; however, we also observe that the subunits are loosely connected by partially disordered inner -sheet, suggesting subunit mobility in the bilayer. The cationic channel has strong selective affinity for Ca²⁺, supporting experimental calcium-selective -amyloid channels. Membrane permeability and consequent disruption of calcium homeostasis were implicated in cellular degeneration. Consequently, the CNpNC channel topology can sign cell death, offering insight into amyloid toxicity via an ion "trap-release" transport mechanism. The observed loosely connected subunit organization suggests that amyloid channel formation in the bilayer is a dynamic, fluid process involving subunit association, dissociation and channel rearrangements.

Key Words: Alzheimer, amyloid channel, calcium-permeable pore, molecular dynamics simulation, oligomer, toxicity

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