Elucidating the Effect of Static Electric Field on Amyloid Beta 1–42 Supramolecular Assembly

• Published in: Journal of molecular graphics & modelling 2020-05, Vol.96, p.107535, Article 107535
• Main Authors: Muscat, S., Stojceski, F., Danani, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alzheimer disease; Amyloid beta; Computational modelling; Dipole moment; Fibril detachment; Molecular dynamics; Static electric field; Supramolecular assembly
• ISSN: 1093-3263; 1873-4243
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107535

Amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation is recognized to be a key toxic factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, which is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In vitro experiments have elucidated that Aβ aggregation depends on several factors, such as pH, temperature and peptide concentration. Despite the research effort in this field, the fundamental mechanism responsible for the disease progression is still unclear. Recent research has proposed the application of electric fields as a non-invasive therapeutic option leading to the disruption of amyloid fibrils. In this regard, a molecular level understanding of the interactions governing the destabilization mechanism represents an important research advancement. Understanding the electric field effects on proteins, provides a more in-depth comprehension of the relationship between protein conformation and electrostatic dipole moment. The present study focuses on investigating the effect of static Electric Field (EF) on the conformational dynamics of Aβ fibrils by all-atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The outcome of this work provides novel insight into this research field, demonstrating how the Aβ assembly may be destabilized by the applied EF. [Display omitted] •Molecular dynamics (MD) investigation of static electric field (EF) influence on Amyloid Beta 1–42 (Aβ1-42).•The beta-sheet secondary structure is a key factor of Aβ stability.•The maximization of electric dipole moment is the driving force that lead to the amyloid-beta protein destabilization.•An external EF can be used as disaggregating agent of Aβ fibril.