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The Role of Structural Polymorphism in Driving the Mechanical Performance of the Alzheimer's Beta Amyloid Fibrils
oleh: Gianvito Grasso, Martina Rebella, Umberto Morbiducci, Jack A. Tuszynski, Jack A. Tuszynski, Andrea Danani, Marco A. Deriu
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | Frontiers Media S.A. 2019-04-01 |
Deskripsi
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is related with the abnormal aggregation of amyloid β-peptides Aβ1−40 and Aβ1−42, the latter having a polymorphic character which gives rise to U- or S-shaped fibrils. Elucidating the role played by the nanoscale-material architecture on the amyloid fibril stability is a crucial breakthrough to better understand the pathological nature of amyloid structures and to support the rational design of bio-inspired materials. The computational study here presented highlights the superior mechanical behavior of the S-architecture, characterized by a Young's modulus markedly higher than the U-shaped architecture. The S-architecture showed a higher mechanical resistance to the enforced deformation along the fibril axis, consequence of a better interchain hydrogen bonds' distribution. In conclusion, this study, focusing the attention on the pivotal multiscale relationship between molecular phenomena and material properties, suggests the S-shaped Aβ1−42 species as a target of election in computational screen/design/optimization of effective aggregation modulators.