Issue 3, 2011

Interactions of Zn(ii) and Cu(ii) ions with Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptide. Metal ion binding, contribution to fibrillization and toxicity

Abstract

Amyloid-β peptides () are key molecules in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology as they form amyloid plaques that are primary hallmarks of AD. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that the biometals zinc(II) and copper(II) interact with peptides and have an influence on their fibrillization and toxicity. Zinc and copper ions are abundantly present in the synaptic areas of the brain, and it is likely that the age-related dyshomeostasis of these biometals is associated with AD pathology. In this review we summarize the knowledge of the interactions of zinc and copper ions with peptides, their role in fibrillization and toxicity and provide a critical analysis of the conflicting results in the field. Copper ions entrapped in fibrils are electrochemically active and can generate ROS in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and reducing agents. This might provide a key for understanding the putative role of copper in toxicity and AD pathology.

Graphical abstract: Interactions of Zn(ii) and Cu(ii) ions with Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptide. Metal ion binding, contribution to fibrillization and toxicity

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
10 Nov 2010
Accepted
07 Feb 2011
First published
25 Feb 2011

Metallomics, 2011,3, 250-261

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