Distinct hydration properties of wild-type and familial point mutant A53T of α-synuclein associated with Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT: The propensity of α-synuclein to form amyloid plays an important role in Parkinson's disease. Three familial mutations, A30P, E46K, and A53T, correlate with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, unraveling the structural effects of these mutations has basic implications in understanding the molecular basis of the disease. Here, we address this issue through comparing details of the hydration of wild-type α-synuclein and its A53T mutant by a combination of wide-line NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular dynamics simulations. All three approaches suggest a hydrate shell compatible with a largely disordered state of both proteins. Its fine details, however, are different, with the mutant displaying a somewhat higher level of hydration, suggesting a bias to more open structures, favo

SUBMITTER: Hazy E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3207174 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature