Formation of cytotoxic transthyretin is not dependent on inter-molecular disulphide bridges commonly found within the amyloid form

Amyloid. 2008 Dec;15(4):240-5. doi: 10.1080/13506120802524916.

Abstract

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is linked to destabilising point mutations in the human plasma protein transthyretin (TTR). Consistent with similar amyloid disorders, low molecular weight TTR oligomers have been shown to exert the major cytotoxic effect. The amyloid structure of TTR contains non-native inter-molecular disulphide linkages via the cysteine at position 10 (Cys10). Moreover, substitution of Cys10 in a mouse model for TTR-amyloidosis abolishes TTR deposits, indicating an important role of Cys10 in FAP pathogenesis. However, the role of disulphide bridges in TTR cytotoxicity has not been elucidated. By probing Cys10Ser TTR variants to the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, we have addressed this question, and our results clearly show that formation of an inter-molecular disulphide bridge is not a pre-requisite for TTR cytotoxicity. This finding suggests that prevention of inter-molecular TTR disulphide bridges as a therapeutic intervention will not impair the cytotoxic potential of TTR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Amyloid / chemistry*
  • Amyloid / toxicity
  • Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial / etiology
  • Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial / genetics
  • Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cysteine / chemistry
  • Disulfides / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes / toxicity
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Prealbumin / chemistry*
  • Prealbumin / genetics
  • Prealbumin / toxicity
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / toxicity

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Disulfides
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Prealbumin
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Cysteine