Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. These pathological aggregates interfere with neuronal function, leading to the disruption of cognitive processes, particularly memory. The d...

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Main Authors: Liang Zhao, Weiye Jiang, Zehui Zhu, Fei Pan, Xin Xing, Feng Zhou, Lei Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Foods
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/24/4170
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author Liang Zhao
Weiye Jiang
Zehui Zhu
Fei Pan
Xin Xing
Feng Zhou
Lei Zhao
author_facet Liang Zhao
Weiye Jiang
Zehui Zhu
Fei Pan
Xin Xing
Feng Zhou
Lei Zhao
author_sort Liang Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. These pathological aggregates interfere with neuronal function, leading to the disruption of cognitive processes, particularly memory. The deposition of Aβ forms senile plaques, while tau protein, in its hyperphosphorylated state, forms neurofibrillary tangles, both of which contribute to the underlying neurodegeneration observed in AD. Rosmarinic acid (RosA), a natural compound found in plants such as <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i>, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, RosA holds promise as a nutritional supplement that may support brain health. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the impact of RosA on the structural stability of Aβ peptides. The results indicated that the addition of RosA increased the instability of Aβ, as evidenced by an increase in the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), a decrease in the Radius of Gyration (Rg), and an expansion of the Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA). This destabilization is primarily attributed to the disruption of native hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in the presence of two RosA molecules. The free energy landscape (FEL) analysis and MM-PBSA (Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area Mechanics) results further support the notion that RosA can effectively bind to the hydrophobic pocket of the protein, highlighting its potential as a nutritional component that may contribute to maintaining brain health and function.
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spelling doaj-art-5814d3d2281d40dbadfd9dd285ed842f2025-08-20T02:55:57ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582024-12-011324417010.3390/foods13244170Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics SimulationsLiang Zhao0Weiye Jiang1Zehui Zhu2Fei Pan3Xin Xing4Feng Zhou5Lei Zhao6Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, ChinaKey Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, ChinaKey Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, ChinaInstitute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, ChinaKey Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, ChinaAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. These pathological aggregates interfere with neuronal function, leading to the disruption of cognitive processes, particularly memory. The deposition of Aβ forms senile plaques, while tau protein, in its hyperphosphorylated state, forms neurofibrillary tangles, both of which contribute to the underlying neurodegeneration observed in AD. Rosmarinic acid (RosA), a natural compound found in plants such as <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i>, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, RosA holds promise as a nutritional supplement that may support brain health. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the impact of RosA on the structural stability of Aβ peptides. The results indicated that the addition of RosA increased the instability of Aβ, as evidenced by an increase in the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), a decrease in the Radius of Gyration (Rg), and an expansion of the Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA). This destabilization is primarily attributed to the disruption of native hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in the presence of two RosA molecules. The free energy landscape (FEL) analysis and MM-PBSA (Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area Mechanics) results further support the notion that RosA can effectively bind to the hydrophobic pocket of the protein, highlighting its potential as a nutritional component that may contribute to maintaining brain health and function.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/24/4170Alzheimer’s diseaserosmarinic acidamyloid-β peptidemolecular dynamicsfree energy landscapePoisson–Boltzmann surface area mechanics
spellingShingle Liang Zhao
Weiye Jiang
Zehui Zhu
Fei Pan
Xin Xing
Feng Zhou
Lei Zhao
Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Foods
Alzheimer’s disease
rosmarinic acid
amyloid-β peptide
molecular dynamics
free energy landscape
Poisson–Boltzmann surface area mechanics
title Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
title_full Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
title_fullStr Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
title_full_unstemmed Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
title_short Rosemarinic Acid-Induced Destabilization of Aβ Peptides: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
title_sort rosemarinic acid induced destabilization of aβ peptides insights from molecular dynamics simulations
topic Alzheimer’s disease
rosmarinic acid
amyloid-β peptide
molecular dynamics
free energy landscape
Poisson–Boltzmann surface area mechanics
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/24/4170
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