The p3 peptides (Aβ17-40/42) rapidly form amyloid fibrils that cross-seed with full-length Aβ

Abstract The p3 peptides, Aβ17-40/42, are a common alternative cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein, and are found in diffuse amyloid deposits of Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome brains. The p3 peptides have been mis-named ‘non-amyloidogenic’. Here we show p340/42 peptides rapidly form amy...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yao Tian, Andrea P. Torres-Flores, Qi Shang, Hui Zhang, Anum Khursheed, Bogachan Tahirbegi, Patrick N. Pallier, John H. Viles
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57341-4
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Summary:Abstract The p3 peptides, Aβ17-40/42, are a common alternative cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein, and are found in diffuse amyloid deposits of Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome brains. The p3 peptides have been mis-named ‘non-amyloidogenic’. Here we show p340/42 peptides rapidly form amyloid fibrils, with kinetics dominated by secondary nucleation. Importantly, cross-seeding experiments, with full-length Aβ induces a strong nucleation between p3 and Aβ peptides. The cross-seeding interaction is highly specific, and occurs only when the C-terminal residues are matched. We have imaged membrane interactions with p3, and monitored Ca2+ influx and cell viability with p3 peptide. Together this data suggests the N-terminal residues influence, but are not essential for, membrane disruption. Single particle analysis of TEM images indicates p3 peptides can form ring-like annular oligomers. Patch-clamp electrophysiology, shows p342 oligomers are capable of forming large ion-channels across cellular membranes. A role for p3 peptides in disease pathology should be considered as p3 peptides are cytotoxic and cross-seed Aβ fibril formation in vitro.
ISSN:2041-1723