In vitro study of magnetite-amyloid β complex formation
Abstract
Biogenic magnetite (Fe3O4) has been identified in human brain tissue. However, abnormal concentration of magnetite nanoparticles in the brain has been observed in different neurodegenerative pathologies. In the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), these magnetic nanoparticles have been identified attached to the characteristic brain plaques, which are mainly formed by fibrils of amyloid β peptide (Aβ). However, few clues about the formation of the magnetite-Aβ complex have been reported. We have investigated the interaction between these important players in AD with superconducting quantum interference, scanning electron microscope, surface plasmon resonance, and magnetic force microscopy. The results support the notion that the magnetite-Aβ complex is created before the synthesis of the magnetic nanoparticles, bringing a highly stable interaction of this couple.
Abnormal concentration of magnetite nanoparticles in the brain has been observed in different neurodegenerative pathologies. In the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), these magnetic nanoparticles have been identified attached to the fibrils of amyloid β peptide (Aβ). However, few clues about the formation of the magnetite-Aβ complex have been reported. This work represents a first approach to study the association of magnetite nanoparticles and Aβ in vitro.
Iron can adopt both the ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) valence states in vivo. The ability to change from one state to the other confers a very important role on iron in different biological oxidation and transport processes. However, the disruption of the normal iron metabolism can entail harmful consequences because Fe3+ and, especially, Fe2+ generate toxic free radicals mainly via the Fenton reaction.
Key words: Alzheimer pathology, Amyloid peptide (AB 42), Magnetite, Neurodegenerative disease
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The authors have no conflict of interest and/or commercial associations, current and within the past 5 years that might pose a potential, perceived, or real conflict of interest.
This research has been financed by CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the VI National R&D&I Plan 2008-2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program, CIBER Actions, and financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. The Nanobioengineering group has support from the Commission for Universities and Research of the Department of Innovation, Universities, and Enterprise of the Generalitat de Catalunya (2009 SGR 505). This study was also supported by the “Fundación M. Botín”, Santander, Spain and J.J.V.-D. and X.F.-B. were supported by grant 2009SGR-760 from the Generalitat de Catalunya.
PII: S1549-9634(11)00531-4
doi:10.1016/j.nano.2011.11.010
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
