The Role of Amyloid β-Biomembrane Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from Liposomes as Membrane Models |
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Authors: | Stéphanie Andrade Dr Joana Angélica Loureiro Prof Maria Carmo Pereira |
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Institution: | LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal |
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Abstract: | The aggregation and deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide onto neuronal cells, with consequent cellular membrane perturbation, are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Substantial evidence reveals that biological membranes play a key role in this process. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms by which Aβ interacts with biomembranes and becomes neurotoxic is fundamental to developing effective therapies for this devastating progressive disease. However, the structural basis behind such interactions is not fully understood, largely due to the complexity of natural membranes. In this context, lipid biomembrane models provide a simplified way to mimic the characteristics and composition of membranes. Aβ-biomembrane interactions have been extensively investigated applying artificial membrane models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the AD pathogenesis. This review summarizes the latest findings on this field using liposomes as biomembrane model, as they are considered the most promising 3D model. The current challenges and future directions are discussed. |
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Keywords: | aggregation lipid bilayer membrane disruption phospholipids protein-membrane interaction |
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