Amyloid-forming peptides can bind Cu(II) and mediate formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn may contribute to amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. De novo designed 7-residue peptides assemble in the presence of Cu(II) into fibrils similar to those of A�. These fibrils are capable of generating ROS in the presence of H2O2 as evidenced by the oxidation of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, ABTS and TMB. The effects of Cu(II) coordination environment in the fibrils on the ROS formation are discussed. These small water-soluble peptides in combination with redox active metals like Cu(II) and Fe(II) can be used to catalyze a number of oxidation reactions. Among advantages of this approach is simple preparation of catalyst, ability to screen multiple coordination spheres by mixing different peptides and environmentally benign solvent. This work will extend our current understanding of the role of Cu(II) in oxidative stress and Alzheimer's as well as provide fibril-based catalysts for oxidation reactions.

Understanding production of reactive oxygen species in amyloid plaques using small peptide models

248th National Meeting (2014)

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