OSMOLYTES : SCIENCE

OSMOLYTES : SCIENCE

NEWS: Osmolyte - protein interaction study can help treatments for Alzheimer's & Parkinson's

 

WHAT’S  IN THE NEWS?

  1. Role of Osmolytes:
    • Function: Small molecules that help proteins maintain their structure and function under stressful conditions.
    • Mechanism: Stabilize proteins and prevent them from misfolding, which is crucial because misfolded proteins can't perform their functions properly and can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
    • Potential: Due to their role in protein stability, osmolytes are considered potential targets for developing new drugs.
  2. Research Overview:
    • Team: Led by Dr. Shubhasis Haldar and his student Deep Chaudhuri.
    • Institution: S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology.
    • Technique: Used covalent magnetic tweezers to observe the folding and unfolding of individual protein molecules under different conditions and their interactions with osmolytes.
  3. Protein Focus:
    • Protein Studied: Protein L, a model protein used to study protein folding and stability.
    • Osmolytes Tested: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and trehalose.
  4. Findings on TMAO:
    • Low Concentrations (up to 1M): TMAO had little effect on the unfolding force of Protein L.
    • High Concentrations (1.5M): Significantly increased the strength of Protein L, making it more resistant to unfolding. This indicates that TMAO interacts with the folded state of Protein L, helping it stay folded and stable.
    • Health Implications: High levels of TMAO are linked to heart diseases. Understanding how TMAO interacts with proteins can lead to better treatments for conditions related to protein misfolding.
  5. Findings on Trehalose:
    • Effect: Stabilized the unfolded state of Protein L.
    • Implication: Shows that different osmolytes can have varied effects on protein stability, with trehalose acting in a manner opposite to TMAO.
  6. Health Implications:
    • Disease Treatment: Insights into how osmolytes stabilize proteins can help in designing drugs for neurodegenerative diseases and other conditions related to protein misfolding.
    • Potential for Drug Development: Knowledge gained from this research could aid in developing treatments that mimic or enhance the protective effects of osmolytes.
  7. Publication:
    • Journal: Research findings published in Nanoscale, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
    • Impact: The study's insights into protein stabilization by osmolytes are valuable for understanding and treating diseases caused by protein misfolding.

 Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2040822