Interaction between oligomers of stefin B and amyloid-beta in vitro and in cells

J Biol Chem. 2010 Jan 29;285(5):3201-10. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.024620. Epub 2009 Dec 2.

Abstract

To contribute to the question of the putative role of cystatins in Alzheimer disease and in neuroprotection in general, we studied the interaction between human stefin B (cystatin B) and amyloid-beta-(1-40) peptide (Abeta). Using surface plasmon resonance and electrospray mass spectrometry we were able to show a direct interaction between the two proteins. As an interesting new fact, we show that stefin B binding to Abeta is oligomer specific. The dimers and tetramers of stefin B, which bind Abeta, are domain-swapped as judged from structural studies. Consistent with the binding results, the same oligomers of stefin B inhibit Abeta fibril formation. When expressed in cultured cells, stefin B co-localizes with Abeta intracellular inclusions. It also co-immunoprecipitates with the APP fragment containing the Abeta epitope. Thus, stefin B is another APP/Abeta-binding protein in vitro and likely in cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Benzothiazoles
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Cystatin B / chemistry*
  • Dimerization
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Epitopes / chemistry
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Protein Binding
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Thiazoles / chemistry

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Epitopes
  • Thiazoles
  • thioflavin T
  • Cystatin B