Molecular modeling of zinc and copper binding with Alzheimer’s amyloid β-peptide

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Aggregation of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) into insoluble fibrils is a key pathological event in Alzheimer's disease. Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions were reported to be able to induce Abeta aggregation at nearly physiological concentrations in vitro. In this study, the binding modes of Cu(II) and Zn(II) in this process were explored by molecular modeling. In the pre-associated Abeta, Ntau atom of imidazole ring of His14, O atom of carbonyl of main-chain and two O atoms of water occupied the four ligand positions of the complex. While in the aggregated form of Abeta, the His13(N)-Metals-His14(N) bridges were formed through metal cross-linking action. These results would be helpful to put insight on revealing the formation mechanism of pathogenic Abeta aggregates in brain.