Aggregate Degradation Research Articles

In silico design of HDAC6 inhibitors with neuroprotective effects

HDAC6 has emerged as a molecular target to treat neurodegenerative disorders, due to its participation in protein aggregate degradation, oxidative stress process, mitochondrial transport, and axonal transport. Thus, in this work we have designed a set of 485 compounds with hydroxamic and bulky-hydrophobic moieties that may function as HDAC6 inhibitors with a neuroprotective effect. These compounds were filtered by their predicted ADMET properties and their affinity to HDAC6 demonstrated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The combination of in silico with in vitro neuroprotective results allowed the identification of a lead compound (FH-27) which shows neuroprotective effect that could be due to HDAC6 inhibition. Further, FH-27 chemical moiety was used to design a second series of compounds improving the neuroprotective effect from 2- to 10-fold higher (YSL-99, YSL-109, YSL-112, YSL-116 and YSL-121; 1.25 ± 0.67, 1.82 ± 1.06, 7.52 ± 1.78, 5.59 and 5.62 ± 0.31 µM, respectively). In addition, the R enantiomer of FH-27 (YSL-106) was synthesized, showing a better neuroprotective effect (1.27 ± 0.60 µM). In conclusion, we accomplish the in silico design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of hydroxamic acid derivatives with neuroprotective effect as suggested by an in vitro model. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Formation and persistence of polyglutamine aggregates in mistranslating cells.

In neurodegenerative diseases, including pathologies with well-known causative alleles, genetic factors that modify severity or age of onset are not entirely understood. We recently documented the unexpected prevalence of transfer RNA (tRNA) mutants in the human population, including variants that cause amino acid mis-incorporation. We hypothesized that a mistranslating tRNA will exacerbate toxicity and modify the molecular pathology of Huntington's disease-causing alleles. We characterized a tRNAPro mutant that mistranslates proline codons with alanine, and tRNASer mutants, including a tRNASerAGA G35A variant with a phenylalanine anticodon (tRNASerAAA) found in ∼2% of the population. The tRNAPro mutant caused synthetic toxicity with a deleterious huntingtin poly-glutamine (polyQ) allele in neuronal cells. The tRNASerAAA variant showed synthetic toxicity with proteasome inhibition but did not enhance toxicity of the huntingtin allele. Cells mistranslating phenylalanine or proline codons with serine had significantly reduced rates of protein synthesis. Mistranslating cells were slow but effective in forming insoluble polyQ aggregates, defective in protein and aggregate degradation, and resistant to the neuroprotective integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB). Our findings identify mistranslating tRNA variants as genetic factors that slow protein aggregation kinetics, inhibit aggregate clearance, and increase drug resistance in cellular models of neurodegenerative disease.

Soil erosion progression under rill and gully erosion processes and its effect on variations of mechanisms controlling C mineralization ratio

The progression of water erosion patterns from rill to gully erosion significantly affects the level of soil aggregate degradation, and thereby stimulates variations in the biochemical mechanisms controlling the OC mineralization ratio. These conditions can affect the exchange of carbon from biosphere to atmosphere. We examined the effect of erosion progression on the physical and biochemical soil properties controlling the C mineralization ratio within the original soils eroded by the rill and gully processes. Aggregate size distribution, geometric mean diameter (GMD), mean weight diameter (MWD), exchangeable cations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial respiration, and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were measured. Despite the greater proportion of the labile components of OC in the rill soils, the C mineralization ratio exhibited lower values in these soils compared with the gully soils. A higher value of GMD, MWD, and exchangeable cations were observed in the rill soils. The results of the stepwise multiple regressions illustrated that the higher C mineralization ratio in the gully soils is significantly positively correlated with DOC and microbial respiration. By contrast, the lower C mineralization ratio in the rill soils was found to be significantly negatively related to the GMD, DOC, and MWD. These variations may be attributed to the effects of the increasing soil aggregate stability on lower vulnerability of labile organic carbon to microbial mineralization. The lower transport capacity of the rill erosion process causes a less loss of SOC and micro-aggregate compared with the gully erosion process. The labile fractions of SOC could bond with clay fractions and exchangeable cations to contribute toward the formation of soil aggregates, encouraging higher resistance of DOC against microbial mineralization in the rill soils. This conceptual approach of combining our field survey data with an empirical model aids in a better understanding of the biochemical mechanisms controlling the C mineralization ratio under the progression of soil erosion.

Small-Molecule Targeted Aβ42 Aggregate Degradation: Negatively Charged Small Molecules Are More Promising than the Neutral Ones.

Heavy evidence has confirmed that Aβ42 oligomers are the most neurotoxic aggregates and play a critical role in the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease by causing functional neuron death, cognitive damage, and dementia. Disordered Aβ42 oligomers are challenging therapeutic targets, and no drug is currently in clinical use that modifies the properties of their monomeric states. Here, a negatively charged molecule (ER), rather than the neutral TS1 one, is identified by a molecular dynamics simulation method to be more capable of binding and sequestering the intrinsically disordered amyloid-β peptide Aβ42 in its soluble pentameric state as well as its monomeric components. Results reveal that the ERs interact with Aβ and inhibit the primary nucleation pathways in its aggregation process in entropic expansion mechanism for both Aβ42 and Aβ40 oligomers but with opposite characteristics of hydrophobic surface area (HSA). The interaction between Aβ42 oligomer and either charged ER or neutral TS1/TS0 characterizes decreased HSA, and the decrease in ER-involved case is highly visible, consistent with the observations from in silico and in vitro studies. By contrast, the presence of these inhibitors causes the HSA of Aβ40 oligomer to change undetectably and there is even a bit of increase in the histidine isomerized Aβ40 oligomer. The HSA distinction between Aβ42 and Aβ40 oligomer is possibly derived from the different effects of M35-inhibitor interaction, which is analogous to the effect of M35 oxidation. In comparison with the neutral TS1/TS0 inhibitors, ER is more prone to bind the residues located in the central (β1) and C-terminal (β2) regions of Aβ42 peptide, two key nucleation regions for Aβ intramolecular folding, intermolecular aggregation, and assembly. Notably, ER can strongly bind the charged residues, such as K16, K28, D23, to greatly disturb the potential stabilizer (e.g., salt-bridge, etc.) in metastable Aβ42 oligomers and protofibrils. These results illustrate the strategy of overcoming Alzheimer's disease from inhibiting its early stage Aβ aggregation with two kinds of small molecules to alter their behavior for therapeutic purposes and strongly recommend paying more attention to the engineering and development of negatively charged inhibitors, the long-term underappreciated ones, targeting the early stage Aβ aggregates.

Bioelectrochemistry of Neuronal Protein Tauoral

Tau is a neuronal protein and one of the biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Tau protein undergoes post-translational modifications, aggregation, and is a viable drug target. In addition, this protein is a vital biomarker in biological fluids towards early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. We reported on using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry for detection of protein-protein interactions (1), protein-ligand interactions (2), enzymatic catalysis and enzyme inhibition (3) while focusing on tau protein and its biochemistry. For example, tau-tau, tau-ferritin, tau-transferring protein interactions were monitored, and protein kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of tau protein was detected. The phosphorylation inhibitors, such as antibodies, were screened for their efficacies. New research directions in neuroelectrochemistry of tau protein alongside other neuronal biomarkers, such as Amyloid beta and alpha synuclein, will also be described. References A) Carlin, N., Martic-Milne, S. (2018). Anti-tau antibodies based electrochemical sensor for detection of tau protein. J. Electrochem. Soc.165: G3018-G3025. B) Jahshan, A., Esteves, J.O.V., Martic-Milne, S. (2016). Evaluation of ferritin and transferrin binding to tau protein. J. Inorg. Biochem. 162: 127-134. C) Esteves, J.O.V., Trzeciakiewicz, H., Loeffler, D.A., Martic, S. (2015). Effects of tau domain-specific antibodies and intravenous immunoglobulin on tau aggregation and aggregate degradation. Biochemistry. 54: 15-18.Trzeciakiewicz, H., Esteves, J.O.V., Carlin, N., Martic, S. (2015). Electrochemistry of heparin binding to tau protein on Au surfaces. Electrochim. Acta. 162: 24-30,Esteves, J.O.V., Martic-Milne, S. (2016). Electrochemical detection of anti-tau antibodies binding to tau protein and inhibition of GSK-3-β-catalyzed phosphorylation. Anal. Biochem. 496: 55-62

Characteristics of void distribution and aggregate degradation of asphalt mixture specimens compacted using field and laboratory methods

Asphalt mixtures compacted in the field and in a laboratory show obvious differences in their internal structures, and this affects the evaluation of pavement performance. Hence, in this study, to find a laboratory compaction method most similar to the field method, the effect of the field method and multiple laboratory compaction methods on the internal structure of asphalt mixture specimens was investigated. First, based on the principle of keeping the same compaction degree, specimens cored from field specimens were prepared with six laboratory methods. Then X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) and digital image processing (DIP) technologies were used to analyze the internal structure of the specimens, including the spatial distribution and particle size of the voids, as well as the aggregate degradation. Finally, the similarity of the laboratory specimens to the field specimens was evaluated. The results indicated that the spatial distribution of the voids was affected by the compaction methods. The edge effect was different in specimens with different heights. The symmetry of the distribution curve of the air voids was affected by the distribution of the compaction effort. The void particles in a certain size range occupied most of the volume, and the size distribution of the void particles inside the specimens was affected by the compaction methods. In the compaction process of the static load method, the aggregates were constrained and seriously broken, while the dynamic load and the kneading action could protect aggregates from being broken. In general, the partial specimens compacted using a Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) and a shear box compactor (SBC) were more similar to the field specimens than other laboratory specimens. This study offers a reliable basis for studying the internal structure of asphalt mixture specimens compacted using different methods and for guiding laboratory compaction based on the field method.

Research progress of aggregate mechanics test methods

Aggregate mechanical properties directly affect the structural performance of asphalt mixtures. Aggregates must be hard and wear-resistant, with the ability to resist disintegration to ensure good pavement performance. Appropriate and effective experimental evaluation methods of aggregate properties will contribute to a better understanding of material performance. This paper reviewed the literature on the applications of various types of aggregate mechanical test methods and analyzed the relationships among them. Aggregate degradation changes the aggregate gradation, and hence the volume characteristics of the asphalt mixture. Aggregate degradation in different compaction processes of asphalt mixtures during construction was described, and related influencing factors were analyzed. Finally, suggestions were made to overcome the deficiencies of the existing test methods and the problem of aggregate degradation.

Degradation of Mutant Protein Aggregates within the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Vasopressin Neurons.

SummaryMisfolded or unfolded proteins in the ER are said to be degraded only after translocation or isolation from the ER. Here, we describe a mechanism by which mutant proteins are degraded within the ER. Aggregates of mutant arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor were confined to ER-associated compartments (ERACs) connected to the ER in AVP neurons of a mouse model of familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus. The ERACs were enclosed by membranes, an ER chaperone and marker protein of phagophores and autophagosomes were expressed around the aggregates, and lysosomes fused with the ERACs. Moreover, lysosome-related molecules were present within the ERACs, and aggregate degradation within the ERACs was dependent on autophagic-lysosomal activity. Thus, we demonstrate that protein aggregates can be degraded by autophagic-lysosomal machinery within specialized compartments of the ER.

1.2\xa0MV/cm pulsed electric fields promote transthyretin aggregate degradation

Numerous theoretical studies have been conducted on the effects of high-voltage electric fields on proteins, but few have produced experimental evidence. To acquire experimental data for the amyloid disassemble theory, we exposed transthyretin aggregates to 1 ns 1.26 MV/cm pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to promote transthyretin degradation. The process produced no changes in pH, and the resulting temperature increases were < 1 °C. We conclude that the physical effects of PEFs, rather than thermal or chemical effects, facilitate aggregate degradation.

Predicting Aggregate Degradation in Forest Roads in Northwest Oregon

In the Pacific Northwest, forest roads have the potential to cause significant environmental degradation, especially to water resources due to increased sediment production. The goal of this research is to improve the understanding of road degradation during hauling by improving our understanding of the aggregate degradation process. We correlate the wear rates to standard material property tests that may allow for improved prediction of the impacts from forest roads based on the selection of aggregate surfacing. Finally, we determine the changes in stress distribution between the subgrade and aggregate interface. High-, medium-, and low-quality aggregates were used from three quarries in western Oregon for this project. These aggregates are indicative of the range of materials used on forest roads in the region. Two material property tests, namely the Los Angeles (LA) abrasion and micro-Deval tests, were used to determine their ability to predict aggregate performance during hauling by relating values for aggregate wear to these aggregate properties. Eighteen nonwoven geotextile bags were created, measuring 60 cm (two-feet long) and 20 cm (eight inches) in diameter, with a pore size equivalent to a 0.149 mm (# 100) sieve. They were filled with a known quantity and particle size distribution of aggregate and embedded into a newly constructed forest road. Stress gages were installed in the road surface between the aggregate and subgrade levels to record the changes in stress at the subgrade level. Samples were subjected to three levels of traffic (500, 950, and 1500 passes) using a loaded dump-truck that had a steering axle and one tandem drive axle, weighing 25,038 kg or 55,200 lb. The results showed that less breakage occurred with the medium- and high-quality aggregates than the low-quality aggregate. There was a correlation between the material property test (either the micro-Deval or the LA abrasion test) and the fine index, indicating the predictability of these tests in terms of aggregate performance. Finally, the higher quality aggregate was able to better distribute the stresses from the wheel better than the lower quality aggregate and was able to reduce the stress reaching the subgrade. Although the results are limited to the three types of rock used in this study, they indicate the ability of the high-quality aggregate to lessen the environmental impacts from forest roads.

Degradation of railway ballast under impact loading considering the morphological properties of aggregate

Degradation of railway ballast aggregate is ensued from breakage of single particle as well as from abrasion of angular corners. The present study evaluates the change in morphological characteristics as well as particle size distribution of ballast aggregate degraded under applied impact loads to further illuminate the degradation mechanism of particles. The utilized drop-weight impact loading apparatus implemented on prepared ballast specimens is modified to take into account the real stress levels applied over ballast course. The morphological features of aggregate including angularity and surface roughness are quantified by establishment of extended image processing method. Generally, the obtained results uphold the evident effect of parent rock type on degradation mechanism. Also, the percent reduction of indices related to angularity and surface roughness are in line with increment of degradation level measured by fouling index (FI). Furthermore, the change in morphological indices is not significant in case of using particle size distribution with higher uniformity coefficient compared with more uniform gradation. Indeed, major effect of selection of broader sieve size range is exhibited on reduction of breakage of larger-sized aggregate. Meanwhile, provision of flexible subgrade instead of rigid type considerably diminishes the percentage of reduction of sharp corners and surface roughness which confirms evident effect of stiffness of underlying layer on level of abrasion of coarse particles.

Classification and Analysis of Elements of Railway Infrastructure Maintenance in Order to Minimize Costs

Maintaining the railway infrastructure in a condition ensuring safe railway traffic is the basic responsibility of railway infrastructure managers resulting from the Rail Transport Act. Elements of the railway infrastructure are subject to difficult atmospheric conditions as well as changing dynamic loads resulting from the operation of a given part of the infrastructure. The lack of proper maintenance of tracks adversely affects their operation: lowering the permissible speed, reducing driving calm, decreasing the safety of railway traffic, increasing the degradation of aggregate and railway subgrade, as well as increasing the influence of dynamic impacts on the surrounding buildings. The following article presents an analysis of maintenance tasks performed at 5 different locations. For the purposes of the article, data were collected in 2016−2018 on 100 km of track from daily reports performed by qualified supervisors managing maintenance brigades. The aim of the article is to present the results of the collected data, to analyze the most common maintenance tasks, to determine the root causes that result in the need to perform specific tasks and to propose remedies. The aim of the research was to achieve market competitiveness by minimizing costs because today’s performance of duties related to the maintenance of railway infrastructure is characterized by very high costs associated with high workload, repair technology, the need to use specialized equipment, and temporarily exclude a part of the line from traffic. The research was carried out in a company which is a manager of railway infrastructure. Keywords: maintenance, railway infrastructure, railway infrastructure manager, costs

Hydraulic conductivity of fresh railway ballast mixed with crumb rubber considering size and percentage of crumb rubber as well as aggregate gradation

Degradation of ballast aggregate leads to the drainage problem along with less stability of the ballasted railway track. Using crumb rubber (CR) as waste material incorporated in ballast aggregate results in attenuation of aggregate degradation as well as reduction of the noise level generated from passing trains. The size and quantity of rubber material mixed with ballast aggregate are important factors which affect the stability and hydraulic conductivity of ballast course. Therefore, the present study investigates the influence of size and percentage of CR on hydraulic conductivity of fresh ballast aggregate mixed with rubber particles. For this purpose, large-scale constant head permeability test is conducted on rubber modified ballast aggregate by taking into account the initial gradation of aggregate along with the size and amount of CR. Generally, using smaller-sized rubber particles and increasing the percentage of CR leads to further decrement of hydraulic conductivity of ballast, especially for more broadly-graded aggregate. However, the permeability level characterized by laminar and non-laminar flow regime is still acceptable. In addition, the hydraulic conductivity of ballast comprised of more uniform range of aggregate is further reduced by adding larger-sized CR particles. Furthermore, water movement through prepared specimens of rubber modified ballast obeys nonlinear relationship characterized as flow regime between laminar and turbulent.

Molecular mechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the viewpoint of the formation and degeneration of transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) inclusions

Sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) and many cases of familial ALS (FALS) demonstrate cytoplasmic transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43)-positive inclusion bodies. Thus, TDP-43 plays a vital role in ALS pathogenesis. Functional analysis of the ALS causative genes advanced the elucidation of the mechanism associated with the formation and degradation of TDP-43 aggregates. Stress granules, which are non-membranous organelles, are attracting attention as sites of aggregate formation, with involvement of FUS and C9orf72. Concurrently, ALS causative genes related to the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy systems, which are aggregate degradation mechanisms, have also been reported. Therefore, therapeutic research based on the molecular pathology common to SALS and FALS has been advanced.

Drainage potential of degraded railway ballast considering initial gradation and intrusion of external fine materials

The aggregate in the ballast layer of the railway track structure degrades due to the splitting of single particles and the abrasion of the angular corners, resulting in a ballast course comprised of degraded aggregate with a lower drainage potential. In the present study, the hydraulic conductivity of clean, degraded and clay-fouled degraded ballast specimens was evaluated considering the initial particle size distribution of aggregate and the degradation mechanism to investigate the permeability of ballast fouled by both internal and external factors. First, degraded ballast aggregate was generated by using a large-scale impact loading testing apparatus. Then, a large-scale constant head permeability test was performed to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of degraded ballast aggregate contaminated with clay. Based on the obtained results, the flow regime through extremely degraded ballast remained between a completely turbulent regime (observed in the case of clean ballast) and a laminar flow regime. Darcy’s law was shown to be valid for degraded aggregate samples contaminated with clay. While the degradation of the aggregate had the expected effect of reducing hydraulic conductivity, the abrasion of asperities was shown to have an even greater impact on hydraulic conductivity. Also, the further degradation of aggregate under impact loading was shown to accelerate the reduction in the permeability of clay-fouled degraded ballast to an unacceptable extent.

Morphology-based indices and recommended sampling sizes for using image-based methods to quantify degradations of compacted aggregate materials

Particle breakage and abrasion of crushed aggregate materials may cause significant changes in particle morphologies, which can adversely affect their engineering properties. Previous studies have identified the research needs of more accurately and quickly quantifying particle morphology changes and establishing specifications for controlling aggregate degradation caused by handling and compaction during constructions. In this study, a previously developed laboratory testing method by the authors, termed the Gyratory Abrasion and Image Analysis (GAIA) test, was conducted on five types of aggregate materials to evaluate their particle breakage and abrasion characteristics under simulated compaction loading conditions. Based on the laboratory testing and image analysis data, this paper proposes new indices to quantify the breakage and abrasion characteristics in terms of changes in the particle morphologies of aggregate materials and also recommends the minimum representative sample sizes for using 2D image-based analysis methods to quantify distributions of the particle size and morphology of aggregate materials. The previously developed GAIA test, the proposed morphology-based aggregate breakage and abrasion indices, and the recommended sampling sizes for 2D image analysis of aggregate materials can help both researchers and practitioners to quickly and accurately quantify the breakage and abrasion characteristics of aggregate materials under various simulated compaction loads in laboratory, which may help to develop field QC/QA specifications to control the aggregate degradation caused by handling and compaction.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits aggregation of pulmonary fibrosis associated mutant surfactant protein A2 via a proteasomal degradation pathway

Background/aimsEpigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major catechin found in green tea, plays an important anti-tumor role and is involved in various other biological processes, such as, neuroprotection by prevention of aggregation of misfolded proteins generated because of genetic defects. Surfactant protein A2 mutations (G231V and F198S) have been identified to be associated with pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, and these mutations cause protein aggregation, instability as well as secretion deficiency. The present study focused on investigating the inhibitory effects of EGCG on aggregation of mutant SP-A2 and elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying this action. MethodsWild-type and mutant SP-A2 were transiently expressed in CHO-K1 cells. The aggregated and soluble proteins were separated into NP-40-insoluble and NP-40-soluble fractions. Protein stability was validated by chymotrypsin limited proteolysis assay. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression level, respectively. ResultsMutant SP-A2 alone or wild-type SP-A2 co-expressed with G231V formed NP-40-insoluble aggregates in CHO-K1 cells. EGCG significantly suppressed this aggregation and alleviated mutant SP-A2 accumulation in the ER. When combined with 4-PBA, EGCG treatment completely blocked mutant SP-A2 aggregate formation. Though secretion of mutant protein was not affected, EGCG facilitated protein instability in both wild-type and mutant protein. Importantly, MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, reversed EGCG-induced aggregate reduction. ConclusionsEGCG inhibits aggregation of misfolded SP-A2 via induction of protein instability and activation of proteasomal pathway for aggregate degradation.

Degradation of flow drag reduction with polymer additives — A new molecular view

This communication reports important new findings on the mechanism of the degradation of flow drag reduction with polymer additives from a molecular view. We first examine a critical assumption proposed by Brostow in analyzing the drag reduction and degradation of the drag-reducing polymers. Experimental results show that this assumption is not always correct, mainly due to the aggregation in the polymer solution. Theoretical analysis and experimental data are then used to show that the molecular weight distribution becomes narrower in a dilute solution but remains the same in a semi-dilute solution. Finally, an aggregate degradation mechanism is proposed for drag-reducing polymers in the turbulent flow.

Two-step improvements of volumetric design method based on multi-point supported skeleton for asphalt mixtures

The volumetric design method based on multi-point supported skeleton for asphalt mixtures (V-S method) was proposed to design skeleton-dense asphalt mixtures. However, with this method, asphalt mixtures possess unstable performance in engineering practice. In this study, the V-S method was improved by two steps: first, the coarse aggregate condition for measuring the stacking density was improved; second, the coarse aggregate degradation was considered. The two improvements were verified through the deviations between the design and actual values of three volume parameters, including air voids in coarse aggregates, mineral aggregates, and asphalt mixtures. Results show that the stacking density measured in the dry rodded condition is effective. Moreover, the degradation rate δ of coarse aggregates is proposed, and it is determined by Marshall specimens of coarse aggregates with 100 blows on single side. By considering the degradation rate δ, the new design equations are developed and then the procedures of the second improved V-S method are determined. The volume parameter deviations of the asphalt mixtures designed by the second improved V-S method are very small. In conclusion, these asphalt mixtures possess satisfactory performance, including high-temperature stability, low-temperature performance, and moisture susceptibility.

Evaluation of the mechanical degradation of carbonate aggregate by rock strength tests

Aggregate degradation (AD) is one of the major reasons accounting for failure of aggregate materials, and the mechanical degradation of aggregate materials can be determined by different test methods. This process basically requires many aggregate samples and special instruments, and thus is time-consuming. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the possibility of estimating the AD characteristics using rock strength tests and to investigate the relationships between AD properties and rock strength tests. For understanding the relationships, two common rock strength tests are employed, i.e. unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and point load index (PLI) tests. In the tests, the AD properties of 40 kinds of carbonate aggregates sampled from Iran were studied. The AD properties were determined by Los Angeles abrasion value (LAAV), aggregate impact value (AIV) and aggregate crushing value (ACV). Also, the samples are classified according to the strength and rock types, and the effect of this classification is investigated based on the relationship between rock strengths and AD properties. The results indicate that the PLI is better than UCS for evaluation of AD properties. Among rock strength tests, PLI has a closer relationship with AIV (R2 = 0.832). Also, UCS has relative larger effects on the ACV (R2 = 0.812) under the same loading condition. The weakest correlation occurs between LAAV and UCS (R2 = 0.679). In view of the rational AD properties in the predictive procedure, it is possible to predict AD properties based on the strength tests and rock types. The results also show that the prediction of AD properties using rock strength test based on rock types yields better correlations than that using unclassified samples. The classification based on rock types can extrapolate the different relationships of AD prediction from rock strength tests. The results in this context could be used for preliminarily selecting proper rock aggregates with a limit of allowable AD tests for practical applications by PLI.