the toxicity of amyloid ？ oligomers淀粉样蛋白的毒性低聚物.pdfVIP

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13, 7303-7327; doi:10.3390/ijm OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Molecular Sciences ISSN 1422-0067 /journal/ijms Review The Toxicity of Amyloid Oligomers Li Na Zhao , Hon Wai Long , Yuguang Mu * and Lock Yue Chew * School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, 637731, Singapore; E-Mails: zhao0139@.sg (L.N.Z.); leon0101@.sg (H.W.L.) High Performance Computing Centre, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore * Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: ygmu@.sg (Y.M.); lockyue@.sg (L.Y.C.); Tel.: +65(Y.M.); +65(L.Y.C.); Fax: +65(Y.M.); +65(L.Y.C.). Received: 2 May 2012; in revised form: 1 June 2012 / Accepted: 8 June 2012 / Published: 13 June 2012 Abstract: In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms of A oligomer toxicity which may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In particular, we discuss on the interaction of A oligomers with the membrane through the process of adsorption and insertion. Such interaction gives rises to phase transitions in the sub-structures of the A peptide from -helical to -sheet structure. By means of a coarse-grained model, we exhibit the tendency of -sheet structures to aggregate, thus providing further insigh