Summary
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Our research focuses on the physical principles underlying functional processes of bio-macromolecules by using integrated approaches of biomolecular NMR experiments and multiscale molecular simulations. Our interests range from understanding protein dynamics and interactions to membrane proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins and supramolecular host-guest interactions.
Links: publications, citations, research highlights.
De Simone Lab (Dec 2017)
Recent Research Highlights
Mechanism of membrane disruption and neuronal toxicity by Alpha-Synuclein oligomers.
Toxic aSyn oligomers on the surface of primary cortical neurons
α-synuclein (αS) is an intrinsically disordered protein whose fibrillar aggregates are the major constituents of Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s disease. Our recent research has addressed the structural properties of toxic αS oligomers and the molecular basis by which these aggregates induce neuronal toxicity. More details on our Science paper.
Structural Mechanism of Synaptic Vesicle Assembly by Alpha-Synuclein
Although the specific function of αS is still unclear, a general consensus is forming that it has a key role in regulating the process of neurotransmitter release, which is associated with the mediation of synaptic vesicle interactions and assembly. We characterised the structural mechanism enabling αS to induce the clustering of synaptic vesicles. More details can be found on our Nature Communication article.
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Fusco G, Chen SW, Williamson PTF, et al., 2017, Structural basis of membrane disruption and cellular toxicity by α-synuclein oligomers, Science, Vol:358, ISSN:0036-8075, Pages:1440-1443
Fusco G, Pape T, Stephens AD, et al., 2016, Structural Basis of Synaptic Vesicle Assembly Promoted by α-Synuclein, Nature Communications, Vol:7, ISSN:2041-1723
De Simone A, Sanz-Hernandez M, Vostrikov V, et al., 2016, Accurate Determination of Conformational Transitions in Oligomeric Membrane Proteins, Scientific Reports, Vol:6, ISSN:2045-2322
Fusco G, De Simone A, Gopinath T, et al., 2014, Direct observation of the three regions in alpha-synuclein that determine its membrane-bound behaviour, Nature Communications, Vol:5, ISSN:2041-1723
Krieger JM, Fusco G, Lewitzky M, et al., 2014, Conformational Recognition of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein, Biophysical Journal, Vol:106, ISSN:0006-3495, Pages:1771-1779
Biedermann F, Uzunova VD, Scherman OA, et al., 2012, Release of High-Energy Water as an Essential Driving Force for the High-Affinity Binding of Cucurbit[n]urils, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol:134, ISSN:0002-7863, Pages:15318-15323
De Simone A, Kitchen C, Kwan A, et al., 2012, Intrinsic Disorder Modulates Protein Self-Assembly and Aggregation, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, Vol:109, Pages:6951-6956