Investigating the structure of amyloidogenic proteins using mass spectrometry-based approaches

The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is believed to be caused by the aggregation of non-native proteins. One such protein that forms fibril (amyloid) aggregates is alpha-synuclein, which is heavily associated with Parkinson's disease. My current focus is on understanding the role lipids play in the aggregation dynamics of alpha-synuclein using a range of mass spectrometry-based approaches. Native MS is a high-resolution tool utilised in structural biology which can define a range of structural features within proteins, such as oligomeric distribution and polydispersity, unfolded/unstructured states, assembly stability and quaternary conformation of proteins. Using these techniques, in conjunction with other biophysical tools, can provide a structural rationale for protein function/dysfunction.