Structure, function and antagonism of semen amyloids.
Chem Commun (Camb)
; 54(55): 7557-7569, 2018 Jul 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29873340
Amyloid fibrils are linear polypeptide aggregates with a cross-ß structure. These fibrils are best known for their association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, but they may also be used by living organisms as functional units, e.g. in the synthesis of melanin or in the formation of bacterial biofilms. About a decade ago, in a search for semen factors that modulate infection by HIV-1 (a sexually transmitted virus and the causative agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)), it was demonstrated that semen harbors amyloid fibrils capable of markedly increasing HIV infection rates. This discovery not only created novel opportunities to prevent sexual HIV-1 transmission but also stimulated research to unravel the natural role of these factors. We discuss here the identification of these intriguing structures, their molecular properties, and their effects on both sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health. Moreover, we review strategies to antagonize semen amyloid to prevent sexual transmission of viruses.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Sêmen
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Infecções por HIV
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Proteínas de Plasma Seminal
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Proteínas Amiloidogênicas
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article