The post-translational modification O-GlcNAc on amyloid-forming proteins can inhibit their aggregation. Now, it has been shown that O-GlcNAc modification of small heat shock proteins HSP27, αA- and αB-crystallin can increase their anti-amyloid activity and block the amyloid formation of both α-synuclein and Aβ(1–42). A mechanism for this protective effect based on decreased physical interactions is also proposed.
- Aaron T. Balana
- Paul M. Levine
- Matthew R. Pratt
