Uncovering the molecular details of the 14-3-3 recruitment by mutant Sod1 species

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are a major cause of familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), promoting disease progression through metal depletion, aggregation, and abnormal protein interactions. Among proteins interacting with pathological SOD1 aggregates, 14-3-3 proteins are involved in key cellular pathways often disrupted in ALS, such as cell survival, axonal growth, and DNA repair. Their sequestration by mutant SOD1 may impair their neuroprotective functions, exacerbating disease pathology. Despite this, 14-3-3 proteins remain understudied in ALS research, presenting an opportunity for novel insights. This study employs molecular dynamics simulations to investigate structural changes in two ALS-linked SOD1 mutations, A4V and L144F, compared to wild-type SOD1. A4V is associated with a severe disease form, while L144F leads to a slower progression, allowing an analysis of different ALS severities. Using Zernike polynomials and hydropathy assessments, we identified key structural alterations that promote aggregation and aberrant interactions. Large-scale docking simulations further suggest a stable complex between mutant SOD1 and 14-3-3 proteins, confirmed through molecular dynamics analyses. By elucidating structural features driving SOD1 aggregation and pathological interactions, our findings support targeting protein-protein interactions as a potential therapeutic strategy in ALS, offering an alternative to direct aggregate inhibition.