Autoproteolytic fragments are intermediates in the oligomerization/aggregation of the Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein as revealed by ion mobility mass spectrometry.

Gas-phase protein separation by ion mobility: With its ability to separate the Parkinson's disease protein α-synuclein and its autoproteolytic products-despite the small concentrations of the latter-ion-mobility MS has enabled the characterization of intermediate fragments in in vitro oligomerization-aggregation. In particular, a possible key fragment, the highly aggregating C-terminal fragment, αSyn(72-140), has been revealed.

Structural characterization of beta-amyloid oligomer-aggregates by ion mobility mass spectrometry and electron spin resonance spectroscopy.

Formation and accumulation of fibrillar plaques and aggregates of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in brain have been recognized as characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oligomeric aggregates of Ass are considered critical intermediates leading to progressive neurodegeneration; however, molecular details of the oligomerization and aggregation pathway and the structures of Abeta-oligomers are hitherto unclear. Using an in vitro fibril formation procedure of Abeta(1-40), beta-amyloid aggregates were prepared and insoluble aggregates separated from soluble products by centrifugation.