Zn(2+) Interaction with Amyloid-B: Affinity and Speciation

Conflicting values, obtained by different techniques and often under different experimental conditions have been reported on the affinity of Zn(2+) for amyloid-β, that is recognized as the major interaction responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we compare the approaches employed so far, i.e., the evaluation of K(d) and the determination of the stability constants to quantitatively express the affinity of Zn(2+) for the amyloid-β peptide, evidencing the pros and cons of the two approaches. We also comment on the different techniques and conditions employed that may lead to divergent data. Through the analysis of the species distribution obtained for two selected examples, we show the implications that the speciation, based on stoichiometric constants rather than on K(d), may have on data interpretation. The paper also demonstrates that the problem is further complicated by the occurrence of multiple equilibria over a relatively narrow pH range.