A structural model of toxic amyloid oligomers involved in type 2 diabetes

S Shivani T. Shivani (Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin) B Brynn E. LeMasters (Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin) T Thirupathi Ravula (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States) H Harrison J. Esterly (Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin) N Nikhil Maroli K Kacie L. Rich (Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin) C Caitlyn R. Fields (Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin) S Sidney S. Dicke (Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin) O Owen A. Warmuth (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin) D Donald S. Stapleton (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin) M Mark P. Keller (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin) A Alan D. Attie (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin) A Alexei A. Kananenka (Department of Physics and Astronomy) K Katherine A. Henzler-Wildman (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison) C Chad M. Rienstra (Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States) M Martin T. Zanni (Department of Chemistry)

Abstract

Amyloid oligomers of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) are a likely cytotoxic species driving β-cell death in type 2 diabetes, but their transient nature has precluded atomic-level structural characterization. We obtained a high-resolution structure of a physiologically relevant hIAPP oligomer. Using 2D IR spectroscopy, we identified three substitutions that slowed aggregation sufficiently for comprehensive 2D/3D NMR analysis while retaining the key wild-type structural features and cytotoxicity. The structural model reveals a dimeric assembly with N-terminal helices and a kink that facilitates an intermolecular β-sheet. The β-sheet spans the famous FGAILS portion of the sequence, helping to explain species-specific diabetes susceptibility and the origin of early-onset familial mutations. The integrated 2D IR/NMR strategy provides a unique approach to obtaining high-resolution structures of amyloid oligomers.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 123, Issue 5
Published February 03, 2026
ISSN 0027-8424
Publisher National Academy of Sciences

Authors (16)

S

Shivani T. Shivani

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin

B

Brynn E. LeMasters

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin

T

Thirupathi Ravula

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States

H

Harrison J. Esterly

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin

N

Nikhil Maroli

K

Kacie L. Rich

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin

C

Caitlyn R. Fields

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin

S

Sidney S. Dicke

Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin

O

Owen A. Warmuth

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin

D

Donald S. Stapleton

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin

M

Mark P. Keller

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin

A

Alan D. Attie

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin

A

Alexei A. Kananenka

Department of Physics and Astronomy

K

Katherine A. Henzler-Wildman

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison

C

Chad M. Rienstra

Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States

M

Martin T. Zanni

Department of Chemistry