Cholesterol modulates amyloid beta peptide 1-42 channel formation in planar lipid membranes

Cholesterol, an integral component of eukaryotic cell membranes, is assuming a pivotal role as a target in some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, although its role remains elusive Recent studies indicate that Ch can favour the conformational transition of many peptides in model membranes and vesicles. ABP1-42 is one of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease and, together with ABP1-40, is among the major components of senile plaques. Notably, the ABP1-42 peptide is more neurotoxic than ABP1-40, owing to its much stronger aggregation propensity. In this work, we studied the role of cholesterol in the incorporation and channel formation of ABP1-42 in planar lipid membranes of different composition.