Structural context modulates the conformational ensemble of the intrinsically disordered amino terminus of α-synuclein

Regions of intrinsic disorder play crucial roles in biological systems, yet they often elude characterization by conventional biophysical techniques. To capture conformational distributions across different timescales, we employed a freezing approach coupled with solid-state NMR analysis. Using segmentally isotopically labeled α-synuclein (α-syn), we investigated the conformational preferences of the six alanines, three glycines, and a single site (L8) in the disordered amino terminus under three distinct conditions: in 8 M urea, as a frozen monomer in buffer, and within the disordered regions flanking the amyloid core. The experimental spectra varied significantly among these conditions and deviated from those of a statistical coil. In 8 M urea, monomeric α-syn exhibited the most restricted conformational sampling, rarely accessing chemical shifts characteristic of α-helices or β-strands. In buffer, monomeric α-syn showed broader conformational sampling, favoring α-helical conformations and, to a lesser extent, random coil states. Notably, amino acids in the disordered regions flanking the amyloid core demonstrated the most extensive conformational sampling, with broad peaks encompassing the entire range of possible chemical shifts and a marked preference for highly extended β-strand conformations. Collectively, this work demonstrates that intrinsically disordered regions exhibit distinct conformational preferences, which are influenced not only by the chemical environment but also by the conformations of adjacent protein sequences. The differences in the conformational ensembles of the disordered amino terminus may explain why the monomer and the amyloid form of α-syn interact with different biomolecules inside cells.