The Dance of the Amyloids: The Intricate Interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm-Associated Amyloids FapB and FapC
In my study, I delved into the intricate interactions of FapB and FapC, the main amyloid proteins involved in stabilizing biofilms formed by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilm formation is a key factor in the pathogen’s virulence and persistence in patients with lung disease and other comorbidities. We examined the effects of different environmental conditions on the fibrillation rates, morphologies, and biophysical properties of FapB and FapC. Our investigation also looked into the stability of these proteins in harsh conditions and explored their interactions within varying environmental factors. We hypothesized the reasons for having two different amyloid proteins in the same system. Additionally, we identified promising molecules that can inhibit FapC fibril formation, potentially reducing biofilm biomass in P. aeruginosa strains. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the roles played by FapB and FapC in biofilm formation and highlights potential strategies to disrupt P. aeruginosa biofilms.
