Modulating Virulent Amyloids Via Nucleic-Acid and Small Molecules
Proteins and peptides can aggregate into amyloid fibrils, while their formation, structure and function are influenced by environmental and biological factors. Amyloids have diverse roles in different organisms. In bacteria, amyloids contribute to key characteristics and processes, such as virulence and biofilm formation, that provide a shield against immune responses and antibiotics. Two examples of such bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which secrete the amyloid proteins PSMα and Fap, respectively. Our work revealed several compounds that selectively inhibit these amyloids. Moreover, we found that RNA and DNA significantly accelerated Fap fibrillation and broadened the fibrillation conditions. Our findings advance the understanding of amyloid involvement and interactions within the biofilm, opening the way for developing therapeutic strategies against biofilm-forming bacteria.
