Work

Amyloids — a functional coat for microorganisms

Year: 2005

Type: review

Abstract: Amyloids are filamentous protein structures approximately 10 nm wide and 0.1-10 mum long that share a structural motif, the cross-beta structure. These fibrils are usually associated with degenerative diseases in mammals. However, recent research has shown that these proteins are also expressed on bacterial and fungal cell surfaces. Microbial amyloids are important in mediating mechanical invasion of abiotic and biotic substrates. In animal hosts, evidence indicates that these protein structures also contribute to colonization by activating host proteases that are involved in haemostasis, inflammation and remodelling of the extracellular matrix. Activation of proteases by amyloids is also implicated in modulating blood coagulation, resulting in potentially life-threatening complications.

Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology

DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1127

Authors: Martijn F.B.G. Gebbink, Dennis Claessen, Barend Bouma, Lubbert Dijkhuizen, Han A. B. Wösten

Institutions: University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Groningen, Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Biochemical and Structural Characterization

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Trombosestichting Nederland