A bacteria-based genetic assay detects prion formation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Protein Biochemistry

Background:

• Prions are infectious protein aggregates causing neurodegenerative diseases in mammals.
• Evidence suggests prions may exist in bacteria, but detection assays are lacking.
• Evaluating bacterial prion candidates requires robust genetic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bacteria-based genetic assay for prion detection.
• To investigate the prion-forming potential of Campylobacter hominis SSB protein.
• To understand the propagation mechanisms of bacterial prions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a genetic assay using a model yeast prion protein to distinguish prion and nonprion forms in bacteria.
• Applied the assay to assess the prion-forming capabilities of Campylobacter hominis SSB.
• Studied the generational propagation of the prion form and the role of ClpB disaggregase.

Main Results:

• Successfully established a bacterial genetic assay for prion detection.
• Identified a prion-forming domain within Campylobacter hominis SSB.
• Demonstrated stable propagation of the bacterial prion form over 100 generations, dependent on ClpB.

Conclusions:

• The developed assay effectively distinguishes bacterial prion conformations.
• Campylobacter hominis SSB protein exhibits prion-forming characteristics.
• Bacterial prions can be propagated and are influenced by cellular machinery like ClpB.
• This tool can advance the study of prion-like phenomena across life domains.