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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro
Published on: December 5, 2013
Phenol-soluble modulins form amyloids in contact with multiple surface chemistries
Laurent Marichal1, Lucie Bagnard1, Olivier Sire2
1Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble-INP LMGP, Grenoble F-38000, France.
Abstract:
Functional amyloids are commonly produced by many microorganisms and their biological functions are numerous. Staphylococcus aureus can secrete a group of peptides named phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) in their biofilm extracellular matrix. PSMs have been found inside biofilms both in their soluble form and assembled into amyloid structures. Yet, the actual biological function of these amyloids has been highly debated. Here, we assessed the ability of PSMs to form amyloids in contact with different abiotic surfaces to unravel a potential unknown bioadhesive and/or biofilm stabilization function. We combined surface plasmon resonance imaging, fluorescence aggregation kinetics, and FTIR spectroscopy in order to evaluate the PSM adsorption as well as amyloid formation properties in the presence of various surface chemistries. Overall, PSMs adsorb even on low-binding surfaces, making them highly adaptable adsorbants in the context of bioadhesion. Moreover, the PSM aggregation potential to form amyloid aggregates is not impacted by the presence of the surface chemistries tested. This versatility regarding adsorption and amyloid formation may imply a possible role of PSMs in biofilm adhesion and/or structure integrity.
Insights
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) from Staphylococcus aureus readily adsorb to surfaces and form amyloids. This adaptability suggests a role in biofilm adhesion and structural integrity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Functional amyloids are crucial in microbial communities.
- Staphylococcus aureus secretes phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) that form amyloid structures within biofilms.
- The precise function of these PSM amyloids remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioadhesive and biofilm stabilization potential of PSM amyloids.
- To analyze PSM adsorption and amyloid formation on various abiotic surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Surface plasmon resonance imaging
- Fluorescence aggregation kinetics
- Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Evaluation of PSM interactions with diverse surface chemistries.
Main Results:
- PSMs demonstrate significant adsorption capabilities, even on low-binding surfaces.
- Surface chemistries do not impede the aggregation potential of PSMs into amyloids.
- PSM adsorption and amyloid formation are versatile across different tested surfaces.
Conclusions:
- PSMs exhibit high adaptability for bioadhesion due to their surface adsorption properties.
- The inherent amyloidogenic potential of PSMs is maintained irrespective of surface interactions.
- These findings suggest a potential role for PSMs in enhancing biofilm adhesion and structural integrity.
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