Prions in Microbes: The Least in the Most

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Protein Science

Background:

• Prions are infectious proteins, typically amyloid conformations, causing fatal diseases primarily in mammals.
• The discovery of prions in model organisms like Saccharomyces cerevisiae ([PSI+], [URE3]) and Podospora anserina ([Het-s]) broadened prion research.
• Prion analogs have also been identified in prokaryotes, such as Clostridium botulinum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline key challenges and findings in the study of microbial prions.
• To explore the biological and pathological roles of prions in diverse microorganisms.
• To leverage insights from microbial prions for understanding and potentially treating human prion/amyloid diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on microbial prions.
• Analysis of prion discovery in eukaryotic microorganisms (yeast, fungi) and prokaryotes.
• Examination of prion structure, replication, and cellular interactions.

Main Results:

• Over ten prions have been identified in eukaryotic microbes beyond initial discoveries.
• [Het-s] prion in Podospora anserina directly induces cell death during hyphal fusion.
• A prion analog ([RHO-X-C+]) in Clostridium botulinum affects global transcription.

Conclusions:

• Microbial prions provide valuable models for studying prion biology and disease mechanisms.
• Research into microbial prions offers potential avenues for developing strategies against human prion and amyloid diseases.
• The uncovered microbial prion world holds significant lessons for protein misfolding disorders.