A New Function for Amyloid-Like Interactions: Cross-Beta Aggregates of Adhesins form Cell-to-Cell Bonds

oleh: Peter N. Lipke, Marion Mathelié-Guinlet, Albertus Viljoen, Yves F. Dufrêne

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-08-01

Deskripsi

Amyloid structures assemble through a repeating type of bonding called “cross-β”, in which identical sequences in many protein molecules form β-sheets that interdigitate through side chain interactions. We review the structural characteristics of such bonds. Single cell force microscopy (SCFM) shows that yeast expressing Als5 adhesin from <i>Candida albicans</i> demonstrate the empirical characteristics of cross-β interactions. These properties include affinity for amyloid-binding dyes, birefringence, critical concentration dependence, repeating structure, and inhibition by anti-amyloid agents. We present a model for how cross-β bonds form <i>in trans</i> between two adhering cells. These characteristics also apply to other fungal adhesins, so the mechanism appears to be an example of a new type of cell–cell adhesion.