Synthetic Bacterial Amyloids

Microorganisms offer model systems with a great versatility to generate proteins with new functionalities. As an outcome of our previous studies on the DNA replication initiator protein RepA (from plasmid pPS10), we are developing, through bottom-up Synthetic Biology approaches, novel modules derived from Winged-Helix domains (WH) that allow to control the assembly of proteins as amyloids under quasi-physiological conditions. We are reconstructing in Gram-negative bacteria a 'generic' amyloid proteinopathy, exploring with new perspectives and tools the molecular and cellular mechanisms common to neurodegenerative diseases. We also aim to explore optogenetic approaches to modulate, through the absorption of light, amyloid cytotoxiciy as a weapon against the phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa. Our work thus has implications for basic research, biotechnology and biomedicine.