069-Amyloids Defend Against Predatory Bacteria
This paper explores how certain bacterial proteins called functional amyloids, specifically curli fibers, provide a robust defense mechanism against predatory bacteria like Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and even phages. The research identifies that curli fibers act as a physical barrier or "suit of armor", preventing predators from accessing and infecting bacterial cells. The study demonstrates that this curli-mediated defense is widespread among E. coli strains and that other evolutionarily distinct functional amyloid systems, such as those found in Pseudomonas, offer similar protection. This…
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