Cryo-EM structure of a catalytic amyloid fibril

Catalytic amyloid fibrils are novel types of bioinspired, functional materials that combine the chemical and mechanical robustness of amyloids with the ability to catalyze a certain chemical reaction. In this study we used cryo-electron microcopy to analyze the amyloid fibril structure and the catalytic center of amyloid fibrils that hydrolyze ester bonds. Our findings show that catalytic amyloid fibrils are polymorphic and consist of similarly structured, zipper-like building blocks that consist of mated cross-beta sheets. These building blocks define the fibril core, which is decorated by a peripheral leaflet of peptide molecules. The observed structural arrangement differs from previously described catalytic amyloid fibrils and yielded a new model of the catalytic center.

Automated summary

Catalytic amyloid fibrils are polymorphic materials consisting of zipper-like building blocks that hydrolyze ester bonds. They have a core structure defined by cross-beta sheets and are surrounded by a peripheral leaflet of peptide molecules.