The molecular interplay between human and bacterial amyloids: Implications in neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's diseases (AD) are linked with the assembly and accumulation of proteins into structured scaffold called amyloids. These diseases pose significant challenges due to their complex and multifaceted nature. While the primary focus has been on endogenous amyloids, recent evidence suggests that bacterial amyloids may contribute to the development and exacerbation of such disorders. The gut-brain axis is emerging as a communication pathway between bacterial and human amyloids. This review delves into the novel role and potential mechanism of bacterial amyloids in modulating human amyloid formation and the progression of AD and PD. [Display omitted] • Gut microbiota and its metabolites are an imperative part of our immune, digestive and metabolic pathways. • Microbial products such as amyloids in the gut of healthy and diseased individuals play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of many diseases. • Bacterial amyloids modulate human amyloid assembly and may contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. • The gut-brain axis serves as the main communication pathway between human and bacterial amyloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]