A prionogenic peptide derived from Sup35 can force the whole GST fusion protein to show amyloid characteristics

A prion determining 7-mer peptide derived from Sup35 was fused to glutathione S transferase (GST). The fusion protein was successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and purified by employing affinity chromatography. Upon incubation, it showed substantial aggregation suggesting the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Congo Red binding strongly suggested that the fusion protein formed amyloid-like fibrils. By considering the steric hindrance of GST, the beta-sheet formation should be in the anti-parallel fashion.