Interaction between DNA and the Hfq amyloid-like region triggers a viscoelastic response

TL;DR

This study investigates how the interaction between the Hfq protein's amyloid-like region and DNA influences the formation of a viscoelastic gel, shedding light on molecular transport mechanisms in cells.

Contribution

It provides the first quantitative analysis of Hfq-DNA interactions and their role in forming a reversible, viscoelastic gel with implications for cellular DNA transport.

Findings

Hfq C-terminal region forms a temperature-reversible gel with DNA

The complex behaves as an inhomogeneous soft solid

Hfq-DNA interaction influences genome mechanical response

Abstract

Molecular transport of biomolecules plays a pivotal role in the machinery of life. Yet, this role is poorly understood due the lack of quantitative information. Here, the role and properties of the C-terminal region of Escherichia coli Hfq is reported, involved in controlling the flow of a DNA solution. A combination of experimental methodologies has been used to probe the interaction of Hfq with DNA and to measure the rheological properties of the complex. A physical gel with a temperature reversible elasticity modulus is formed due to formation of non-covalent crosslinks. The mechanical response of the complexes shows that they are inhomogeneous soft solids. Our experiments indicate that Hfq C-terminal region could contribute to genome mechanical response. The reported viscoelasticity of the DNA-protein complex might have implications for cellular pro-cesses involving molecular transport of DNA or segments thereof.