Articles tagged with Protein Engineering
Researchers uncover the placenta distinguishes between antibodies and albumin, allowing for the design of long-acting biologic medicines with reduced fetal exposure. Fusion of IgG antibodies to albumin inhibits transport across the placenta, enabling the development of safer treatments during pregnancy.
Researchers have developed a technique that can map protein movements over time, revealing dynamic behaviors in molecules with similar structures. This insight improves understanding of protein function and paves the way for training AI models to predict protein behavior.
A POSTECH research team has created an automated, modular system for assembling reconstituted cell-free systems, significantly reducing costs by 95% and preparation time to 2 days. This innovation enables the customization of individual components, paving the way for improved biologically engineered high-value therapeutics.
Researchers designed artificial proteins that simultaneously form pentagonal and hexagonal arrangements to create virus-like structures. These structures can stably carry drugs, genetic materials, and enzymes within their interior space.
Researchers have developed engineered peptide binders called CRABs that can selectively interfere with calcium signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective and safer immunotherapies. The study's findings offer new hope for treating disorders linked to excessive CRAC-channel activity.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new approach called MIDAS, which enables the creation and testing of proteins in just 24 hours. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive cloning processes, allowing for faster and more cost-effective evaluation of protein variants.
Researchers discovered a small molecule that degrades SMARCA2/4 by engaging two distinct E3 ligase systems, creating a molecular backup for targeted protein degradation. This dual-engagement effectively increases the robustness of cancer therapies by making it harder for cells to escape treatment.
Protein language models have immense potential but lack explainability, leading to concerns over reliability and safety. Researchers propose four key places to understand a model's decision-making process and outline the need for more transparent and trustworthy AI in biotechnology.
A new framework aims to embed natural laws, scientific goals, and ethical standards into AI-driven molecular design processes. This requires addressing misalignment between AI objectives and real-world scientific and societal requirements.
Researchers have developed a room-temperature drying technique that locks functional proteins into a stable, sugar-based 'glass', preserving their biological function. This method offers several advantages over conventional freeze-drying, including reduced processing time, lower energy consumption and no specialized equipment needed.
Researchers have developed an engineered enzyme that can efficiently break down polyurethane (PU) plastics, providing a sustainable solution to the growing problem of plastic waste. The enzyme, Aes72, was designed using advanced simulations and engineering techniques to enhance its catalytic efficiency.
Researchers developed MULTI-evolve, a framework for efficient protein evolution that applies machine learning models to predict beneficial mutations and their combinations. The approach identified function-enhancing mutations and tested their pairwise combinations, demonstrating improved efficiency in protein engineering.
A UC Santa Barbara research team has developed a method to efficiently synthesize non-natural amino acids and apply them to peptide construction. This technique provides greater access to amino acids beyond the 22 found in nature, opening up new possibilities for biochemists, medical researchers, and materials scientists.
A research team at HKUST has developed a novel therapy capable of preventing the onset and growth of metastatic breast cancers in mouse models by targeting glycans on cancer cells. The therapy, known as LPAT, demonstrates improved glycan discrimination compared to traditional antibody-based approaches.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have created magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins that can interact with magnetic fields and radio waves. The breakthrough uses quantum mechanical interactions within proteins to enable practical technologies.
A chemist proposes a framework for shared model proteins to improve reproducibility and coordination in protein science. The proposal includes five widely used proteins and aims to establish minimal reporting requirements and curated reference datasets.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine developed an AI-empowered dual-action PROTAC targeting PKMYT1, which induces degradation and inhibits kinase activity. The lead compound, D16-M1P2, exhibits high selectivity, potent anti-tumor activity, and favorable oral bioavailability.
Researchers have developed new calcium channels that can be precisely controlled to study cellular signaling. The channels, built using artificial intelligence, were designed to mimic natural calcium channels and demonstrate their potential as tools for biomedical research.
A new large language model, LassoESM, has been developed to predict lasso peptide properties, enabling the acceleration of rational design for biomedical applications. The model was trained on thousands of lasso peptide sequences and demonstrated accurate prediction of various properties.
Researchers have generated a new ring-shaped protein nanomaterial capable of strongly binding to and neutralizing the SARS-CoV2 virus. The system can integrate therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities and be adapted to combat other viruses.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS have developed a gentler, more sustainable way to break down keratins and turn leftover wool and feathers into useful products. The process uses concentrated lithium bromide to create an environment favorable for spontaneous protein unfolding.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Researchers have developed novel methods to advance precise chromosomal manipulation by addressing challenges in the Cre-Lox system. Their innovations include asymmetric Lox site design and a protein-directed evolution system, enabling targeted integration of large DNA fragments up to 18.8 kb.
A research team led by Professor Joongoo Lee successfully expanded ribosome range to produce ring-shaped backbones in proteins. This breakthrough could open doors to novel therapeutics and advanced biomaterials.
Researchers developed an AI-informed method for rapid protein evolution, integrating structural and evolutionary constraints. The approach, AiCE, outperforms traditional methods in predicting high-fitness mutations, enabling efficient protein redesign and applications in precision medicine.
A new Center for Protein Design at the University of Copenhagen aims to create artificially designed proteins with tailored properties to tackle diseases, environmental issues, and industrial applications. The centre will drive fundamental research and translate basic findings into concrete solutions.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully engineered a shapeshifting protein that can change shape in response to signals, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications. This achievement marks the first step towards creating stable yet dynamic proteins using AI-augmented protein engineering.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed protein cages that can package and deliver chemotherapy drugs with greater precision. The technology has the potential to reduce side effects associated with current treatment methods.
Mass General Brigham researchers developed a machine learning algorithm, PAMmla, to predict properties of genome editing enzymes. The approach helps reduce off-target effects and improves editing safety and efficiency, enabling customized enzymes for new therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed ProtET, an AI model leveraging multi-modal learning to controllably edit proteins through text-based instructions. This approach enhances functional protein design across domains like enzyme activity, stability, and antibody binding, promising real-world applicability in biomedical research.
A team of scientists developed a computational design tool called SPaDES to create new membrane receptors that outperform natural counterparts. The new receptors were designed by optimizing water-mediated interactions, resulting in higher stability and signaling efficiency.
Scientists have developed a novel enzyme, SUPer RNA EcoGII Methyltransferase (SUPREM), which can selectively modify RNA and has high methylation activity. This tool can be used to investigate RNA modifications in various diseases, providing new insights into their role in cell health.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed an AI tool called EVOLVEpro that can engineer proteins to be more stable, precise, and efficient. The tool has shown promise in improving medications used for treating autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases, and cancer.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a fluorescent biosensor to observe PKC activity in real time and 3D space. The study revealed designated signaling territories where different types of PKC are active, shedding light on their critical role in human disease.
Researchers are working on a new method for preserving microbial samples using microfluidics, biomaterials, and protein engineering. The goal is to improve biosurveillance and protect soldiers and civilians from infectious diseases.
Researchers at UT Austin developed AI model EvoRank to design protein-based therapies and vaccines by leveraging nature's evolutionary processes. The model identifies useful mutations in proteins, offering a new approach to biomedical research and biotechnology.
A novel synthetic biology platform enables rapid and cost-effective transformation of protein binders into high-contrast nanosensors for various applications. The platform uses fluorogenic amino acids to increase fluorescence up to 100-fold, enabling the detection of specific proteins, peptides, and small molecules.
Researchers used AlphaFold2 to predict structural effects of mutations on protein stability, finding correlations between small structural changes and stability changes. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for protein engineering, enabling scientists to design proteins with specific functions more effectively.
A new machine learning-based method uses 3D structure of protein backbone with large language models to predict molecular changes that lead to better antibody drugs. The approach resulted in a 25-fold improvement against a virus, outperforming traditional methods that rely on generating huge amounts of data about protein sequences.
DeepEvo uses deep learning and evolutionary biology to engineer proteins for desirable traits. The approach achieved a promising success rate of over 26% in engineering high-temperature tolerance in an enzyme, paving the way for efficient protein customization.
A novel bioengineered protein has been designed to bind to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, with a hydrophobic pore enabling it to capture small molecules like Ritonavir. The study marks a significant advancement in COVID-19 treatment, showcasing a promising strategy for direct virus targeting.
Researchers at UT Austin develop tools using AI and biosensors to harness microbes for faster drug production, potentially creating a reliable supply of galantamine. The innovative approach uses genetically modified bacteria to produce a chemical precursor of the medication.
A simple and robust experimental process for protein engineering uses machine learning models to predict effective proteins for various applications. The method involves binary sorting of cells based on desired traits and sequencing data analysis to identify the best possible protein.
Researchers at UCL and Stanford University create a three-component anti-cancer therapy using click chemistry, improving cancer-killing efficiency with sialidase enzyme, and exploring potential for next-generation agents.
The study uses AI-assisted methods to discover novel deaminase proteins with unique functions through structural prediction and classification, expanding the utility of base editors. New DNA base editors with remarkable features were developed, enabling tailor-made applications for various breeding efforts.
Scientists have created a method to produce synthetic spider silk with eightfold higher yields than previous methods, making it a promising material for sustainable clothing production. The new silk fibers retain the desirable properties of enhanced strength and toughness while being lightweight.
Scientists developed an AI system, ProGen, that can generate artificial enzymes from scratch, working as well as those found in nature. The AI model learned aspects of evolution and was able to tune its generation for specific effects, creating proteins with unique properties.
Researchers designed a small fluorescent protein that emits and absorbs light in the near-infrared spectrum, allowing for deeper and clearer biomedical images. The protein's ability to penetrate tissue enables the capture of detailed images of complex structures and cells.
Researchers at Texas A&M University engineered DARPins to block the interaction between the COVID-19 virus and host cells, significantly reducing disease progression. The nasal sprays showed effectiveness against various variants, including omicron, and could provide a lower-cost therapeutic option for those at high risk.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed an AI-powered method to identify optimal amino acid mutations in enzymes. This approach accelerates the enzyme engineering process, allowing for tailored enzyme designs suitable for various biochemical environments.
Researchers developed an engineered Cas13 system that detects SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples with high sensitivity and speed. The new platform outperforms traditional PCR testing, finding 10 out of 11 positives and no false positives in clinical samples.
Scientists at Okayama University designed and tested a modified cholera toxin to study glycosylation in eukaryotic cells. They tracked the toxin's movement through organelles using bioluminescence, gaining insights into protein modification. This method may lead to new treatments for diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing mathematical models to predict and control cellular differentiation. They created a technique using mix-and-read assays, which allow for the detection of key signaling proteins in live tissues. This method enables researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how cells make decisions.
A team of engineers is working on a novel treatment using nanoparticles carrying therapeutic proteins to promote regeneration of blood vessels and muscle in injured limbs. The approach, which has shown promising results in animal models, aims to treat critical limb ischemia, a condition that can lead to amputation or death.
The five-year grant aims to develop electrobiology techniques that enable applications like living sensors to quickly detect environmental pollutants. The project will involve multiple disciplines, including synthetic biology, protein engineering, soft materials, microsystems integration, and machine learning.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz confirm their bioengineered RSV protein vaccine stimulates a stronger antibody response than the native G protein. The engineered protein is recognized by human RSV-fighting antibodies and may lead to an effective vaccine for severe respiratory disease in children and the elderly.
Researchers have developed a protein-based gel that can deliver anti-inflammatory growth factor progranulin to affected joints, halting post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) onset and progression. The study found that the gel provides prolonged release of progranulin and inhibits chondrocyte catabolism.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a biocompatible adhesive hydrogel that can stick to various surfaces underwater, with properties similar to natural mussel foot protein and spider silk. This breakthrough has potential applications in tissue repair, particularly for tendon-bone repair.
A new deep-learning algorithm, ECNet, has been developed to accelerate protein engineering by predicting the fitness of all possible sequences. By incorporating evolutionary history, ECNet outperforms current methods on several datasets and identifies novel mutants with improved fitness.
Stanford researchers have developed a mini CRISPR genome editing system that is smaller and more efficient than existing versions. The new system, called CasMINI, has been successfully tested in human cells and shows promise for treating various diseases, including eye disease, organ degeneration, and genetic diseases.