The age of synthetic protein is upon us – and the prospects are thrilling

Scientists have created the first completely artificial protein switch, which could revolutionize the therapies used in many diseases. The protein can function inside living cells to modify or control the internal circuits of the cell.

It is the first fully artificial protein developed by humans. Credit: Wikipedia Commons

Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco have used computer-based protein design to create self-badembling proteins that only present bioactive peptides when adding specific molecular "keys." The work was published in the journal Nature.

The research team installed the switch in the yeast and showed that the genetically modified fungus could be used to degrade a specific cell protein at the date chosen by the researchers. By reshaping the switch, they also demonstrated the same effect in human cells grown in the laboratory.

"In the same way that integrated circuits have allowed the explosion of the computer chip industry, these versatile and dynamic biological switches could soon be able to accurately control the behavior of living cells and ultimately our health, "said Hana El-Samad. – main author of the report.

The switch created by the researchers was dubbed LOCKR, abbreviation for Latching, Orthogonal Cage / Key. LOCKR can be "programmed" to alter gene expression, redirect cell trafficking, degrade specific proteins, and control protein binding interactions – using what the document calls "its arm."

LOCKR has a structure similar to a barrel. Once opened, it reveals a molecular arm that can be designed to control virtually all cellular processes. In the paper, the researchers point out that the switch can be used to create new biological circuits behaving as independent sensors.

"LOCKR opens up a whole new area of ​​opportunity for programming cells," said Andrew Ng of UC Berkeley-UCSF's graduate program in bioengineering. "We are now more limited by our imagination and creativity than by the proteins that come from nature."

The new switch is not the first protein designer-switch ever made, but the first one to be totally artificial – and it's a lot d & # 39; applications. Having access to fully engineered and human-made biotechnological tools – as opposed to editing and modifying proteins found in nature – opens up a range of exciting possibilities.

LOCKR offers scientists a new way to interact with living cells, which must control their biochemical processes to prevent death or cancer. This change could then facilitate the development of a new range of treatments for various diseases, ranging from cancer to autoimmune disorders.