AI-Designed Enzymes Cut Selected Protein Sequences in Lab Tests
Photo: TokenPost
Two groups used AI to design enzymes that cut selected protein sequences, including sequences in TDP-43 and amyloid-beta, proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Laboratory results show the designs can catalyze protein breakdown in mammalian cells, but do not establish a treatment for people. In one study, 13 of 69 cysteine-based designs cut their intended targets. The most active design accelerated peptide-bond cleavage by up to 30 million times compared with the reaction without an enzyme. Peptide bonds connect amino acids to form proteins. A separate effort tested 135 zinc-based designs.
Source: TokenPost
