Australian scientists have made a groundbreaking achievement in the field of biological research by developing a system known as PROTEUS (PROTein Evolution Using Selection). This innovative system utilizes ‘biological artificial intelligence’ to design and evolve molecules with new or improved functions directly within mammal cells. The researchers behind this project believe that PROTEUS will revolutionize the way scientists develop research tools and gene therapies, ultimately leading to more specific and effective treatments.
Directed evolution, the lab technique upon which PROTEUS is based, mimics the natural process of evolution but at an accelerated pace. By speeding up cycles of evolution and natural selection, scientists can create molecules with novel functions in a matter of weeks instead of years. This rapid evolution has the potential to significantly impact the discovery of new medicines, enhance gene editing technologies like CRISPR, and improve the effectiveness of various treatments.
According to co-senior author Professor Greg Neely, the Head of the Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics at the University of Sydney, PROTEUS has the ability to generate highly specialized molecules that can function effectively within the human body. This opens up new possibilities for creating medicines that were previously challenging or impossible to develop using current technologies. What sets PROTEUS apart from other directed evolution systems is its ability to evolve molecules directly in mammalian cells, offering a new frontier in biological research.
One of the key features of PROTEUS is its problem-solving capabilities, akin to an artificial intelligence platform. Researchers can input prompts into the system, such as how to efficiently turn off a disease gene in the human body. PROTEUS then utilizes directed evolution to explore millions of potential sequences, ultimately identifying molecules that are uniquely suited to solving the problem at hand. This streamlined approach can drastically reduce the time required to find solutions that would typically take human researchers years to uncover.
The recent study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the successful application of PROTEUS in developing improved versions of proteins that respond better to drug regulation and nanobodies capable of detecting DNA damage—a crucial process in cancer development. The versatility of PROTEUS extends beyond these examples, as it can enhance the function of a wide range of proteins and molecules, paving the way for new advancements in biotechnology and therapeutics.
The development of PROTEUS represents a significant leap forward in molecular machine learning and directed evolution. Lead researcher Dr. Christopher Denes emphasizes that the system’s ability to continuously run and adapt to genetic challenges sets it apart from traditional methods. By incorporating chimeric virus-like particles, PROTEUS ensures the stability and integrity of mammalian cells throughout multiple cycles of evolution, preventing the system from “cheating” and arriving at trivial solutions.
Dr. Denes and his team have made PROTEUS open source for the research community, inviting other labs to adopt this cutting-edge technique. The ultimate goal is to empower the development of a new generation of enzymes, molecular tools, and therapeutics that can address a wide range of health challenges. By harnessing the power of biological artificial intelligence, researchers hope to unlock new possibilities in gene editing technologies and mRNA medicines for more potent and specific effects.
In conclusion, PROTEUS represents a major breakthrough in biological research, offering a novel approach to designing and evolving molecules within mammalian cells. With its potential to revolutionize drug discovery, gene editing, and therapeutic development, PROTEUS opens up exciting opportunities for advancing precision medicine and personalized healthcare. The collaborative efforts of researchers at the University of Sydney and the Centenary Institute have paved the way for a new era of innovation in biotechnology and molecular biology.
