The Machine Biology Group, led by Cesar de la Fuente, a Presidential Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, is exploring groundbreaking territory in the field of molecular “de-extinction.” By combining artificial intelligence and advanced experimental techniques, they’re resurrecting molecules from our ancient past to create potential medical breakthroughs for the future.
In a study published in Cell Host & Microbe, the team has been studying ancient genomes such as Neanderthals and Denisovans to discover antimicrobial molecules that have been extinct for ages. The idea of “molecular de-extinction” hypothesizes that these ancient molecules could serve as the basis for new, safe drugs, showing promising advantages over AI-based molecular discovery.
De la Fuente’s lab synthesized these ancient molecules using a method known as ‘solid-phase chemical synthesis,’ turning amino acid sequences into real molecules. The team then applied these synthesized molecules to pathogens to test their effectiveness and accuracy, finding successful results in some cases and learning opportunities in others.
The group’s research has revealed unexpected insights into our immune system, discovering that some peptide sequences had no previously known role in immunity. It has also challenged traditional biological views, finding that one protein could have multiple functions.
De la Fuente and his team are also carefully considering the ethical implications of resurrecting genetic material from the past. Collaborations with bioethicists and patent lawyers are underway to explore potential consequences and legal considerations, especially with respect to patenting recreated molecules from extinct organisms.
This research opens new avenues for understanding disease prevention and treatment and has led to questions never asked before about ancient molecules that could be thousands of years old.
Reference: “Molecular de-extinction of ancient antimicrobial peptides enabled by machine learning” was published on 28 July 2023 in Cell Host & Microbe. The DOI is 10.1016/j.chom.2023.07.001.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: molecular de-extinction
What is the main goal of the Machine Biology Group’s research on ancient genomes?
The main goal is to explore molecular “de-extinction” by resurrecting ancient molecules such as those from Neanderthals and Denisovans. These molecules could serve as the basis for new, safe drugs and provide promising advantages over AI-based molecular discovery.
How are the ancient molecules being brought back to life?
The team synthesizes these molecules using ‘solid-phase chemical synthesis,’ turning amino acid sequences into actual molecules. They then test these molecules for antibiotic qualities, reviving long-since-vanished chemistries.
What were some surprising discoveries in this research?
The research has revealed that some peptide sequences had no previously known role in immunity and challenged the traditional biological view that one protein has only one function. It has uncovered that one protein can have multiple functions.
What are the ethical considerations being explored in the research?
The team is in conversation with bioethicists about the ethical implications of resurrecting genetic material from the past, considering possible consequences of resurrecting something toxic or harmful. They are also exploring legal considerations around patenting recreated molecules from extinct organisms.
How is this research contributing to the field of medicine?
The research is opening entirely new avenues for learning about disease prevention and treatment, creating a new framework for drug discovery, and potentially contributing to the development of new classes of antibiotics.
Is the work of the Machine Biology Group limited to AI and experimental methods?
No, the group’s work extends beyond AI and experimental methods, involving collaborations with bioethicists, patent lawyers, and various disciplines in engineering and health sciences, emphasizing the multi-disciplinary nature of this pioneering research.
More about fokus keyword: molecular de-extinction
- Cell Host & Microbe
- University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
