Australian researchers at the Sydney-based Centenary Institute, in partnership with the University of Sydney, have unveiled a groundbreaking platform called PROTEUS (PROTein Evolution Using Selection). This innovative system brings directed evolution into mammalian cells, a major leap compared to traditional methods using bacteria or yeast.
PROTEUS uses virus-like particles to induce mutations and select proteins with enhanced functions—without harming the host cells. Daniel Hesselson, joint senior author and head of the Center for Biomedical AI at the Centenary Institute, explained, "Directed evolution is a powerful method for developing proteins with specific properties, but doing it in bacteria or yeast doesn’t replicate the complex environment of human cells."
Early demonstrations have shown promising results, including the improvement of a gene-regulating protein and the evolution of a nano-body that detects DNA damage—a critical breakthrough in cancer research. Alex Cole, the joint first author from the Center for Biomedical AI, added, "By bringing directed evolution into mammalian cells, PROTEUS is opening the door to developing therapies that work exactly where they're needed—in the human body."
This fresh approach not only fuels next-generation medical treatments and gene therapy advances but also highlights the exciting future of tailored, effective healthcare. 🚀
Reference(s):
New platform transforms protein evolution for next-gen therapies
cgtn.com
