Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have achieved a significant breakthrough by creating the first lab-made protein capable of changing shape like natural proteins. This innovation, published in *Science* on May 22, 2025, opens new possibilities for applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Unlike traditional rigid lab-made proteins, this new protein can rotate, twist, and transform, mimicking the dynamic behavior of natural 'shape-shifters' crucial in biological processes. The team, led by Professor Tanja Kortemme, utilized AI models like AlphaFold and advanced computing to design a protein that can switch between binding and not binding to a calcium ion.
This advancement paves the way for creating biosensors that respond to disease signals by changing shape, delivering targeted therapies, and engineering proteins for environmental cleanup and improved crop resilience. The ability to design such dynamic proteins could revolutionize various fields by enabling the creation of adaptable and highly specific tools for diverse applications.