Yale University scientists have developed a simple new protein, which has little chemical diversity, but still has amazing activity and special functions in cell functions, causing cells to act like cancer cells. They published the report on August 10 in PNAS.

       Protein has various functions and is the substance on which all life depends. It has various functions because it has a specific large number of amino acid sequences, which are usually hundreds or thousands. The side chains of these amino acids show great chemical diversity, forming a large number of protein structures, such as enzymes that produce biochemical reactions and carrier proteins such as hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in tissues.

       A study of a short viral protein suggests that the viral protein can cross cell membranes and cause tumors. The Yale team designed a synthetic membrane protein with only 26 amino acids in length. It is noteworthy that their report shows that they have newly constructed these proteins with only two amino acid side chains very similar. Despite its simplicity, a small portion of these sequences are biologically active and can be isolated by genetic selection, said Dr. Daniel DiMaio, senior author of the study, Waldemar Von Zedtwitz, associate director of the Yale Cancer Research Center and professor of genetics.
"We have created the simplest proteins, which are not only active, but also unique. They can find a target in the cell and activate it, which leads to uncontrolled cell growth. DiMaio said. "We want to know if there are similar proteins in cells that have been neglected because of their simplicity, some of which may lead to cancer. Maybe sometimes we need to rethink what is an active protein.

         DiMaio adds that synthetic biological agents, including active development of new drugs and potential new drugs, can come from learning these simple proteins.