Largest protein yet discovered builds algal toxins
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered the largest protein, PKZILLA-1, which may enhance monitoring of harmful algal blooms and inform the development of new medicines and materials.
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Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have identified the largest protein known to date, named PKZILLA-1, while studying the toxin production of the marine alga Prymnesium parvum. This protein is approximately 25% larger than titin, the previous record holder found in human muscles. The discovery of PKZILLA-1, which has a mass of 4.7 megadaltons, and another large protein, PKZILLA-2, is significant as they are essential for synthesizing prymnesin, a complex toxin responsible for massive fish kills. The research also revealed unusually large genes that encode these proteins, which could enhance monitoring of harmful algal blooms by detecting the genes instead of the toxins. This method may allow for earlier detection of blooms, improving environmental management. The findings could also inform the development of new medicines and materials by providing insights into the natural assembly of complex chemicals. The study highlights the potential for using knowledge of natural processes to create innovative products, such as anti-cancer drugs or new materials. The researchers aim to apply their genetic screening techniques to other species that produce similar toxins, potentially broadening the scope of monitoring and understanding harmful algal blooms globally.
- Researchers discovered the largest protein, PKZILLA-1, while studying algal toxins.
- PKZILLA-1 is 25% larger than the previous record holder, titin.
- The discovery could improve monitoring of harmful algal blooms by detecting genes instead of toxins.
- Insights from this research may lead to new medicines and materials.
- The team plans to apply their techniques to other species producing similar toxins.
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3 commentsPKSs build a molecule piece by piece like a car assembly line, and follow a predictable logic where you can tell from the parts in the DNA exactly what chemical they will make. After 30+ years of working on it bioengineers are finally figuring out how to reliably mix and match the parts to make custom PKSs that work.
I have to wonder how much of the structure is functional, versus, for lack of a better term, structural "bulk" that is unaffected by misfolding.
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