UW Medicine researchers use machine learning to create brand-new enzymes

In Washington, scientists from the University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine have used machine learning to create brand-new enzymes, which are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions. This is an important step in the field of protein design as new enzymes could have many uses across medicine and industrial manufacturing. The research team devised deep-learning, artificial intelligence algorithms that created light-emitting enzymes called luciferases. Laboratory testing confirmed that the new enzymes can recognize specific chemicals and emit light very efficiently.

New enzymes could benefit biotechnology, medicine, environmental remediation, and manufacturing. For example, in biotechnology, enzymes can improve biofuel production, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. In medicine, enzymes can serve as therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Enzyme design can improve the environment by breaking down pollutants or cleaning up contaminated sites. And enzymes may also aid in the production of new materials such as biodegradable plastics and adhesives.