Biological complexity: 'hero' proteins protect others (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, March 20, 2020, 18:03 (1709 days ago) @ David Turell

A new type of cellular protein is found:

https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/hero-proteins-may-shield-other-proteins-from...

"Flexible proteins appear to protect molecules from becoming denatured in extreme conditions such as heat and from clumping up, as happens in some neurodegenerative diseases.

"Researchers at RIKEN and the University of Tokyo report the existence of a new class of proteins in Drosophila and human cell extracts that may serve as shields that protect other proteins from becoming damaged and causing disease. An excess of the proteins, known as Hero proteins, was associated with a 30 percent increase in the lifespan of Drosophila, according to the study,

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"Iwasaki called the new type of protein a Heat-resistant obscure (Hero) protein—not because of their ability to rescue Argonaute from destruction, but because in Japan, the term “hero” means “weak or not rigid,” and Hero proteins don’t have stiff 3-D structures like other proteins do. But recognition of a more widespread role for Hero proteins in protecting other molecules in the cell gives the name new meaning.

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"Hero proteins can survive these biologically challenging conditions. Heat-resistant proteins have been found in extremophiles—organisms known to live in extreme environments—but were thought to be rare in other organisms. In the new study, Tsuboyama and his team boiled lysates from Drosophila and human cell lines, identifying hundreds of Hero proteins that withstood the temperature.

"The researchers selected six of these proteins and mixed them with “client” proteins—other functional proteins that on their own would be denatured by extreme conditions—before exposing them to high temperatures, drying, chemicals, and other harsh treatments. The Hero proteins prevented certain clients from losing their shape and function.

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"The authors emphasized that there is a lot left to learn about the proteins. Each Hero protein seems able to protect some client proteins, but not all of them. Moreover, amino acid sequences differ considerably between Hero proteins, making it difficult to predict their functions. The researchers write in the study that they hope future studies will help them identify which clients each Hero might work with.

"Whatever discoveries future work might hold, Tsuboyama says, the scientific community’s reaction to the team’s new study has been consistent: “Almost everyone says that Hero proteins are interesting but mysterious.'”

Comment: It is not surprising that protection against stressing proteins is present. A designer would think to provide such protections