Researchers from Columbia and Harvard have successfully used AI tools to engineer a portion of the E. coli ribosome that functions without isoleucine, one of the 20 standard amino acids. By replacing isoleucine with similar amino acids such as valine through iterative testing and deep-learning software, the team created an isoleucine-free small subunit in the bacteria. Although these engineered cells survived, they experienced slower growth rates than unmodified strains. This research investigates the possibility of simplified genetic codes and offers clues about how early life may have operated with fewer amino acids.
Researchers have developed a new method to reconstruct the genetic code of ancient organisms, potentially allowing them to study life forms that existed before LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor). This involves creating 'progenitors' – simplified genetic systems that mimic the characteristics of early life, and then evolving them in the lab to observe how complexity arises.
Arc Institute develops Evo 2, the largest AI model in biology to date, trained on over 9.3 trillion nucleotides from 128,000 genomes. It can identify disease-causing mutations and design new genomes, with applications in genetic analysis and engineering treatments.
