Science & Technology, Canada (Commonwealth Union) – Scientists at the University of Alberta claim to have discovered a crucial missing element in the understanding of genetic coding since its initial unraveling. The genetic code serves as the fundamental set of instructions enabling organisms to execute genetic directives embedded in DNA and RNA for protein synthesis. In their latest study, the research team from U of A delineates a comprehensive code governing the interaction between proteins and lipids, essential for membrane formation—a fundamental structure encompassing all cellular entities.
Professor Michael Overduin, a biochemistry expert and the Executive Director of the National High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre indicated that six decades ago, the scientific community embarked on deciphering how genes encode protein, but that merely scratches the surface. Professor Overduin further pointed out that in addition to DNA, RNA, and proteins, cellular life hinges upon membranes, as having no membranes, it is akin to inhabiting a house with no walls.
Professor Overduin also indicated that they postulated that proteins are responsible for the formation of all membranes, rather than membranes spontaneously assembling, and this hypothesis has proven to be exceptionally valuable.
Overduin asserts that the newly proposed proteolipid code is founded upon structural insights facilitated by cutting-edge technology and software. This theory delineates the compartmentalization, remodeling, and regulation of membranes, offering a framework for elucidating crucial inquiries such as the genesis of life at conception, the mechanisms of viral cell invasion, and the processes by which neurons transmit signals governing sensation, cognition, and action.
Overduin indicated that they perceive this as a conceptual revolution comparable to the revelation of the genetic code and they are pioneering in discerning the holistic view amidst intricate details.
Moreover, Overduin suggests that the proposed proteolipid code could be instrumental in advancing drug development for conditions like cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, wherein improper protein-membrane interactions play a pivotal role.
“Using our code, we can now predict how proteins sort in cells and bind lipids, and we can also use polymers to cut out sections of membranes as they are in the heart or the brain and use the resulting discs to perform drug discovery on the real drug targets in the membrane, rather than in an artificial environment with no lipids around,” said Overduin.
The team proposes a hierarchy of membrane structures, ranging from basic to intricate. Drawing inspiration from the concept of codons—sequential sets of three nucleotides dictating specific amino acids in protein synthesis—they introduce the term “lipidons.” These lipidons define the interactions between lipids and proteins, crucial for membrane formation.
Overduin pointed out that Lipidons act like QR codes, comprised of three lipid molecules recognized by proteins. He also pointed out that proteins play a pivotal role in distributing lipids within the cell, shaping each membrane uniquely. Moreover, proteins facilitate membrane fusion or division, altering cellular architecture.”
Overduin acknowledges that the proteolipid code challenges scientific conventions, potentially facing resistance. However, he contends that such resistance often accompanies groundbreaking scientific concepts, drawing parallels to Nobel laureates initially met with skepticism for their unconventional ideas.
Overduin highlights the challenge within the scientific community, emphasizing a prevalent herd mentality that resists breaking away from established norms to explore new approaches. He points out that Troy Kervin, the paper’s primary author, was once an undergraduate researcher in his lab during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since moved on to pursue a PhD at Oxford University.
“It is remarkable that an undergraduate student can come up with a new code that turns biology upside down and allows us to make sense of it in a radically new way,” Overduin says. “It’s a nice example of how fresh eyes can take an old problem that has confounded senior scientists for decades and crack it.”
“Our undergrads have tremendous energy and enthusiasm, and they come without the biases that other scientists might have,” explained Overduin, who hires half a dozen undergraduate student researchers in his lab every summer.
The research will progress by utilizing the proteolipid code to gain deeper insights into the distinctive membranes of nerve cells, bacteria, viruses, and mitochondria, pivotal in cellular energy production.
Overduin emphasized, they are at the nascent stages of this foundational research in terms of its application towards benefiting individuals.
