Biologists Are Unfolding Life’s Molecular Shapes

Biologists are unfolding life’s molecular shapes by exploring the complex process of protein folding, which determines how proteins function and malfunction. This process is essential for every task performed by a cell. Misfolded proteins can lead to dysfunction and diseases, making it crucial to understand the folding process. Biochemist Christian Anfinsen hypothesized in the 1950s that an internal code within amino acid sequences directs protein folding. The quest to solve the protein folding problem has been ongoing for decades, involving experiments with individual proteins, computer programs, and the study of physics and chemistry at the atomic level. Recent breakthroughs with AI tools like Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold and RosettaFold All-Atom have significantly advanced protein structure prediction. However, understanding the dynamic structures of proteins within cells remains a challenge. Misfolded proteins can aggregate and cause neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Advances in technologies like cryo-electron microscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance are helping researchers study proteins more clearly. Understanding protein folding and misfolding is critical for developing treatments for various diseases and aging-related issues.