🦾 AI-designed proteins work in stem cell study

• AI-designed proteins have successfully transformed stem cells into blood vessel cells.
• The proteins helped build regenerative tissues and worked in animal transplants.
• The technology can potentially be used to repair damaged tissue and treat diseases.

New proteins guide stem cell fate

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new method to control stem cell development using artificial intelligence. By employing AI technology, they created custom-designed proteins that could direct stem cells to form blood vessels, reports Singularity Hub.

The team, led by David Baker and Hannele Ruohola-Baker, focused on an important signaling pathway in cells involving the protein fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). This protein plays a central role in the development of blood vessels and other tissues in the body.

AI-designed proteins tested on stem cells

The researchers used AI to generate over 100 different protein structures, called oligomers, that could interact with FGFR. These structures had various shapes resembling windmills, stars, or butterflies.

When they tested the oligomers on human stem cells, they discovered that some of them could cause the stem cells to develop into different types of blood vessel cells. Some oligomers promoted the formation of cells that protect blood vessels, while others led to the development of cells that give blood vessels structure.

Successful results in the laboratory and in mice

In the laboratory, the researchers managed to create a complex network of blood vessels in less than a month by treating stem cells with specific AI-generated oligomers. The cells also demonstrated the ability to heal damage in cell culture.

Additionally, the team was able to use one of the oligomers to get stem cells to form three-dimensional blood vessel organoids. When these organoids were transplanted into mice, they successfully integrated with the mice's own blood vessels.

Potential for regenerative medicine

This new technology opens up possibilities in regenerative medicine. Dr. Ruohola-Baker explained that the method can be used to repair damage in the body's tissues, for example after a heart attack or as part of natural aging.

The researchers believe that the same AI-based method can be used to control other signaling processes in cells. This can give researchers more precise control over cell growth, maturation, and other functions.

Ashish Phal, one of the study's authors, pointed out that the technology could lead to a new class of drugs for conditions that currently lack effective treatment options, such as spinal cord injuries.

“We decided to focus on building blood vessels first, but this same technology should work for many other types of tissues," said research leader Ashish Phal. This could lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries and other conditions that currently lack effective treatment options.

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