Artificial protein

[arcticpenguin]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031121071356.htm

November 21, 2003 -— Using sophisticated computer algorithms running on standard desktop computers, researchers have designed and constructed a novel functional protein that is not found in nature.

I'm not quite sure why they are calling this the first, other proteins have been designed in the past. Maybe it's because they started with a 'clean slate' rather than modify an existing natural protein, but I'm sure someone has made some attempts at that before. Machettes come to mind.

Also, the blurb above states that their result is "functional". No mention whatsoever is made of what function it might perform.

The original article is in Science, I'll read that.

 

[arcticpenguin]

The review in Science puts it in perspective a little more successfully: D.T. Jones (2003-11-21) Science 302 1347-1348.

The full article: B. Kuhlman, et. al. (2003-11-21) Science 302, 1364-1368.