Australian Scientists Create World’s First “Biological Artificial Intelligence” System called PROTEUS

The world's first biological artificial intelligence is successfully created by Australian scientists. The Charles Perkins Centre along with the University of Sydney developed a research system called PROTEUS (PROTein Evolution Using Selection) that uses ‘biological artificial intelligence’ to design and evolve the molecules with advanced or new functions directly in mammalian cells. The researchers of the system stated that this is a powerful, revolutionary tool that can change the course of effective research tools and aid gene therapies.

What is PROTEUS and Why Does it Matter?

PROTEUS is an acronym of the term PROTein Evolution Using Selection. It is an AI but instead of using silicon chips, the system is housed within living cells. It conditions molecules to discover new or better answers to biological issues, such as developing drugs or gene therapies, on a timescale and scale that never existed before.

Scientists traditionally employed a technique known as directed evolution, which allows them to develop new proteins or molecules, although only in the context of bacteria. PROTEUS is the first platform such that this rapid, iterative evolution can be carried out within mammalianian cells (such as human or mouse cells) and this gives us immense new possibilities in medicine and research.

How does the PROTEUS work?

1.  Inspired by Evolution: PROTEUS resembles the natural selection pattern, yet with the speed of light. Where nature would have needed years to develop a solution, this system would do it within a matter of weeks.
2. Solving Problems as an AI Does: Scientists will be able to aid a biological problem, like preventing a disease gene, or fixing any defect with PROTEUS. It then goes through millions of possible sequences, refining the molecules it is working on until it comes upon the best candidate.
3. Virus-Like Particles: To maintain the accuracy of the process, team members had to engineer chimeric virus-like particles with the help of which they delivered genetic instructions within cells, i.e., shells consisting of pieces of other viruses. This will make sure that solutions can address the actual problem and not the short way out. 

What can Biological Artificial Intelligence do? 

PROTEUS, the world's first biological artificial intelligence, was used to build proteins that worked better than drugs and miniature antibodies for detecting any DNA damage (that  can be useful in curing cancer). 

This Biotechnology holds promise for designing medicines that are more effective and personalised. The system can improve cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR, making them safer and more powerful. The technology is open-source for other scientists, accelerating the pace of innovation in global research. 

Why is this a revolutionary development? 

• Speed: Years ago it would take weeks to analyse a problem in a lab, but now the same thing takes weeks.
• Accuracy: Molecules can be constructed to act within the human cells, increasing the chances of the treatment treating the patients successfully.
• Scale: The potential is not limited to medicine, and may affect farming, ecology, or any other field where custom-built molecules can be used to accomplish something.

The lead inventors Professors Greg Neely and Dr. Christopher Denes are confident that this technology will usher in a tidal wave of new discoveries, not only in the treatment of diseases, but also in the construction of the next generation of living AI-enhanced therapeutics, enzymes and molecular tools.

“PROTEUS is stable, robust and has been validated by independent labs. We welcome other labs to adopt this technique. By applying PROTEUS, we hope to empower the development of a new generation of enzymes, molecular tools and therapeutics,” Dr Denes said. 

On the other hand, Professor Neely said, “We made this system open source for the research community, and we are excited to see what people use it for, our goals will be to enhance gene-editing technologies, or to fine tune mRNA medicines for more potent and specific effects”.

PROTEUS is a breakthrough in the field of AI and biotechnology: the combination of biology with machine learning and turning science fiction into reality in the very human cell. 

FAQs

What is Biological Artificial Intelligence?

It is AI based on life processes within biological living cells, which could be evolved to provide molecular solutions to health- and technology-related problems.

What is the benefit of PROTEUS to medicine?

It has the ability to plan and develop medicine, gene-editing equipment, and diagnostic proteins inside cells, resulting in safer and more efficient therapies.

Who is the inventor of PROTEUS?

Researchers at the Charles Perkins Centre, the University of Sydney and the Centenary Institute.

Can it be used by other researchers?

Indeed, PROTEUS has already been implemented as an open-source system to promote scientific development throughout the world.