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Researchers discover naturally occurring DNA-protein hybrids
“This discovery allows us to build precision drugs by combining the homing abilities of DNA with the functional versatility of proteins,” Satish Nair said.
Illinois biochemistry professor Satish Nair / Image: Christine des Garennes/ University of Illinois news bureau
In a groundbreaking study, Illinois biochemistry professor Satish Nair and his team have identified a new class of naturally occurring DNA-protein hybrids.
The research, published in Nature Chemical Biology, reveals the mechanisms by which these biohybrid molecules form in bacterial cells, opening new avenues for therapeutic development.
“This discovery allows us to build precision drugs by combining the homing abilities of DNA with the functional versatility of proteins,” Nair said. “For decades, chemists have tried to merge these two biological building blocks. Now, we can do so naturally, potentially accelerating drug discovery.”
These DNA-protein hybrids may disrupt disease-promoting processes by binding to specific regions of DNA or RNA, halting the transcription of mutated genes or inhibiting pathogenic RNA molecules. Nair's team found that two bacterial enzymes, YcaO and a protease, convert peptides into these functional hybrids.
Collaborating with researchers at the John Innes Centre in England, Nair’s team confirmed the discovery and conducted further analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved.
“Scientists have used synthetic methods to create biohybrid molecules, but these processes are labor-intensive and not scalable,” Nair explained. “This natural process could generate millions of compounds with far less effort.”
The team’s insights allow laboratories to create biohybrids that bind to targeted genome regions or RNA, speeding up drug discovery. "Now, we’re off to the races," Nair added.
This research, supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, promises to streamline biohybrid production for therapeutic testing.
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