Hidden deep-sea proteins could supercharge disease tests

The international team was led by Durham University and included collaborators in Iceland, Norway, and Poland. The scientists examined genetic material collected from volcanic lakes in Iceland and from deep-sea hydrothermal vents located more than two kilometers beneath the North Atlantic Ocean.

Mining Nature's Genetic Diversity

Nature is one of the richest sources of useful enzymes, yet many remain undiscovered. To uncover new candidates, the researchers used next-generation DNA sequencing to scan massive databases containing millions of potential protein sequences.

By analyzing this vast amount of genetic information, the team identified previously unknown proteins that attach to single-stranded DNA. These proteins also showed an unusual ability to remain stable under extreme conditions, including very high temperatures, extreme pH levels, and highly salty environments.

Robust Proteins With Biotech Potential

The newly identified proteins were examined in detail using a range of laboratory methods. The scientists found that these molecules are exceptionally durable, with strong thermal stability that makes them well suited for applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Researchers also determined the proteins' three-dimensional structures at high resolution. This structural information provides insight into how the molecules function and opens the door to refining them through protein design.

Improving Rapid Diagnostic Tests

One of the newly discovered DNA-binding proteins was found to enhance diagnostic tests that use loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). These tests detect genetic material from viruses, bacteria, or parasites without requiring complex laboratory equipment.

When the new protein was added, the LAMP tests became both faster and more sensitive. This improvement helped increase the detection of viral RNA from pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, as well as DNA from other infectious agents.

The results demonstrate the potential of extreme environments as a source of valuable biological tools.

Lead investigator of the study, Professor Ehmke Pohl of Durham University, said: "This work highlights the enormous potential of bioprospecting from extreme habitats. The results are not only important for the bioeconomy, but they also provide the basis for all Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in protein structure prediction and protein design."

Applications in Biotechnology and AI-Driven Protein Design

Biotechnology companies are continually searching for enzymes that can perform reliably under demanding conditions. Proteins found in places such as hot springs or deep ocean vents are particularly promising because they naturally function in harsh environments.

These discoveries may also contribute to broader research in protein prediction and design. Artificial intelligence systems that model protein structures benefit from large and diverse sets of real biological examples.

Searching for More Proteins and New Diagnostics

The researchers are continuing to investigate additional DNA-binding proteins, and several promising candidates have already been identified. Scientists are also developing improved versions of the proteins and designing new LAMP tests aimed at neglected tropical diseases, including leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. This work is being carried out in collaboration with researchers in Durham University's Biosciences Department.

The team is also working with the Norwegian biotechnology company ArcticZymes to explore potential commercial uses for the newly discovered proteins.