Scientists find shared blueprint in aphid proteins helps AI predict structures
Researchers at the Stowers Institute and University of Pittsburgh discovered a common architectural plan in aphid proteins published Sept. 2, 2026.
New method uses artificial intelligence
A team led by David Stern found thousands of proteins across seven species follow one design. This discovery allows the AlphaFold2 system to predict structures for rapidly evolving molecules that previously resisted study. The results appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Evolution remodels the molecular plan
Natural selection has altered this shared blueprint extensively to create a molecular arsenal for the insects. These proteins enable aphids to manipulate plant genomes and build galls for their offspring. The new approach offers a way to study other difficult proteins as well.
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