University of Washington researchers have used generative AI to design proteins that can bind with intrinsically disordered proteins, which have eluded capture by custom-made drugs and antibodies despite making up nearly half of the proteins found in humans.
The breakthrough from the Baker Lab saw designer proteins successfully latching onto 39 out of 43 targets tested, a 91% success rate. “These studies change that by giving scientists everywhere new tools for binding the unstructured half of biology,” said David Baker, Director of the Institute for Protein Design at UW.
With this discovery, UW and the broader Pacific Northwest strengthens its reputation as a rising center for world-class biomedical innovation and AI-driven drug discovery.