Molecular de-extinction offers hope against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens

In looking for new therapies, MBG has turned to AI and a new machine-learning model called panCleave to search for antimicrobial peptides within both extinct and existing human proteins. The results of in vitro experiments have been promising, revealing the antimicrobial potential of both modern and archaic protein fragments.

Further comprehensive assessment of these peptides, their action mechanism, resistance to breakdown, and efficacy as anti-infective agents in two preclinical mouse models—published last week in the journal Cell Host & Microbe—revealed certain peptides demonstrating stability, non-toxicity, and potent antimicrobial properties. 

These results indicate a potential pathway to the development of novel anti-infective agents that may not have been considered up until now.

This breakthrough has resulted in the successful discovery of antibiotics from extinct organisms, notably Neanderthals and Denisovans, which are two species of humans that have gone extinct but whose DNA is incorporated into our own to varying degrees. 

This new area of research, termed "molecular de-extinction" by the paper’s authors, focuses on reviving specific extinct molecules rather than resurrecting entire organisms, which comes with several practical and ethical concerns. 

The approach utilizes advancements in machine learning, synthetic biology, and chemistry to discover, synthesize, and test extinct molecules in the lab, the researchers say. The convergence of these fields promises to open up uncharted territory in terms of molecular sequences, allowing researchers to delve into evolutionary history and unlock a wealth of potential therapeutic agents. Furthermore, this transformative approach helps us understand the significance of peptide sequences and their roles in immunity throughout evolutionary history.

"Our findings suggest that molecular de-extinction holds tremendous potential as a framework for antibacterial drug discovery," lead author César de la Fuente said. 

Molecular de-extinction is not without problem, however

Even as the potential for these new therapeutics is certainly exciting, the authors acknowledge the ethical considerations and legal frameworks that arise from them as well, such as what it means to resurrect molecules no longer expressed in living organisms, and whether de-extinct molecules are eligible for patents. These are questions that haven’t been addressed before but will need to be answered quickly.

The emergence of this potentially fruitful field means careful deliberation among scientists, ethicists, patent lawyers, policymakers, and the wider public is essential to ensure that this research aligns with the ethics and overall benefit to society.

Still, this research provides promising possibilities for addressing critical public health challenges related to AMR and infectious diseases, where there has been little progress in recent years.