Protein wrappers designed by AI solve membrane proteins’ solubility problem

By Tim Wogan2026-07-03T08:12:00

The structures of three different ring-shaped proteins. Each has an outer layer of helices and an inner layer of folded sheets.

Source: © Ljubica Mihaljević et al, Science 2026

Protein sheaths encapsulate membrane proteins while preserving their structure and function making them easier to study

Protein sheaths designed by a deep learning algorithm can be used to solubilise cell membrane proteins without significantly affecting their structure or function, researchers in the US have shown. The technology should make it much easier to study membrane proteins, and could potentially lead to the development of new drugs or vaccines.