Machine Learning Uncovers Nearly a Million New Antibiotics

FEATURED RESEARCH

Machine Learning Uncovers Nearly a Million New Antibiotics

Antibiotic-resistant infections are becoming a major global issue, leading to many deaths and serious illnesses. Finding new antibiotics the traditional way is often slow and not very effective. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are short sequences that can stop microbes from growing, show promise as treatments. However, discovering new AMPs from the vast and varied global microbiome is still difficult.

Published in Cell, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania present new discoveries in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

The study focused on using machine learning to predict and catalog almost one million new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the global microbiome. The aim was to create a comprehensive and accessible resource called "AMPSphere." This resource is designed to speed up antibiotic discovery and offer insights into the evolutionary origins and functions of these peptides.

The researchers used a machine-learning pipeline called Macrel to analyze 63,410 metagenomes and 87,920 prokaryotic genomes from different habitats. Their goal was to predict small open reading frames (smORFs) that encode antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This effort resulted in a catalog of 863,498 unique peptides. The team then synthesized these peptides and tested them for antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant pathogens and human gut commensals.

Key findings:

AMP discovery: The machine learning approach identified 863,498 potential antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Out of 100 tested peptides, 79 showed antimicrobial activity in vitro.

Target specificity: Among these active peptides, 63 effectively targeted drug-resistant pathogens and demonstrated efficacy comparable to clinical antibiotics in a mouse model.

Evolutionary insights: The study suggested that some peptides might originate from longer protein sequences through genomic fragmentation or gene duplication.

AMP variability: The AMPs were found to be habitat-specific and mostly part of the accessory genome, not core genes, indicating a specialized role in microbial communities.

The immediate benefits of this research include the development of new, effective antibiotics, critical for tackling the growing crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections. By creating targeted antimicrobial therapies, we can minimize side effects and preserve beneficial microbiomes.

Beyond these direct applications, this research sets the stage for a new approach in drug discovery. Understanding the evolutionary origins of these peptides can guide synthetic biology efforts to design more resilient antibiotics. This integration of computational power with biological discovery provides a model for addressing other health challenges, from cancer to infectious diseases.

In essence, the researchers not only offers a solution to antibiotic resistance but also establishes a framework for future medical and ecological research. It harnesses the potential of machine learning and big data analytics to unlock new possibilities in health and biotechnology.

For more details: Original Research

Brain Booster

Which organism is known for having a transparent exoskeleton, allowing researchers to study its internal organs without dissection?

1. Glass shrimp

2. Crystal jelly

3. Sea walnut

4. Water bear

See below for the answer!

Seed to Success

💰 Funded Companies

1. Eko Health raised $41 million to scale its AI-driven platform for early detection of heart and lung diseases, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. [Link]

2. Sword Health raised $130 million to launch Phoenix, an AI care specialist that collaborates with clinicians to provide personalized healthcare solutions. [Link]

3. Spike, an AI-powered health data startup, secured $3.5 million in seed funding to develop regulatory-compliant generative AI products for healthcare, focusing on integrating AI into IoT and wearable tech applications. [Link]

4. AcuityMD secured $45 million in Series B funding to expand its commercial intelligence platform for medical technology manufacturers. [Link]

New Partnerships

AI DRUG DISCOVERY

Merck KGaA’s $376M bet on AI-powered antibodies aims to transform cancer treatment

Merck KGaA has partnered with Biolojic Design, an AI-focused biotech, to advance antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for oncology and immunology, in a deal worth up to $376 million.

Why it matters: This collaboration uses AI-driven drug discovery to create new therapies for cancer treatment. It focuses on tackling tough challenges like how tumors evade treatment and the differences between patients.

Key benefit: Biolojic’s platform uses AI to design antibodies with specific functions, making treatments safer and more effective.

Next steps: Merck will provide initial payments and research funding, with potential milestones totaling up to $376 million. The goal is to advance these AI-designed therapies to clinical trials.

For more details: Full Article

🤝 Other Collaborations Shaping the Future

1. ConcertAI and NVIDIA are partnering to enhance oncology research by integrating NVIDIA's AI infrastructure into ConcertAI's CARA platform, focusing on large-scale data processing and AI model deployment. [Link]

2. UltraSight and Mayo Clinic are collaborating to enhance cardiac care by developing AI algorithms for point-of-care ultrasound, aiming to improve the detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. [Link]

3. Massive Bio and Mika Health are partnering to combine AI with next-generation sequencing biomarker testing to enhance cancer patient care and improve access to personalized treatments and clinical trials. [Link]

Milestone Moments

FDA CLEARANCE

Moon Surgical’s Maestro gets FDA nod for U.S. launch

Moon Surgical, a French-American medtech company, has received its second FDA clearance for its Maestro robotic surgery system. This clearance allows Maestro to be used commercially in the U.S. for soft tissue surgical procedures.

Why it matters: The Maestro system aims to boost laparoscopic surgeons' capabilities by providing two flexible robotic arms to assist in minimally invasive surgeries. This innovation is crucial for enhancing precision and efficiency in the operating room.

Key benefit: Designed to be adaptable and cost-effective, the Maestro system can be integrated into existing surgical workflows without major changes. Its features—automated setup, bedside guidance, and cloud connectivity—enhance surgical accuracy and operational efficiency.

Next steps: Moon Surgical plans to commercially launch the Maestro system in select high-volume surgical centers in the U.S. and EU throughout 2024. The company also aims to expand its use to include gynecological procedures and other clinical applications.

For more details: Full Article

⚡Other Key Achievements and Acquisitions

1. Mediktor acquired Sensely to enhance its AI-driven healthcare solutions and strengthen its position in the virtual health assistant market. [Link]

2. Evolent Health acquired Machinify's AI-driven medical authorization solution to enhance clinical workflows, improve efficiency, and reduce costs in specialty condition management. [Link]

3. Philips introduced AI applications for cardiovascular ultrasound systems to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline workflows by automating heart motion scoring and mitral regurgitation quantification. [Link]

We Value Your Thoughts!

Trivia Answer: Glass shrimp

The glass shrimp, also known as Palaemonetes vulgaris, has a nearly transparent exoskeleton, which makes it possible for researchers to observe its internal anatomy without the need for invasive procedures. This transparency is a unique adaptation that is not commonly found in other species.

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