The AlphaFold AI predicts 3D protein structures and studies their role in disease development. In a new study reported in Nature, scientists used AI to study in detail the role of proteins in the process of egg-sperm fusion. Until now, it was believed that fertilization requires one protein each from the egg and sperm. It has now been established that three proteins are needed to achieve this goal.
Three proteins form a complex and interact with each other to fuse gametes. They are responsible for recognition, which is how gametes recognize each other before joining.
"It's now clear that this is no longer the old concept of a key and a lock. This mechanism is more complex," said reproductive biologist Enrica Bianchi of the University of Rome, who was not involved in the study.
Scientists plan to study this new mechanism in relation to the causes of low fertility and infertility in humans. If true, the discovery could lead to new treatments that improve the chances of conception.
AlphaFold has previously been used to search for new psychedelic molecules. The AI has helped identify thousands of new candidates that could form the basis for more effective antidepressants.
