Dubbed the “Everest” of proteins, PKZILLA-1 is found in marine algae, producing toxins that cause massive fish deaths.
American scientists have discovered the largest protein ever recorded in the field of biology, according to Science Alert on August 9. Named PKZILLA-1, this protein is found in golden algae (Prymnesium parvum), which produces toxins and plays a significant role in causing fish deaths during algal blooms. The new study was published in the journal Science.
A golden algae cell (Prymnesium parvum). (Photo: Greg Southard/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department).
Dubbed the “Everest” of proteins, PKZILLA-1 is composed of 45,212 amino acids, more than 30,000 amino acids larger than the previous record-holding protein, titin, found in human muscles. In contrast, the average-sized protein hemoglobin contains only 574 amino acids. “This has expanded our understanding of what biology can achieve,” said marine chemist Bradley Moore from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
Golden algae can cause fatal damage to fish gills, and scientists are trying to study how this tiny unicellular organism produces large, complex molecules. In the new research, Moore and colleagues used advanced gene analysis techniques to understand how golden algae produce prymnesin toxins.
During their investigation, they discovered two unusually large genes that produce PKZILLA-1 and the smaller PKZILLA-2, and subsequently identified these proteins. These proteins are enzymes that help trigger the production of the prymnesin toxin through a lengthy chemical reaction process. “We identified the genes and discovered that to produce these gigantic toxic molecules, this algae species uses gigantic genes,” said Vikram Shende, a researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
This new discovery is useful for preventing harmful algal blooms, including those caused by golden algae. These algae are present worldwide and can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. Algae are an essential part of marine life; however, when they proliferate excessively—often due to warming waters or pollution from human activities—the consequences can be severe, as the toxins added to the water deplete oxygen levels.
The team of experts believes that the gene methods used in this new study could also help identify toxins from other types of algae. Additionally, the newly discovered synthetic methods could aid in the development of new drugs and materials. “Understanding how nature develops chemical methods allows us to apply this knowledge to create useful products, whether it’s a new cancer drug or a new fabric,” Moore explained.
