Proteins, one of the most studied and complex molecules in biology, are the worker bees of a cell. They play an essential role in most biological systems and are responsible for most cellular functions. So, scientists thought they had a pretty good handle on the bonds that hold proteins together, but it seems they missed a few.

A new study published in Communications Chemistry reveals four brand-new types of chemical connections in proteins. Specifically, these connections involve nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur and are called NOS bonds.

The connections were discovered by reanalyzing already explored data of 86,000 protein structures and searching for patterns using an AI tool called SimplifiedBondfinder.

The search highlighted 69, previously missed NOS bonds, including some involving the amino acids glycine and arginine

These connections could play important roles in how proteins respond to changes in the body like oxidative stress or why they behave in certain ways not previously understood.

This recent find could help in designing new drugs or custom proteins. Knowing about these new types of bonds could help to build better, more effective molecules.

Sometimes looking back is the key to moving forward.

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