A new study has challenged the long-held belief that microproteins, small proteins previously considered unimportant, have no significant role in human cellular functions. Researchers, led by Professor Norbert Hübner and Dr. Sebastiaan van Heesch, have demonstrated that these microproteins interact with larger proteins and are essential for evolutionary development. The team discovered the smallest known human proteins, which may have implications for diseases like cardiovascular conditions and cancer. Studies indicated these microproteins originated from DNA regions that weren’t previously believed to code for proteins, revealing a new dimension in protein evolution. Notably, they found microproteins could bind to older proteins, suggesting they might influence various cellular functions despite their recent evolution. The research also identified over 200 super-small proteins, smaller than 16 amino acids, which may bind specifically to larger proteins. Although the exact functions of these microproteins remain unclear, their potential role in critical biological processes indicates they need more attention in the field of biomedical research. The study opens avenues for future investigation into the broader spectrum of around 7,000 microproteins cataloged, with hopes of uncovering further functionalities and their relevance in health and disease.
