Monday, July 6, 2026
Science

First synthetic protein motor moves along DNA in controlled, programmable steps

Researchers from UNSW Sydney have built the first artificial protein motor capable of taking controlled, directional steps along a DNA track. The protein, dubbed Tumbleweed, moves by alternating between three "feet" that bind to specific DNA sequences. By changing the surrounding chemical environmen...

First synthetic protein motor moves along DNA in controlled, programmable steps
Image: Phys.org
Researchers from UNSW Sydney have built the first artificial protein motor capable of taking controlled, directional steps along a DNA track. The protein, dubbed Tumbleweed, moves by alternating between three "feet" that bind to specific DNA sequences. By changing the surrounding chemical environment, the researchers can control both when the motor steps and the direction it travels.

Originally published at Phys.org

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