Deep-learning approach rapidly predicts where metals bind within proteins

edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source PRIME is a new deep-learning method for predicting where metal ions bind in a protein. In the K⁺ ion channel shown above, PRIME accurately predicts the 14 metal-binding sites in the tetrameric structure. Credit: Xu and Onoda (2026) In the living world, roughly a third of all proteins we know rely on metals to function. Zinc helps enzymes break down molecules, iron helps carry oxygen in the blood, calcium helps relay signals in cells and potassium flows through channels that help keep our hearts beating. But despite the important role they play, scientists have long struggled to pinpoint exactly where metal ions bind in a protein to get the job done.