Scientists Discover Largest Protein in Nature in Algae Toxin

Scientists have unveiled the largest known protein in biology, named PKZILLA-1, found in the algae Prymnesium parvum, commonly known as golden algae, New Atlas reported on Thursday.

This colossal protein measures up to 1,250 nanometers (nm) in length and weighs an astonishing 4,730 kilodaltons (kDa), surpassing the previous record-holder, the human muscle protein titin, which is 1,000 nm long and weighs 3,990 kDa.

PKZILLA-1 plays a crucial role in the algae’s production of prymnesin, a potent toxin responsible for mass fish die-offs during algal blooms. Alongside a related protein, PKZILLA-2, these proteins function as enzymes, facilitating a complex series of 239 chemical reactions to produce the toxin.

Bradley Moore, the study’s senior author, described PKZILLA-1 as “the Mount Everest of proteins,” highlighting its significance in expanding our understanding of biological capabilities. The findings, published in the journal Science, could lead to improved detection of golden algae in waterways and inspire innovative applications in drug development and chemical production.