Genetic protein engineering

Biological catalysts — enzymes — are usually proteins. The development of new protein syntheses is nowadays dominated by genetic protein engineering (see section 4.1.2.6). Bio-organic approaches towards novel catalytically active structures and replicating systems try to manage without biopolymers. 

Proteins Structure, Function, and Genetics Protein Engineering... 

In 1989, two enzymes based on genetic engineering techniques were introduced, ie, a cloned alkaline protease (IBIS) and a protein engineered Subtihsin Novo (Genencor, California). Lipase and ceUulase types of detergent enzymes have also begun to appear. 

It is likely that any new enzymes isolated by screeners will be quickly and routinely cloned by genetic engineers, and be sequenced and expressed as almost pure proteins. Protein chemists can then evaluate the properties of the new enzyme and determine its three-dimensional stmcture. This vast amount of information allows the protein engineers and their computers to design the enzymes of the future. 

The biotransformation process has been improved by significant advances in biochemical engineering advances in genetic and protein engineering, microbiological manipulations for the production of enzymes, and the use of biocatalysts in immobilized form and large-scale purification methods. 

Figure 7.12 The protein engineering cycle. The lower circle represents the genetic engineering activities—the upper the structural determination, modelling and protein characterisation. (See Colour Plate X)...

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