Nucleic acids directed evolution

Wong, T.S., Tee, K.L., Hauer, B. and Schwaneberg, U. (2004) Sequence saturation mutagenesis (SeSaM) a novel method for directed evolution. Nucleic Acids Research, 32, e26. 

Shao, Z., Zhao, H., Giver, L. and Arnold, F.H. (1998) Random-priming in vitro recombination an effective tool for directed evolution. Nucleic Acids Research, 26, 681-683. 

Prerequisites to this approach are methods of incorporating non-natural moieties at predetermined positions in the biopolymer. This volume is meant to serve as a source in this respect describing the state of the art of some major lines of attack with this goal in mind. As a modern alternative, the creation of novel catalysts by directed evolution of nucleic acid aptamers is included. In this case, too, it is of prime importance to learn about the structural details which cooperate to bring about the catalytic function underlying the selection process. 

Joyce, G. F. (2004). Directed evolution of nucleic acid enzymes. Annu. Rev. Biochem. 73, 791-836. 

Exploring the Capabilities of Nucleic Acid Polymerases by Use of Directed Evolution... 

Of some relevance to this review is adenine, which is a component of nucleic acids, and of key nucleotide coenzymes like NAD". This base, and its nucleosides and nucleotides 35>, exhibit a single reduction wave, with about the same total current as the parent purine, of the magnitude expected for a 4e process15,153). On controlled-potential electrolysis, however, it undergoes a 6e reduction to give the same product as does purine in its overall 4e reduction 15,35,36 153), as shown in Scheme 25. The reduction of adenine is accompanied by catalytic hydrogen evolution, so that it is not possible to determine directly the number of electrons involved. 

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