Protein engineering evolution

A readily available and abundant resource for examples on how to engineer proteins is Nature itself. The mechanisms of natural protein evolution have repeatedly succeeded in adapting protein function to ever changing environments. Understanding the principles and motives whereby new protein structures and functions emerge can provide useful guidelines for protein engineering. This chapter is directed towards the mechanisms of natural protein evolution, their implications on structure and function, and their experimental implementation in vitro. 

Alternatively to rational design, combinatorial approaches resembling Darwinian protein evolution through random mutagenesis, recombination, and selection for the desired properties can be employed for protein engineering. These approaches do not require extensive structural and biochemical knowledge and their implementation has resulted in successful modifications and improvements of a wide diversity of targeted properties. 

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