Researchers have developed a new method for engineering enzymes more effectively by utilizing an algorithm that considers their evolutionary history. This method enables targeted mutations that enhance enzyme performance and stability. The approach has been demonstrated on the enzyme beta-lactamase, showing that substantial modifications in amino acid sequences can improve functionality without altering the enzyme’s structure. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including food production and health care.
A new enzyme engineering method uses evolutionary data to enhance enzyme performance, promising significant advances in health care and industrial applications.
Researchers have developed a prototype for a new method to “rationally engineer” enzymes for enhanced performance. They created an algorithm that considers the evolutionary history of enzymes to identify potential sites for mutations that are likely to enhance functionality.
Their work – published in leading journal DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49119-x