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Making a small enzyme smaller; removing the conserved loop structure of hen lysozyme
Author(s) -
Pickersgill Richard,
Varvill Katherine,
Jones Sean,
Perry Barry,
Fischer Bernhard,
Henderson Ian,
Garrard Sarah,
Sumner Ian,
Goodenough Peter
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(94)00543-5
Subject(s) - lysozyme , loop (graph theory) , protein engineering , mutagenesis , enzyme , chemistry , directed evolution , biochemistry , mathematics , mutation , combinatorics , mutant , gene
Engineering a smaller lysozyme is a challenge for both random and site‐directed mutagenesis. This paper illustrates the power of knowledge‐based protein engineering in the design of a smaller lysozyme that folds correctly and has activity against bacterial cell walls. In this smaller lysozyme the conserved disulphide bridged loop is replaced by a short loop. The long loop was selected because it buries a predominantly hydrophilic surface. The short loop was discovered by searching for appropriate fragments in the protein databank. This approach is important in the design of small enzymes useful to the food industry.