Alteration of enzyme specificity and catalysis.
In the past year, site-directed mutagenesis and other forms of protein engineering have been used to reverse the substrate specificity of several pairs of enzymes, including disulphide oxidoreductases, proteases, sugar-processing enzymes, and nucleases, as well as the specificity of hormones and their receptors. Mutations have been found that affect rate-determining steps, allowing normally transient intermediates to accumulate. Other mutations endow enzymes with totally new chemical reactions, and even novel biological functions. A combination of molecular genetics and chemical modification has been used for protein engineering.
Douglas
K T
KT
Department of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, UK.
D000818:Animals; D002384:Catalysis; D004798:Enzymes / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D015202:Protein Engineering; D013379:Substrate Specificity
D004798:Enzymes