Selective gene amplification.
We describe a system for directed evolution based on in vitro compartmentalisation in which amplification of a gene is coupled to the formation of product by the enzyme it encodes. This approach mimics the process of natural selection; 'fitter' genes--encoding more efficient enzymes--have more 'offspring'. It allows selection for any activity so long as a product-specific ligand (e.g. an antibody) is available.
Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QH, UK.
Bernard T
BT
Kelly
Andrew D
AD
Griffiths
D000906:Antibodies / Q000737:chemistry; D019731:Carbon-Nitrogen Ligases / Q000235:genetics; D002384:Catalysis; D019020:Directed Molecular Evolution / Q000379:methods*; D004655:Emulsions; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D005784:Gene Amplification; D015723:Gene Library; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics; D008024:Ligands; D044345:Phosphoric Triester Hydrolases / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000235:genetics; D016337:RNA, Catalytic / Q000235:genetics; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
D000906:Antibodies; D004655:Emulsions; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D044345:Phosphoric Triester Hydrolases; D019731:Carbon-Nitrogen Ligases; C058125:birA protein, E coli