Directed evolution of new catalytic activity using the alpha/beta-barrel scaffold

Article Abstract:

It has been possible to demonstrate experimentally that two classes of alpha/beta-barrels can be interconverted by changing the loop regions. This research presents the divergent evolution of two enzymes from the pathway for the biosynthesis of tryptophan, which may emulate natural divergent evolution. The indole-3-glycerol-phosphate synthase, a monomeric alpha/beta barrel protein, was used as a scaffold, with its activity being altered to that of phosphoribosyl-anthranilate isomerase. The strategy of targeting loop replacements could have wider application than the use of alpha/beta-barrel proteins as a scaffold for evolving binding and catalysis in vivo.

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Benefits of bad telomeres

Article Abstract:

Issues are presented concerning the ways in which the presence and absence of the enzyme telomerase affects the stages of cell development which can lead to the formation of cancerous cells in humans.

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Glycosyltransferase activity of Fringe modulates Notch-Delta interactions

Article Abstract:

A study of Fringe is presented with reference to its modulating effect. The results show that it acts as a glycosyltransferase that modifies the ligands that bind Notch and Delta.

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