Protein engineering and protein optimization based on ancestral sequence reconstruction using evolutionary molecular meandering and fitness well dragging

BACKGROUND

 An Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction (ASR) highlights the evolutionary pathway of proteins and how some protein homologs have differed in both structural and functional composition throughout evolution. These differing compositions have resulted in proteins with variable abilities, which may have previously been overlooked due to the lack of a precise protocol for investigating evolutionarily extant proteins.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

OSU researchers have designed a novel approach to Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction and direct evolution in silico to identify necessary residuals, as well as functional and structural properties of proteins that may otherwise be buried. For example, the structural and functional properties between Photoactive Yellow Proteins homologs 1 and 2 exhibit changes throughout evolution called evolutionary molecular meandering that give insight into novel applications of resurrected ancestral proteins and how they have diversified across bacteria. This technology allows previously extant proteins to be studied for future innovation in medicine and protein engineering by removing proteins dragged into a “fitness well” that may be underscoring its abilities.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• Advancements in protein engineering and design
• Biofuel Production
• Artificial Protein Engineering
• Drug Discovery and Development
• Plastic Degradation

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Key Residue Identification
• Computation Tool to Predict Protein Structure and Function
• Evaluate Protein Interactions
• Enhance Crop Yield
• Enhanced Crop Stress Resistance
• Enhanced Bioplastic Degradation

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Prototype