What is Protein Engineering?
Protein engineering is the process of designing and modifying proteins to improve their stability, activity, specificity, or functionality for industrial, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic applications.
It combines principles of molecular biology, genetics, and computational modeling to create proteins with enhanced properties.
Approaches to Protein Engineering
There are two main approaches:
1) Rational Design
Based on understanding protein structure and function.
Uses computational tools to predict beneficial mutations.
Example: Modifying insulin for better absorption and stability.
2) Directed Evolution
Mimics natural selection by generating random mutations and selecting improved variants.
Involves multiple rounds of mutation and screening.
Example: Development of heat-stable enzymes for industrial applications.
Applications of Protein Engineering in Pharmaceuticals
Improved Therapeutic Proteins: Engineering monoclonal antibodies (e.g., trastuzumab for cancer therapy).
Enzyme Enhancement: Designing enzymes with better stability for drug synthesis.
Vaccine Development: Modifying viral proteins to create more effective vaccines.
Biosensor Development: Engineering proteins for high-sensitivity detection of biomarkers.
