Design of structurally distinct proteins using strategies inspired by evolution

Abstract

Building new proteins from the old Proteins are the workhorses of biology. Designing new, stable proteins with functions desirable in biotechnology or biomedicine remains challenging. Jacobs et al. developed a computational method called SEWING that designs proteins using pieces of existing structures (see the Perspective by Netzer and Fleishman). The new proteins can contain structural features such as pockets or grooves that are required for function. The solved structures of two designed proteins agreed well with the design models. The method allows rapid design of a diverse set of structures that will facilitate functional design. Science , this issue p. 687 ; see also p. 657