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529-0739-01L 6 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BIOL

Biological Chemistry B: New Proteins from Directed Evolution Experiments

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Peter Andreas Kast, Dr. Mikail Levasseur
Number of participants limited to 12. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:38

Abstract

During the block course in the fall semester, we will carry out biological-chemical protein evolution experiments using molecular genetic mutation technologies and in vivo selection in recombinant bacterial strains. The class with its very dense program consists of the practical course itself and an integrated series of seminar/lecture sessions.

Objective

All technologies used for the experiments will be explained to the students in theory and in practice with the goal that they will be able to independently apply them for the course project and in future research endeavors. After the course, an individual report about the results obtained has to be prepared.

Content

The class deals with a specifically designed and genuine research project. We intend to carry out biological-chemical protein evolution experiments using molecular genetic mutation technologies and in vivo selection in recombinant bacterial strains. By working in parallel, teams of 2 participants each will generate a variety of different variants of a cage-forming lumazine synthase. Individual capsid proteins will be purified and subsequently characterized using several different spectroscopic methods. The detailed chemical-physical analyses include the determination of their molecular mass and the integrity and stability of the protein structure. The cellular uptake of produced cages into mammalian cells will be assessed using confocal microscopy. The results obtained from the individual evolution experiments will be compared and discussed at the end of the class in a final seminar. We expect that during this lab course we will not only generate novel cage variants but also gain new insights into requirements for assembly and cellular delivery.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script will be distributed to the participants on the first day of the course.

Literature

General literature to "Directed Evolution" and "Cages", e.g.: – Jäckel, C., P. Kast & D. Hilvert. 2008. Protein design by directed evolution. Annu. Rev. Biophys. 37: 153-173. – Wörsdörfer, B., K. J. Woycechowsky & D. Hilvert. 2011. Directed evolution of a protein container. Science 331: 589-592. – Levasseur, M. D. et al. 2021. Cell-specific delivery using an engineered protein nanocage. ACS Chem. Biol. 16: 838-843. – Edwardson, T. G. W. et al. 2022. Protein cages: From fundamentals to advanced applications. Chem. Rev. 122: 9145-9197. Further literature will be indicated in the distributed script.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Credit points can only be earned if the candidate (i) actively takes part in the entire 3.5-week program, (ii) turns in a final report, and (iii) obtains at least grade 4.0 (scale 1-6; 4 = pass; 6 being the best grade). The grade reflects the performance of each participant and is based on: (1) effort/participation/presentation (30%), (2) skills or acquisition of skills during the course (30%), and (3) quality of the report (40%). Guidelines for writing the report will be communicated at the beginning of the block course.Students are obliged to be present throughout the block course.Cancellation: If you have to deregister from a course that has been assigned to you (just emergency reasons), please notify in written the course coordinator at least four weeks before the course starts, for courses in the 1st quarter, a cancellation period of one week applies. The study secretariat D-BIOL must also be informed (email CC [email protected]) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failed".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Biological Chemistry B: New Proteins from Directed Evolution Experiments
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in third quarter of autumn semester. Initial meeting place on first day at 12:45 in HCI J 374. Information about expected long working hours and how to sign up: Participants must bring their own laptop computer.
  • Tue 12:45-18:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Tue 12:45-18:30 (HCI J 374)
  • Wed 07:45-18:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Wed 07:45-18:30 (HCI J 374)
  • Thu 07:45-18:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Thu 07:45-18:30 (HCI J 374)
  • Fri 07:45-18:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Fri 07:45-18:30 (HCI J 374)
100 h semesterly

Offered In