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529-0739-01L 6 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BIOL
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Biological Chemistry B: New Enzymes from Directed Evolution Experiments

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Peter Andreas Kast, Dr. Kathrin Würth-Roderer
Number of participants limited to 14. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:23

Abstract

During the block course in the fall semester, we will carry out biological-chemical enzyme 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 enzyme 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 chorismate mutase. Individual enzyme catalysts will be purified and subsequently characterized using several different spectroscopic methods. The detailed chemical-physical analyses include determination of the enzymes' kinetic parameters, their molecular mass, and the integrity of the protein structure. 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 enzymes, but also gain new mechanistic insights into the investigated catalysts.

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 chorismate mutases, e.g.: – Taylor, S. V., P. Kast & D. Hilvert. 2001. Investigating and engineering enzymes by genetic selection. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 40: 3310-3335. – Jäckel, C., P. Kast & D. Hilvert. 2008. Protein design by directed evolution. Annu. Rev. Biophys. 37: 153-173. – Roderer, K. & P. Kast. 2009. Evolutionary cycles for pericyclic reactions – Or why we keep mutating mutases. Chimia 63: 313-317. 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.Es gilt eine 100%-ige Anwesenheitspflicht.Abmeldung: Wenn Sie sich von einem Kurs, der Ihnen zugeteilt wurde, aus zwingenden Gründen abmelden müssen, melden Sie sich spätestens vier Wochen vor Kursbeginn schriftlich beim Kursverantwortlichen ab, bei Kursen im 1. Viertel gilt eine Abmeldefrist von einer Woche. Zusätzlich muss auch das D-BIOL Studiensekretariat informiert werden (Email-CC [email protected]), damit die Belegung gelöscht wird. Ansonsten gilt der Kurs als "nicht-bestanden".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Biological Chemistry B: New Enzymes 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 actual working hours and how to sign up: Participants should bring their own laptop computer.
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HCI J 374)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HCI J 374)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HCI J 374)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HCI E 392)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HCI J 374)
  • 30.11 Date 13:45-18:30 (HCI H 2.1)
100 h semesterly

Offered In