Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2004
Abstract
We have created a molecular switch by the in vitro recombination of nonhomologous genes and subjecting the recombined genes to evolutionary pressure. The gene encoding TEM1 β-lactamase was circularly permuted in a random fashion and subsequently randomly inserted into the gene encoding Escherichia coli maltose binding protein. From this library, a switch (RG13) was identified in which its β-lactam hydrolysis activity was compromised in the absence of maltose but increased 25-fold in the presence of maltose. Upon removal of maltose, RG13's catalytic activity returned to its premaltose level, illustrating that the switching is reversible. The modularity of RG13 was demonstrated by increasing maltose affinity while preserving switching activity. RG13 gave rise to a novel cellular phenotype, illustrating the potential of molecular switches to rewire the cellular circuitry.
Recommended Citation
Guntas, Gurkan et al. “A molecular switch created by in vitro recombination of nonhomologous genes.” Chemistry & biology vol. 11,11 (2004): 1483-7.
