Continuous directed evolution for strain and protein engineering. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: d'Oelsnitz, Simon; Ellington, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biotechnology. Volume 53(2018)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.12.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-1669

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Continuous directed evolution enables hands-off evolution of strains and proteins. Novel continuous culturing devices are more accessible and cost-effective. Inducible hypermutator systems have accelerated strain evolution without compromising genome integrity. Site-specific in vivo mutagenesis strategies have facilitated continuous protein engineering. Automation may allow semi-continuous directed evolution with fewer parasites. Abstract : Continuous directed evolution is the 'while loop' of synthetic biology, autonomous cycles of mutation, selection, and self-replication that can lead to the rapid development of industrially relevant organisms, pathways, or molecules. Although this engineering strategy requires particular mutagenesis methods and well-defined selections, recent advances have facilitated its implementation. Control over selection pressure has been augmented by novel cost-effective continuous culturing devices with open source designs. New in vivo targeted mutagenesis methods have enabled continuous directed protein evolution in various organisms. Furthermore, advances in automation have enabled rational, semi-continuous directed evolution strategies that may yield fewer artefacts or parasites. Overall, continuous directed evolution is persistently demonstrating its capacity to rapidly generate biotechnologically valuable strains and proteins.