- Docente: Alejandro Hochkoeppler
- Credits: 8
- SSD: CHIM/11
- Language: Italian
- Moduli: Alejandro Hochkoeppler (Modulo 1) Enzo Spisni (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Molecular and industrial biotechnology (cod. 8022)
Learning outcomes
The aim of the Course is to introduce subjects of biochemistry and of molecular biology related to the engineering of proteins. The rational design of artificial enzymes, and the construction of libraries of random enzyme variants will be presented. The relevance of protein engineering for industrial purposes will also be discussed. Finally, the Student will get acquainted with the use of electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for the cahracterization of proteins.
Course contents
Rational design of artificial proteins Principles and practice of rational protein engineering. Construction of enzyme variants featuring thermostability or altered catalytic performances.
Directed evolution of enzymes Principles and practice of directed evolution. Generation and recombination of mutant libraries by means of mutagenic PCR, DNA shuffling, STEP (staggered extension process). Screening and selection strategies. Construction of thermostable enzymes by means of directed evolution. Bacterial mutator strains as a tool for the construction of random mutant libraries. Overexpression of proteins and industrial enzymes production.
Teaching methods
PowerPoint slides.
Assessment methods
Written Test.
Office hours
See the website of Alejandro Hochkoeppler
See the website of Enzo Spisni