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Recent Advances in Directed Phytase Evolution and Rational Phytase Engineering

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Directed Enzyme Evolution: Advances and Applications

Abstract

Phytases are hydrolytic enzymes that initiate stepwise removal of phosphate from phytate. Phytate is the major phosphorous storage compound in cereal gains, oilseeds, and legumes and is indigestible by monogastric animals such as poultry and swine. Supplementation of phytase in animal feed proved to improve animal nutrition and decrease phosphorous pollution. Several phytases were discovered in the last century, and today a highly competitive market situation emerged the demands for phytases that are redesigned to excellently match industrial demands. Phytase engineering by directed evolution and rational design has offered a robust approach to tailor-made phytases with high specific activity, broad thermal and pH profile, and protease resistance. In this chapter, we summarized challenges and successful approaches employed in phytase engineering. Factors influencing phytase thermostability, pH stability, pH optima, and protease resistance have been discussed with respect to structural perspective and potential molecular mechanism for improvement. Importance of cooperative substitutions and a way to identify these interactions are discussed. Recent development in screening technology and molecular insights in combining key beneficial substitutions are detailed. In addition, strategies and approaches for rapid and efficient evolution of phytases and to understand structure function relationships on a molecular level have been proposed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Mail Code 156-29, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA

    Amol V. Shivange PhD

  2. Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 2074, Aachen, Germany

    Ulrich Schwaneberg

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  1. Amol V. Shivange PhD
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  2. Ulrich Schwaneberg
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Correspondence to Amol V. Shivange PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry, CSIC, Madrid, Spain

    Miguel Alcalde

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Shivange, A.V., Schwaneberg, U. (2017). Recent Advances in Directed Phytase Evolution and Rational Phytase Engineering. In: Alcalde, M. (eds) Directed Enzyme Evolution: Advances and Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50413-1_6

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