INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BREMEN

IUB Hosts Workshop on Directed Evolution

   

A workshop for young scientists is offered biannually by the DFG Schwerpunktprogramm SPP1170 (priority program) “Directed Evolution to Optimize and Understand Molecular Biocatalysts”. This year’s workshop will take place from July 30 until August 1 on the IUB campus. 70 scientists from the 17 DFG institutions participate in the program. They will present and discuss the research and its influence on applications with representatives from companies like BASF AG, Henkel KGaA, Schering AG and Brain AG.

[ Jul 27, 2006]  All cellular reactions are catalysed by proteins (enzymes) or RNAs (ribozymes). Life cannot be understood without understanding how these molecular biocatalysts function and how they are stabilised. The ongoing sequencing of entire genomes and the possibilities of manipulating individual genes at will has led to important progress towards this goal, but central questions have remained open.

Specifically, the DFG SPP1170 aims answering the following questions:

* What are the possibilities and where are the limits for optimising enzymes and ribozymes and for reshaping them to catalyse non-natural reactions?
* Are there common principles among enzyme- and ribozyme-mediated catalysis?
* How much conformational stability and flexibility is required for optimal catalysis?
* What is the structural basis of substrate- and stereo-selectivity of molecular biocatalysts?

The aim of the workshop is to bring together young scientists and companies to exchange knowledge and experiences in the field of directed protein evolution. The progress of the priority program within its first two years will be presented by the young scientists pursuing the main research questions. Leading companies in the field of directed evolution complement with their contributions the workshop by presenting successful directed evolution strategies and applications.

For detailed information please download the program.

Contact:
International University Bremen
Marina Linow
Research Associate Biochemical Engineering
Fon: 0421 / 200 3633
E-mail: m.linow@iu-bremen.de

 


Author: Dagmar Becker. Last updated on 27.07.2006. © 2006 International University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen. All rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction. http://www.iu-bremen.de. For all general inquiries, please call IUB at +49 421 200-40 or mail to iub@iu-bremen.de.