Directed evolution of (βα)8-barrel enzymes

Natural molecular evolution supplies us with manifold examples of protein engineering. The imitation of these natural processes in the design of new enzymes has led to surprising and insightful results. Well-suited for design by evolutionary methods are enzymes with the common and versatile (beta alpha)(8)-barrel fold. Studies of enzyme stability, folding and design as well as the evolution of (beta alpha)(8)-barrel enzymes are discussed. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.