Methods and means for controlling the stability of proteins

US5290690A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Plant Genetic Systems N.V. · BE
• Gist-Brocades · NL

Inventors

• Nadir Mrabet · Koekelberg, BE
• Ignace Lasters · Ekeren, BE
• Patrick Stanssens · Sint-Martens-Latem, BE
• Gaston Matthyssens · Sint-Genesius-Rode, BE
• Shoshana Wodak · Brussels, BE
• Wilhelmus J. Quax · Voorschoten, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 25, 1989
• Grant date: Mar 1, 1994
• Expiry date: Aug 25, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Y102/01012
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method for the production of a biologically active modified protein derived from a starting protein having essentially the same kind of biological activity with an attendant modulation effect on, particularly increase of, the stability as compared with that of the starting protein. The method comprises substituting an arginine residue for a lysine residue of the starting protein at a site that can sterically accommodate the substitution, without substantially altering the biological activity of the starting protein, said site being preferably of low solvent accessibility, at interfaces between domains or sub-units of the starting protein.