Directed Evolution: Methodologies and Applications

Yajie Wang, Pu Xue, Mingfeng Cao, Tianhao Yu, Stephan T. Lane, Huimin Zhao

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Directed evolution aims to expedite the natural evolution process of biological molecules and systems in a test tube through iterative rounds of gene diversifications and library screening/selection. It has become one of the most powerful and widespread tools for engineering improved or novel functions in proteins, metabolic pathways, and even whole genomes. This review describes the commonly used gene diversification strategies, screening/selection methods, and recently developed continuous evolution strategies for directed evolution. Moreover, we highlight some representative applications of directed evolution in engineering nucleic acids, proteins, pathways, genetic circuits, viruses, and whole cells. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in directed evolution.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12384-12444
Number of pages61
JournalChemical reviews
Volume121
Issue number20
Early online dateJul 23 2021
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 27 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

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