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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

OaAEP1-Mediated Enzymatic Synthesis and Immobilization of Polymerized Protein for Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Published on: February 5, 2020
Engineering an artificial zymogen by alternate frame protein folding.
Diana M Mitrea1, Lee S Parsons, Stewart N Loh
1Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
Alternate frame folding (AFF) introduces allostery into proteins. This study engineered barnase into a zymogen activated by HIV-1 protease, demonstrating AFF
Area of Science:
- Protein engineering
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Allosteric regulation is crucial for controlling protein function.
- Existing regulatory mechanisms are limited for many enzymes.
- Novel methods are needed to introduce allosteric control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce allosteric regulation into barnase using a new mechanism.
- To create an artificial zymogen activated by HIV-1 protease.
- To demonstrate the general applicability of Alternate Frame Folding (AFF).
Main Methods:
- Engineered barnase using Alternate Frame Folding (AFF).
- Introduced HIV-1 protease recognition sequence for activation.
- Assessed enzyme activity (kcat/KM) in proenzyme and activated states.
Main Results:
- AFF created a proenzyme with 250-fold suppressed activity.
- HIV-1 protease cleavage activated the enzyme, increasing activity 130-fold.
- The engineered barnase exhibited zymogen-like behavior.
Conclusions:
- Alternate Frame Folding (AFF) is a viable strategy for introducing allosteric control.
- AFF can convert enzymes into artificial zymogens.
- This technology has broad potential for enzyme activity regulation.
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