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Updated: May 23, 2026

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Targeting Cysteine Thiols for in Vitro Site-specific Glycosylation of Recombinant Proteins
Published on: October 4, 2017
[Progress in expression and molecular modification of microbial transglutaminase]
Song Liu1, Dongxu Zhang, Guocheng Du
1Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Summary
Microbial transglutaminase (MTG) production has advanced through recombinant strain development, enhancing enzyme yield and enabling molecular modifications for improved activity and stability.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Protein Engineering
- Industrial Microbiology
Context:
- Microbial transglutaminase (MTG) catalyzes protein cross-linking, finding applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
- Recombinant DNA technology has been employed since the 1990s to improve MTG production.
- Various expression systems have been utilized for successful MTG enzyme expression.
Purpose:
- To review strategies for enhancing microbial transglutaminase yield and molecular modification.
- To analyze recent advancements in improving MTG activity, thermo-stability, and specificity.
- To identify future trends in MTG research and development.
Summary:
- Recombinant strain construction has significantly increased microbial transglutaminase (MTG) yield compared to wild strains.
- Molecular modification of MTG has led to improved enzyme activity, thermal stability, and specificity.
- Successful expression of MTG has been achieved across diverse expression systems.
Impact:
- Enhanced MTG production facilitates wider industrial applications.
- Improved enzyme properties open new avenues for MTG utilization in various sectors.
- Advancements in MTG research pave the way for novel biotechnological solutions.
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