Directed evolution of arginine deiminase for increased activity at physiological pH

摘要

The present invention relates to modified arginine deiminases exhibiting an increased activity at a higher pH, compared to a non-modified arginine deiminase, as well as uses of these enzymes for the treatment of cancer and unwanted tumor-induced neovascularization in a cancer. The present invention further relates to a method for modifying the pH optimum of the activity of an arginine deiminase, wherein said modifying provides an increased activity of said modified arginine deiminase at a higher pH, compared to a non-modified arginine deiminase.