THERMOSTABLE TRANSGLUTAMINASES

摘要

Transglutaminases are used for covalently cross-linking proteins, among other things. A previously known microbial transglutaminase which is produced from Streptomyces mobaraensis is not very stable at elevated temperatures. The transglutaminase in the form of Activa WM is primarily used in food technology. More temperature-resistant and more active transglutaminases are required for cross-linking reactions in applications outside the food sector. The aim of the invention is therefore to produce more thermostable transglutaminases. Said aim is achieved by means of modified transglutaminases which are produced with the help of random mutagenesis using error prone PCR and are more thermostable. The gene sequences of said transglutaminases have been analyzed and the corresponding modified amino acid sequence has been derived therefrom. The protein regions that are more temperature-resistant than the previously known enzyme have been identified with the help of said sequence data and the known crystal structures. The invention applies to food technology, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic field, and polymer synthesis.