SYNTHETIC METALLOPROTEINS AND METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF

摘要

The subject invention provides synthetic metalloproteins containing at least one metal binding site consisting of a metal ion and ligands associated therewith. Such metalloproteins are prepared by using protein structure coordinate arrays to determine a set of primary sequence mutations in a preselected host protein, and constructing the synthetic metalloproteins by methods of recombinant genetics, protein expression and purification. Particular applications include synthetic superoxide dismutases and monooxidases. Also provided is a method of oxidizing an alkane using a synthetic metalloprotein in which a monooxygenase active site is installed. Other uses of synthetic metalloproteins include a method of treating a subject suffering from reperfusion type tissue damage and from ischemia.