Deep mutational scanning: assessing protein function on a massive scale

Trends Biotechnol. 2011 Sep;29(9):435-42. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2011.04.003. Epub 2011 May 10.

Abstract

Analysis of protein mutants is an effective means to understand their function. Protein display is an approach that allows large numbers of mutants of a protein to be selected based on their activity, but only a handful with maximal activity have been traditionally identified for subsequent functional analysis. However, the recent application of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to protein display and selection has enabled simultaneous assessment of the function of hundreds of thousands of mutants that span the activity range from high to low. Such deep mutational scanning approaches are rapid and inexpensive with the potential for broad utility. In this review, we discuss the emergence of deep mutational scanning, the challenges associated with its use and some of its exciting applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Computational Biology
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed*
  • Mutation*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Proteins