Saturation Mutagenesis

Directed protein evolution is usually accomplished by generating random or targeted mutations in the protein coding sequence and screening the mutant proteins (library) for functional improvements. By targeting mutations to certain amino acids, we can map the enzyme active site, investigate mechanisms, and study structure-function relationships. With saturation mutagenesis, it is possible to create a library of mutants containing all possible mutations at one or more pre-determined target positions in a gene sequence.