Proteins exhibit an incredible diversity of functions critical for cellular and life processes. Interest in proteins with tailored functions suitable for applications ranging from biotechnology to therapeutics continues to increase. Engineering proteins with novel functions requires a deep understanding of their structure-function relationship, leveraging insights from both experimental and computational approaches. Further, understanding the interplay of proteins and protein complexes enables us to design better systems and synthesize them. Recent studies have made significant strides in elucidating the structural motifs and dynamics that govern protein function and stability. However, gaps remain in our comprehensive understanding of how to predict and manipulate these structures for desired functionalities. This research topic aims to address these gaps by exploring innovative strategies and methodologies for engineering proteins with enhanced or entirely new functionalities.

This research topic aims to investigate the fundamental principles governing protein structure and function, focusing on innovative strategies to design and engineer proteins with specific functions. Key objectives include elucidating underlying structural motifs, dynamics, high-throughput screening approaches, and primary and secondary interactions that dictate protein function and stability. Specific questions to be answered include: What are the critical structural determinants for protein function? How can we leverage computational and experimental techniques to predict and optimize protein structures? What novel methodologies can be developed to enhance protein engineering for biotechnological and therapeutic applications?

To gather further insights into the structural considerations for engineering proteins with novel functions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Rational protein design: Employing knowledge of protein structure to engineer functional modifications or novel activities.

- Directed evolution: Harnessing the power of evolutionary principles to evolve proteins with desired properties through iterative mutagenesis and selection.

- Protein-protein interactions: Investigating the structural basis of protein-protein interactions and designing proteins with specific binding partners.

- Protein folding and stability: Understanding the determinants of protein folding and stability to engineer proteins with improved biophysical properties.

- Protein engineering for biotechnological and biomedical applications: Developing novel proteins with applications in drug delivery, biosensing, enzyme catalysis, and therapeutic interventions.

This solicitation aims to foster collaborations among researchers from multiple scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, structural biology, computational biology, and engineering, to advance our understanding of protein structure-function relationships and drive innovation in protein engineering for biotechnological advances, including developing new compounds for biofuels, biomaterials, and biomedical use.

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Frontiers in Synthetic Biology

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