Glutamine Synthetase Mutations for L-Glutamine Yield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing L-glutamine are inefficient, and there is a need to enhance the activity of glutamine synthetase to achieve high-yield production.

Innovation Solution

A modified polypeptide of glutamine synthetase is developed by substituting specific amino acids at positions 401, 402, or 404 with different amino acids, leading to increased L-glutamine production without affecting the growth rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wild-type glutamine synthetase is used, then the microorganism maintains normal growth rate, but L-glutamine production efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveL-glutamine production efficiencyVSAvoidgrowth rate stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by substituting specific amino acid residues (positions 401, 402, or 404) in the glutamine synthetase protein sequence. These point mutations modify the enzyme's catalytic properties and substrate binding characteristics, thereby enhancing L-glutamine production efficiency while preserving the microorganism's growth rate through controlled biochemical parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If glutamine synthetase activity is enhanced through mutation, then L-glutamine production increases, but enzyme stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglutamine synthetase activityVSAvoidenzyme structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing site-directed mutagenesis at specific localized positions (401, 402, or 404) within the glutamine synthetase molecule. These targeted amino acid substitutions modify only the local catalytic or binding regions of the enzyme, enhancing its activity toward L-glutamine synthesis while preserving the overall structural stability and folding of the protein through careful selection of conservative or context-appropriate amino acid replacements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12270061B2Modified polypeptide of glutamine synthetase and method of producing L-glutamine using the same
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 CJ CHEILJEDANG CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a modified polypeptide of glutamine synthetase having enhanced activity and a method of producing L-glutamine using the same. Since production of L-glutamine may be increased by using the novel modified polypeptide without a decrease in a growth rate compared to wild-type strains having glutamine synthetase activity, the modified polypeptide may be widely used for mass production of L-glutamine.