Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Protein Structure and Molecular Enzymology, 2(1543), p. 253-274
DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4838(00)00240-5
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alpha-Amylases constitute a very diverse family of glycosyl hydrolases that cleave alpha1-->4 linkages in amylose and related polymers. Recent structural and mutagenic studies of archeael, mammalian and bacterial alpha-amylases have resulted in a wealth of information on the catalytic mechanism and on the structural features of this enzyme class. Because of their high thermo-stability, the Bacillus alpha-amylases have found widespread use in industrial processes, and much attention has been devoted to optimising these enzymes for the very harsh conditions encountered there. Stability has been a major area of focus in this respect, and several remarkably stable bacterial alpha-amylases have been produced by bioengineering techniques. Protein engineering studies of pH-activity profiles and of substrate specificities have also been initiated, although without much success. In the coming years it is likely, however, that the focus of alpha-amylase engineering will shift from engineering stability to these new areas.