Master thesis “Directed evolution of methionine sulfoxide reductase”

Masterarbeit/Master thesis in protein engineering and directed evolution

24.06.2026, Student assistants, internships, student research projects

Master thesis in directed evolution to engineer substrate specificity of methionine sulfoxide reductase; suitable for students from biochemistry or related study programs.

Project background:
Methionine sulfoxide reductase is a repair enzyme conserved in all domains of life. It catalyzes the reduction of oxidized methionine residues in proteins, which recovers protein function, prevents protein damage and degradation, but also contributes to cellular signaling.
The substrate spectrum includes free methionine and methionine residues in proteins; depending on the enzyme, the S or R diastereomer is preferred. Engineering its substrate specificity can contribute to understanding the catalyzed reaction and to exploring new reactions and functions of methionine sulfoxide reductase.
We use (continuous) directed evolution in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to engineer enzymes towards desired functions. Our preferred system is OrthoRep which introduces mutations into a target gene by 1 million-fold above the natural mutation rate.

You will learn:
- Molecular biology in yeast (incl. PCR, DNA isolation, cultivation, growth assays, etc.)
- Modern cloning techniques (e.g. Golden Gate, Gibson assembly)
- Continuous directed evolution (OrthoRep)
- Sanger sequencing and structural analysis of protein mutations

What you bring:
- A background in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, chemical engineering or related study programs
- Enthusiasm for protein engineering
- Hard-working attitude and independence
- Precision in experimentation and a good sense for time management
- Experience in molecular biology and handling microbes is preferred

We are located at the TUM School of Life Sciences at the Weihenstephan campus in Freising.
Please contact Ulschan Bathe with your CV, transcript of records and a short letter of motivation.

Kontakt: ulschan.bathe@tum.de