Editing cell membranes with new molecular tools (Tei et al, 2023)
Researchers from the Baskin lab use a directed evolution approach to make a highly active enzyme that can change the inner cell-facing head groups of lipids that compose the cell membrane. They're able to edit 2-4% of a cell's lipids into other lipid types, enabling new, more targeted approaches for the study of lipid biology. Exciting application potential in lipid manufacturing, too!