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Phage-assisted continuous evolution
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<p>Phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) is a <a href="/facts/Phage/L2Ll0T3q">phage</a>-based technique for the automated <a href="/facts/Directed_evolution/DYJs0Hm2">directed evolution</a> of proteins. It relies on relating the desired activity of a target protein with the fitness of an infectious bacteriophage which carries the protein's corresponding gene. Proteins with greater desired activity hence confer greater infectivity to their carrier phage. More infectious phage propagate more effectively, selecting for advantageous mutations. <a href="/facts/Genetic_variation/f2wzYLbI">Genetic variation</a> is generated using error-prone <a href="/facts/Polymerases/hN2ECr7B">polymerases</a> on the <a href="/facts/Cloning_vector/s4peCwGf">phage vectors</a>, and over time the protein accumulates beneficial mutations. This technique is notable for performing hundreds of rounds of selection with minimal human intervention. </p>