Leslie C Engel

Title: Innovations of Leslie C Engel in Bioconversion Enzymes

Introduction

Leslie C Engel is an accomplished inventor based in Des Peres, MO (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the development of novel enzymes for steroid bioconversion. With a total of 2 patents, Engel's work has implications for both scientific research and practical applications in biotechnology.

Latest Patents

Engel's latest patents focus on a novel cytochrome P450-like enzyme known as 11 alpha hydroxylase and an oxidoreductase isolated from a cDNA library generated from the mRNA of spores. The invention describes how the cDNA encoding the 11 alpha hydroxylase, when co-expressed in Sf-9 insect cells with the cDNA encoding human oxidoreductase as an electron donor, successfully catalyzed the conversion of the steroid substrate 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AD) to 11 alpha-hydroxy-AD, as determined by HPLC analysis. The patents also cover nucleic acid molecules associated with these cDNAs, including complements, homologues, and fragments, as well as methods for generating polypeptides and fragments. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for expressing the 11 alpha hydroxylase gene in heterologous host cells to facilitate the bioconversion of steroid substrates.

Career Highlights

Engel has been associated with Pharmacia Corporation, where he has contributed to various innovative projects. His work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of enzyme functions and their applications in bioconversion processes.

Collaborations

Engel has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Suzanne L Bolten and Robert Clayton, who have contributed to his research endeavors.

Conclusion

Leslie C Engel's innovative work in the field of biochemistry, particularly with his patents on cytochrome P450-like enzymes, showcases his significant contributions to science and technology. His research continues to pave the way for advancements in bioconversion processes.