Figure 2.

Summary of different methods for measuring and predicting protein aggregation.

Computational methods can predict aggregation-prone regions using sequence or structure input. Rational design involves introducing specific mutations into a protein and subsequent analysis of the mutational effect in comparison to the behaviour of the wild-type protein. Directed evolution and in vivo screening methods obviate protein purification and large numbers of variants can be screened to identify proteins with enhanced properties. Finally, deep mutational scanning can potentially samples every possible mutation and enables quantification of the effect on protein stability or aggregation to be determined in vivo.