THE ENZYME
A new-to-nature enzyme for protein deglycation
CMLase is the name used for an engineered enzyme designed to recognise Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine modifications located on proteins. The reported research enzyme, CrGO-897, was developed from a glycine-oxidase scaffold through computational design, screening and directed evolution. Under controlled laboratory conditions, the enzyme was shown to convert protein-associated CML back into lysine. This represents a significant proof of concept: a stable form of accumulated protein chemical damage can be directly targeted through engineered enzymatic chemistry.
Origin and scaffold
CrGO-897 was developed from a glycine-oxidase scaffold — an existing enzyme architecture that was redesigned through computational design, screening and directed evolution until it could recognise the CML side chain. It is described as new to nature: no natural enzyme was known to carry out this reaction.
Proof of concept
Under controlled laboratory conditions, the enzyme converted protein-associated CML back into lysine. A modification that accumulates on long-lived proteins and was treated as effectively permanent can now be investigated as a direct enzymatic target.
Credit where it is due
The original CrGO-897/CMLase enzyme was reported by external researchers. Panacea Bio Chem Ltd did not invent the original enzyme and does not claim authorship or ownership of that original discovery. The published breakthrough created a new scientific starting point; Panacea now conducts its own independent programme around enzymatic protein repair, enzyme stabilisation, formulation, preservation, delivery and related molecular-repair technologies.
Distinctions that matter
CMLase reverses one specific chemical modification. It is not currently shown to reverse every AGE, every protein cross-link or ageing as a whole.
It is not reported to break glucosepane cross-links, and no effect on overall ageing has been established. Precision about what the enzyme does is what makes the finding meaningful.