  Machine learning (ML)-guided directed evolution is a new paradigm for
biological design that enables optimization of complex functions. ML methods
use data to predict how sequence maps to function without requiring a detailed
model of the underlying physics or biological pathways. To demonstrate
ML-guided directed evolution, we introduce the steps required to build ML
sequence-function models and use them to guide engineering, making
recommendations at each stage. This review covers basic concepts relevant to
using ML for protein engineering as well as the current literature and
applications of this new engineering paradigm. ML methods accelerate directed
evolution by learning from information contained in all measured variants and
using that information to select sequences that are likely to be improved. We
then provide two case studies that demonstrate the ML-guided directed evolution
process. We also look to future opportunities where ML will enable discovery of
new protein functions and uncover the relationship between protein sequence and
function.
