Communications Chemistry,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
7(1)
Published: March 27, 2024
Abstract
Norcoclaurine
synthase
from
Thalictrum
flavum
(
Tf
NCS)
demonstrated
high
stereospecificity
and
yield
in
catalyzing
the
Pictet-Spengler
reaction
of
dopamine
with
chiral
aldehydes,
achieving
kinetic
resolution
aldehydes.
However,
mechanism
factors
contributing
to
stereoselectivity
remain
unclear.
Herein,
by
using
quantum
chemical
calculations,
mechanisms
NCS-catalyzed
reactions
both
enantiomers
α-methyl-phenylacetaldehyde
are
studied.
The
calculations
reveal
a
mirroring
natural
substrates,
for
which
deprotonation
C5−H
cyclized
intermediate
is
rate-limiting.
calculated
overall
barriers
20.1
kcal
mol
-1
21.6
R
)-
S
)-α-methyl-phenylacetaldehyde,
respectively.
M97
L72
residues
proposed
be
key
stereospecificity.
obtained
detailed
information
helpful
designing
new
variants
NCS
extended
substrate
scope,
also
advancing
our
understanding
potential
applications.
Chemical Society Reviews,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
53(16), P. 8202 - 8239
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
Global
environmental
issues
and
sustainable
development
call
for
new
technologies
fine
chemical
synthesis
waste
valorization.
Biocatalysis
has
attracted
great
attention
as
the
alternative
to
traditional
organic
synthesis.
However,
it
is
challenging
navigate
vast
sequence
space
identify
those
proteins
with
admirable
biocatalytic
functions.
The
recent
of
deep-learning
based
structure
prediction
methods
such
AlphaFold2
reinforced
by
different
computational
simulations
or
multiscale
calculations
largely
expanded
3D
databases
enabled
structure-based
design.
While
approaches
shed
light
on
site-specific
enzyme
engineering,
they
are
not
suitable
large-scale
screening
potential
biocatalysts.
Effective
utilization
big
data
using
machine
learning
techniques
opens
up
a
era
accelerated
predictions.
Here,
we
review
applications
machine-learning
guided
We
also
provide
our
view
challenges
perspectives
effectively
employing
design
integrating
molecular
learning,
importance
database
construction
algorithm
in
attaining
predictive
ML
models
explore
fitness
landscape
Angewandte Chemie International Edition,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
63(36)
Published: June 17, 2024
Abstract
This
review
analyzes
a
development
in
biochemistry,
enzymology
and
biotechnology
that
originally
came
as
surprise.
Following
the
establishment
of
directed
evolution
stereoselective
enzymes
organic
chemistry,
concept
partial
or
complete
deconvolution
selective
multi‐mutational
variants
was
introduced.
Early
experiments
led
to
finding
mutations
can
interact
cooperatively
antagonistically
with
one
another,
not
just
additively.
During
past
decade,
this
phenomenon
shown
be
general.
In
some
studies,
molecular
dynamics
(MD)
quantum
mechanics/molecular
mechanics
(QM/MM)
computations
were
performed
order
shed
light
on
origin
non‐additivity
at
all
stages
an
evolutionary
upward
climb.
Data
used
construct
unique
multi‐dimensional
rugged
fitness
pathway
landscapes,
which
provide
mechanistic
insights
different
from
traditional
landscapes.
Along
related
line,
biochemists
have
long
tested
result
introducing
two
point
enzyme
for
reasons,
followed
by
comparison
respective
double
mutant
so‐called
cycles,
showed
only
additive
effects,
but
more
recently
also
uncovered
cooperative
antagonistic
non‐additive
effects.
We
conclude
suggestions
future
work,
call
unified
overall
picture
epistasis.
Current Opinion in Structural Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
87, P. 102870 - 102870
Published: June 24, 2024
The
expansion
of
the
chemical
space
to
tangible
libraries
containing
billions
synthesizable
molecules
opens
exciting
opportunities
for
drug
discovery,
but
also
challenges
power
computer-aided
design
prioritize
best
candidates.
This
directly
hits
quantum
mechanics
(QM)
methods,
which
provide
chemically
accurate
properties,
subject
small-sized
systems.
Preserving
accuracy
while
optimizing
computational
cost
is
at
heart
many
efforts
develop
high-quality,
efficient
QM-based
strategies,
reflected
in
refined
algorithms
and
approaches.
QM-tailored
physics-based
force
fields
coupling
QM
with
machine
learning,
conjunction
computing
performance
supercomputing
resources,
will
enhance
ability
use
these
methods
discovery.
challenge
formidable,
we
undoubtedly
see
impressive
advances
that
define
a
new
era.
Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
64(9), P. 3912 - 3922
Published: April 22, 2024
In
constructing
finite
models
of
enzyme
active
sites
for
quantum-chemical
calculations,
atoms
at
the
periphery
model
must
be
constrained
to
prevent
unphysical
rearrangements
during
geometry
relaxation.
A
simple
fixed-atom
or
"coordinate-lock"
approach
is
commonly
employed
but
leads
undesirable
artifacts
in
form
small
imaginary
frequencies.
These
preclude
evaluation
finite-temperature
free-energy
corrections,
limiting
thermochemical
calculations
enthalpies
only.
Full-dimensional
vibrational
frequency
are
possible
by
replacing
constraints
with
harmonic
confining
potentials.
Here,
we
compare
that
an
alternative
strategy
which
contributions
Hessian
simply
omitted.
While
latter
does
eliminate
frequencies,
it
tends
underestimate
both
zero-point
energy
and
entropy
while
introducing
artificial
rigidity.
Harmonic
potentials
frequencies
provide
a
flexible
means
construct
active-site
can
used
unconstrained
relaxations,
affording
better
convergence
reaction
energies
barrier
heights
respect
size,
as
compared
constraints.
Chemistry - A European Journal,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
30(60)
Published: Aug. 7, 2024
Enzymes
turnover
substrates
into
products
with
amazing
efficiency
and
selectivity
as
such
have
great
potential
for
use
in
biotechnology
pharmaceutical
applications.
However,
details
of
their
catalytic
cycles
the
origins
surrounding
regio-
chemoselectivity
enzymatic
reaction
processes
remain
unknown,
which
makes
engineering
enzymes
challenging.
Computational
modelling
can
assist
experimental
work
field
establish
factors
that
influence
rates
product
distributions.
A
popular
approach
is
quantum
mechanical
cluster
models
take
first-
second
coordination
sphere
enzyme
active
site
consideration.
These
QM
are
widely
applied
but
often
results
obtained
dependent
on
model
choice
selection.
Herein,
we
show
give
highly
accurate
reproduce
distributions
free
energies
activation
within
several
kcal
mol
ACS Catalysis,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
14(2), P. 797 - 811
Published: Jan. 3, 2024
An
atypical
nonheme
iron-dependent
dioxygenase
BTG13
with
a
rare
iron
coordination
of
four
histidine
residues
and
carboxylated-lysine
(Kcx)
was
recently
reported
to
catalyze
the
C4a–C10
bond
cleavage
anthraquinone.
However,
reaction
mechanism
remains
elusive.
Herein,
detailed
is
studied
using
molecular
dynamics
simulations
density
functional
theory
calculations.
The
comprehensive
mechanistic
study
shows
that
most
favorable
pathway
for
C–C
anthraquinone
involves
two
unusual
steps:
(1)
hydrogen
atom
abstraction
(HAA)
from
an
sp3-hybridized
carbon
substrate
by
FeIII–O2•–
(2)
oxygen
rebound
radical
via
homolytic
O–O
cleavage,
which
activates
FeIII–OOH
form
FeIV═O
species.
Furthermore,
our
results
reveal
Kcx
could
increase
electron-donating
ability
ferrous
iron,
thereby
boosting
activation
dioxygen
species
facilitating
following
HAA
processes.
This
advances
current
knowledge
reactions
catalyzed
oxygenases.
Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
19(21), P. 7459 - 7477
Published: Oct. 13, 2023
Protein
engineering
holds
immense
promise
in
shaping
the
future
of
biomedicine
and
biotechnology.
This
Review
focuses
on
our
ongoing
development
Mutexa,
a
computational
ecosystem
designed
to
enable
"intelligent
protein
engineering".
In
this
vision,
researchers
will
seamlessly
acquire
sequences
variants
with
desired
functions
as
biocatalysts,
therapeutic
peptides,
diagnostic
proteins
through
finely-tuned
machine,
akin
Amazon
Alexa's
role
versatile
virtual
assistant.
The
technical
foundation
Mutexa
has
been
established
database
that
combines
relates
enzyme
structures
their
respective
(e.g.,
IntEnzyDB),
workflow
software
packages
high-throughput
modeling
EnzyHTP
LassoHTP),
scoring
map
sequence-structure-function
relationship
EnzyKR
DeepLasso).
We
showcase
applications
these
tools
benchmarking
convergence
conditions
functional
descriptors
across
mutants,
investigating
electrostatics
cavity
distributions
SAM-dependent
methyltransferases,
understanding
nonelectrostatic
dynamic
effects
catalysis.
Finally,
we
conclude
by
addressing
steps
fundamental
challenges
endeavor
develop
new
assist
identification
beneficial
mutants
engineering.
ChemistryOpen,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Jan. 7, 2025
Abstract
5‐Enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate
synthase
(EPSPS)
catalyzes
the
conversion
of
5‐enolpyruvate
(PEP)
and
shikimic
acid
phosphate
(S3P)
to
5‐enolpyruvylshikimic
acid‐3‐phosphate
(EPSP),
releasing
inorganic
phosphate.
This
reaction
is
sixth
step
shikimate
pathway,
which
a
metabolic
pathway
used
by
microorganisms
plants
for
biosynthesis
aromatic
amino
acids
folates
but
not
in
mammals.
In
present
study,
detailed
mechanism
EPSPS
from
Nicotiana
tabacum
(
Nt
EPSPS)
revealed
quantum
chemical
calculations
with
cluster
approach.
The
proposed
involve
formation
carbocation
intermediate,
tetrahedral
C−O
bond
cleavage
re‐formation
C=C
bond.
All
four
steps
are
concerted
processes
involving
proton
transfer
events.
suggest
step‐wise
intermediate
hydroxyl
group
S3P
Asp331
nucleophilic
attack
on
carbocation,
consistent
proposal
literature.
energy
profile
entire
presented,
showing
that
phosphate,
rate‐limiting
step.
interaction
between
Glu359
residue
significant
stabilizing
ACS Catalysis,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
15(3), P. 1544 - 1552
Published: Jan. 13, 2025
The
evolution
of
a
promiscuous
enzyme
for
its
various
activities
often
results
in
catalytically
specialized
variants.
This
is
an
important
natural
mechanism
to
ensure
the
proper
functioning
metabolic
networks.
It
also
acts
as
both
curse
and
blessing
engineers,
where
enzymes
that
have
undergone
directed
may
exhibit
exquisite
selectivity
at
expense
diminished
overall
catalytic
repertoire.
We
previously
performed
two
independent
campaigns
on
designer
leverages
unique
properties
noncanonical
amino
acid
(ncAA)
para-aminophenylalanine
(pAF)
residue,
resulting
evolved
variants
which
are
specialized.
Here,
we
combine
mutagenesis,
crystallography,
computation
reveal
molecular
basis
specialization
phenomenon.
In
one
variant,
unexpected
change
quaternary
structure
biases
substrate
dynamics
promote
enantioselective
catalysis,
while
other
demonstrates
synergistic
cooperation
between
side
chains
pAF
residue
form
semisynthetic
machinery.