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One lock for different keys: A flexible arginine in the active site allows γ‐aminobutyrate:pyruvate transaminases to bind the chemically different substrates L‐alanine and γ‐aminobutyric acid. Moreover, a flexible arginine residue facilitates the promiscuous conversion of (S)‐amines and ketones. The degree of promiscuity can be related to distinct key amino acids lying at the surface of the active site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digging in the database: Four synthetically useful transaminases for which no function was known were studied by evaluating a set of eight amino donors and seven acceptors (see figure). The four enzymes differ substantially in their catalytic properties and substrate preferences. We also used the enzymes in the asymmetric synthesis of a range of chiral amines and observed excellent enantioselectivities and conversions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]