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[FeFe] hydrogenases, metalloenzymes catalyzing proton/dihydrogeninterconversion, have attracted intense attention due to their remarkablecatalytic properties and (bio-)technological potential for a futurehydrogen economy. In order to unravel the factors enabling their efficientcatalysis, both their unique organometallic cofactors and proteinstructural features, i.e., "outer-coordination sphere"effects have been intensively studied. These structurally diverseenzymes are divided into distinct phylogenetic groups, denoted asGroup A-D. Prototypical Group A hydrogenases display high turnoverrates (10(4)-10(5) s(-1)).Conversely, the sole characterized Group D representative, Thermoanaerobacter mathranii HydS (TamHydS), shows relatively low catalytic activity (specific activity10(-1) & mu;mol H-2 mg(-1) min(-1)) and has been proposed to serve a H-2-sensory function. The various groups of [FeFe] hydrogenaseshare the same catalytic cofactor, the H-cluster, and the structuralfactors causing the diverging reactivities of Group A and D remainto be elucidated. In the case of the highly active Group A enzymes,a well-defined proton transfer pathway (PTP) has been identified,which shuttles H+ between the enzyme surface and the activesite. In Group D hydrogenases, this conserved pathway is absent. Here,we report on the identification of highly conserved amino acid residuesin Group D hydrogenases that constitute a possible alternative PTP.We varied two proposed key amino acid residues of this pathway (E252and E289, TamHydS numbering) via site-directed mutagenesisand analyzed the resulting variants via biochemical and spectroscopicmethods. All variants displayed significantly decreased H-2-evolution and -oxidation activities. Additionally, the variantsshowed two redox states that were not characterized previously. Thesefindings provide initial evidence that these amino acid residues arecentral to the putative PTP of Group D [FeFe] hydrogenase. Since theidentified residues are high

ATAs engineered for having an enlarged small binding pocket were applied for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R)-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-butylamine, a chiral component of human leukocyte elastase inhibitor DMP 777 (L-694,458). Kinetic resolution of the racemic amine was performed by using the L59A variant of the (S)-selective ATA from Chromobacterium violaceum (Cv-ATA), providing the residual (R)-enantiomer in excellent yield and >99% ee. At moderate enzyme loading and absence of co-solvent, high volumetric productivity of 0.22 mol L-1 h(-1) (42.5 g L-1 h(-1)) was achieved. Complementarily, the (S)-enantiomer was generated via kinetic resolution using the (R)-selective ATA-117-Rd11 from Arthrobacter sp. with acetone as the amino acceptor. In an alternative approach, we employed ATA-117-Rd11 for the asymmetric amination of the prochiral ketone precursor, which at 86% conversion gave the (R)-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-butylamine with excellent >99% ee. We further evaluated the utility of Cv-ATA L59A for the asymmetric synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant (S)-1-phenylbutan-1-amine, a chiral component of the deubiquitinase inhibitor degrasyn (WP1130). The enzyme showed good tolerance to high concentrations of isopropylamine, producing (S)-1-phenylbutan-1-amine in enantiomerically pure form (>99% ee).

Biohybrid technologies like semiartificial photosynthesis are attracting increased attention, as they enable the combination of highly efficient synthetic light-harvesters with the self-healing and outstanding performance of biocatalysis. However, such systems are intrinsically complex, with multiple interacting components. Herein, we explore a whole-cell photocatalytic system for hydrogen (H2) gas production as a model system for semiartificial photosynthesis. The employed whole-cell photo catalytic system is based on Escherichia coli cells heterologously expressing a highly efficient, but oxygen-sensitive, [FeFe] hydrogenase. The system is driven by the organic photosensitizer eosin Y under broad-spectrum white light illumination. The direct involvement of the [FeFe] hydrogenase in the catalytic reaction is verified spectroscopically. We also observe that E. coli provides protection against O-2 damage, underscoring the suitability of this host organism for oxygen-sensitive enzymes in the development of (photo) catalytic biohybrid systems. Moreover, the study shows how factorial experimental design combined with analysis of variance (ANOVA) can be employed to identify relevant variables, as well as their interconnectivity, on both overall catalytic performance and O-2 tolerance.

ATAs engineered for having an enlarged small binding pocket were applied for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R)‐benzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl‐butylamine, a chiral component of human leukocyte elastase inhibitor DMP 777 (L‐694,458). Kinetic resolution of the racemic amine was performed by using the L59A variant of the (S)‐selective ATA from Chromobacterium violaceum (Cv‐ATA), providing the residual (R)‐enantiomer in excellent yield and >99% ee. At moderate enzyme loading and absence of co‐solvent, high volumetric productivity of 0.22 mol L⁻¹ h⁻¹ (42.5 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹) was achieved. Complementarily, the (S)‐enantiomer was generated via kinetic resolution using the (R)‐selective ATA‐117‐Rd11 from Arthrobacter sp. with acetone as the amino acceptor. In an alternative approach, we employed ATA‐117‐Rd11 for the asymmetric amination of the prochiral ketone precursor, which at 86% conversion gave the (R)‐benzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl‐butylamine with excellent >99% ee. We further evaluated the utility of Cv‐ATA L59A for the asymmetric synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant (S)‐1‐phenylbutan‐1‐amine, a chiral component of the deubiquitinase inhibitor degrasyn (WP1130). The enzyme showed good tolerance to high concentrations of isopropylamine, producing (S)‐1‐phenylbutan‐1‐amine in enantiomerically pure form (>99% ee).

Studies of molecular catalysts traditionally aim at understanding how a certain mechanism allows the reaction to be fast. A distinct question, which has only recently received attention in the case of bidirectional molecular catalysts, is how much thermodynamic driving force is required to achieve fast catalysis in either direction of the reaction. “Reversible” catalysts are bidirectional catalysts that work either way in response to even a small departure from equilibrium and thus do not waste input free energy as heat; conversely, “irreversible” catalysts require a large driving force to proceed at an appreciable rate [Fourmond et al. Nat. Rev. Chem.2021, 5, 348–360]. Numerous mechanistic rationales for these contrasting behaviors have been proposed. To understand the determinants of catalytic (ir)reversibility, we examined the steady-state, direct electron transfer voltammetry of a particular FeFe hydrogenase, from Thermoanaerobacter mathranii, which is very unusual in that it irreversibly catalyzes H2 oxidation and production: a large overpotential is required for the reaction to proceed in either direction [Land et al. Chem. Sci.2020, 11, 12789–12801]. In contrast to previous hypotheses, we demonstrate that in this particular enzyme catalytic irreversibility can be explained without invoking slow interfacial electron transfer or variations in the mechanism: the observed kinetics is fully consistent with the same catalytic pathway being used in both directions of the reaction.

Hydrogenases are gas processing redox enzymes central in hydrogen metabolism. The interdisciplinary nature of hydrogenase research is underscored by the development of "artificial maturation"€, enabling the preparation of semi-synthetic hydrogenases through the incorporation of synthetic cofactors into a range of apo-hydrogenase hosts under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Herein, we discuss how the preparation of such semi-synthetic [FeFe]-hydrogenases has elucidated structural elements of the cofactor critical for catalysis and reactivity towards known inhibitors. It has also provided a convenient method for exploring the biodiversity of this enzyme family and thereby facilitated investigation of the role of the outer-coordination sphere in tuning the reactivity of the H-cluster. In parallel, hijacking the assembly line of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase through incorporation of synthetic precursors has provided detailed insight into the biosynthesis of the H-cluster. Moreover, it has allowed the preparation of Mn analogs of [Fe] hydrogenase.

[FeFe]-hydrogenases are known for their high rates of hydrogen turnover, and are intensively studied in the context of biotechnological applications. Evolution has generated a plethora of different subclasses with widely different characteristics. The M2e subclass is phylogenetically distinct from previously characterized members of this enzyme family and its biological role is unknown. It features significant differences in domain- and active site architecture, and is most closely related to the putative sensory [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Here we report the first comprehensive biochemical and spectroscopical characterization of an M2e enzyme, derived from Thermoanaerobacter mathranii. As compared to other [FeFe]-hydrogenases characterized to-date, this enzyme displays an increased H2 affinity, higher activation enthalpies for H+/H2 interconversion, and unusual reactivity towards known hydrogenase inhibitors. These properties are related to differences in active site architecture between the M2e [FeFe]-hydrogenase and “prototypical” [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Thus, this study provides new insight into the role of this subclass in hydrogen metabolism and the influence of the active site pocket on the chemistry of the H-cluster.

Artificial photosynthesis is seen as a path to convert and store solar energy into chemical energy for our society. In this work, highly fluorescent aspartic acid-based carbon dots (CDs) are synthesized and employed as a photosensitizer to drive photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with an [FeFe] hydrogenase (CrHydA1). The direct interaction in CDs from L-aspartic acid (AspCDs)/CrHydA1 self-assembly systems, which is visualized from native gel electrophoresis, has been systematically investigated to understand the electron-transfer dynamics and its impact on photocatalytic efficiency. The study discloses the significant influence of the electrostatic surrounding generated by sacrificial electron donors on the intimate interplay within the oppositely charged subunits of the biohybrid assembly as well as the overall photocatalytic performance. The system reaches an external quantum efficiency of 1.7% at 420 nm and an initial activity of 1.73 mu mol(H-2) mg(-1) (hydrogenase) min(-1) under favorable electrostatic conditions. Owing to the ability of the synthesized AspCDs to operate efficiently under visible light, in contrast to other materials that require UV illumination, the stability of the biohybrid assembly in the presence of a redox mediator extends beyond 1 week.

Hydrogenases are redox enzymes that catalyze the conversion of protons and molecular hydrogen (H-2). Based on the composition of the active site cofactor, the monometallic [Fe]-hydrogenase is distinguished from the bimetallic [NiFe]- or [FeFe]-hydrogenase. The latter has been reported with particularly high turnover activities for both H-2 release and H-2 oxidation, notably at neutral pH, ambient temperatures, and negligible electric overpotential. Due to these properties, [FeFe]-hydrogenase represents the "gold standard" in enzymatic hydrogen turnover. Understanding hydrogenase chemistry is crucial for the design of transition metal complexes that serve as potentially sustainable proton reduction or H-2 oxidation catalysts, e.g., in electrolytic devices or fuel cells. However, even 20 years after the crystal structures of [FeFe]-hydrogenase have been published, several aspects of biological hydrogen turnover are heatedly discussed. In this perspective, we give an overview on how the diversity of naturally occurring and artificially prepared, semisynthetic [FeFe]-hydrogenases deepens our understanding of hydrogenase chemistry. In parallel, we cover recent results from biophysical techniques that go beyond the scope of conventional X-ray diffraction, EPR, and FTIR spectroscopy. Taking into account both proton transfer and electron transfer as well as the notorious sensitivity of [FeFe]-hydrogenase toward carbon monoxide, the discussion further touches upon the molecular proceedings of biological hydrogen turnover.

A protein engineering approach for expanding the substrate scope of the (S)-selective Chromobacterium violaceum amine transaminase is presented. Amino acid residues in the small binding pocket of the active site were targeted in order to increase the pocket size for acceptance of primary amines bearing two bulky groups. A highly sensitive fluorescence assay was then used to evaluate the generated enzyme variants for their activity towards propyl- and benzyl-substituted screening substrates. The best variant, L59A/F88A, was successfully applied in the kinetic resolution of 1,2-diphenylethylamine using different conditions and substrate loadings. The variant L59A/F88A generated enantiomerically pure (R)-1,2-diphenylethylamine with ee>99% under all tested conditions. The variant also holds great promise for synthesis of hydrophobic compounds as it shows optimum activity when 20-30% (v/v) DMSO is applied as cosolvent. The variant L59A/F88A provides a great addition to the available catalyst toolbox for synthesis of chiral amines, as it is the first published (S)-selective amine transaminase showing activity towards benzyl-substituted primary amines.

A new screening method for [FeFe]-hydrogenases is described, circumventing the need for specialized expression conditions as well as protein purification for initial characterization. [FeFe]-hydrogenases catalyze the formation and oxidation of molecular hydrogen at rates exceeding 10(3) s(-1), making them highly promising for biotechnological applications. However, the discovery of novel [FeFe]-hydrogenases is slow due to their oxygen sensitivity and dependency on a structurally unique cofactor, complicating protein expression and purification. Consequently, only a very limited number have been characterized, hampering their implementation. With the purpose of increasing the throughput of [FeFe]-hydrogenase discovery, we have developed a screening method that allows for rapid identification of novel [FeFe]-hydrogenases as well as their characterization with regards to activity (activity assays and protein film electrochemistry) and spectroscopic properties (electron paramagnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The method is based on in vivo artificial maturation of [FeFe]-hydrogenases in Escherichia coli and all procedures are performed on either whole cells or non-purified cell lysates, thereby circumventing extensive protein purification. The screening was applied on eight putative [FeFe]-hydrogenases originating from different structural sub-classes and resulted in the discovery of two new active [FeFe]-hydrogenases. The [FeFe]-hydrogenase from Solobacterium moorei shows high H-2-gas production activity, while the enzyme from Thermoanaerobacter mathranii represents a hitherto uncharacterized [FeFe]-hydrogenase sub-class. This latter enzyme is a putative sensory hydrogenase and our in vivo spectroscopy study reveals distinct differences compared to the well established H-2 producing HydA1 hydrogenase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Biocatalysis is attracting interest in the chemical industry as a sustainable alternative in large-scale chemical transformations. However, low operational stability of naturally evolved enzymes is a challenge and major efforts are required to engineer protein stability, usually by directed evolution. The development of methods for protein stabilization based on rational design is of great interest, as it would minimize the efforts needed to generate stable enzymes. We hereby present a rational design strategy based on proline substitutions in flexible areas of the protein identified by analyzing B-factors. Several proline substitutions in the amine transaminase from Chromobacterium violaceum were shown to have a positive impact on stability with increased half-life at 60°C by a factor of 2.7 (variant K69P/D218P/K304P/R432P) as well as increased melting temperature by 8.3°C (variant K167P). Finally, the presented method utilizing B-factor analysis in combination with the Proline rule was deemed successful at increasing the stability of this enzyme., QC 20190225

In biocatalysis, structural knowledge regarding an enzyme and its substrate interactions complements and guides experimental investigations. Structural knowledge regarding an enzyme or a biocatalytic reaction system can be generated through computational techniques, such as homology- or molecular modeling. For this type of computational work, a computer program developed for molecular modeling of proteins is required. Here, we describe the use of the program YASARA Structure. Protocols for two specific biocatalytic applications, including both homology modeling and molecular modeling such as energy minimization, molecular docking simulations and molecular dynamics simulations, are shown. The applications are chosen to give realistic examples showing how structural knowledge through homology and molecular modeling is used to guide biocatalytic investigations and protein engineering studies.

Covalent immobilization of an engineered omega-transaminase mutant Trp60Cys from Chromobacterium violaceum (CvTAW60C) was performed on bisepoxide-activated aminoalkyl resins. Activity of the various CvTAW60C preparations was evaluated in kinetic resolution of four racemic amines (rac-1a–d). The most active EA-G-CvTAW60C preparation (CvTAW60C attached to polymeric resin with ethylamine function activated with glycerol diglycidyl ether—EA-G) could perform the kinetic resolution of racemic 4-phenylbutan-2-amine (rac-1a) over 49% conversion up to 19 consecutive reaction cycles or in media containing up to 50% v/v DMSO as cosolvent in batch mode reactions. The immobilization process of CvTAW60C onto the EA-G resin filled in stainless steel bioreactors was also tested in flow-through mode. Kinetic resolution of three racemic amines containing aromatic moieties (rac-1a-c) was performed in continuous-flow mode resulting in easy-to-separate mixture of the corresponding ketone (2a–c) and the non-converted (R)-amine in high enantiopurity (ee(R)-1a-c ≥ 96%)., QC 20180326

An efficient one-pot one-step biocatalytic amine transaminase/acyl transferase cascade for the formation of amides from the corresponding aldehydes and ketones in aqueous solution has been developed. N-benzyl-2-methoxyacetamide has been synthesized utlilizing the developed cascade in conversions up to 97%. The cascade was also evaluated for the synthesis of chiral amides., QC 20160422

omega-Transaminases are a valuable class of enzymes for the production of chiral amines with either (R)- or (S)-configuration in high optical purity and 100% yield by the biocatalytic reductive amination of prochiral ketones. A versatile new assay was developed to quantify omega-transaminase activity for the kinetic characterization and enantioselectivity typing of novel or engineered enzymes based on the conversion of 1-(6-methoxynaphth-2-yl)alkylamines. The associated release of the acetonaphthone product can be monitored by the development of its bright fluorescence at 450 nm with very high sensitivity and selectivity. The assay principle can be used to quantify omega-transaminase catalysis over a very broad range of enzyme activity. Because of its simplicity and low substrate consumption in microtiter plate format the assay seems suitable for liquid screening campaigns with large library sizes in the directed evolution of optimized transaminases. For assay substrates that incorporate structural variations, an efficient modular synthetic route was developed. This includes racemate resolution by lipase-catalyzed transacylation to furnish enantiomerically pure (R)and (S)-configured amines. The latter are instrumental for the rapid enantioselectivity typing of omega-transaminases. This method was used to characterize two novel (S)-selective taurine-pyruvate transaminases of the subtype 6a from thermophilic Geobacillus thermodenitrificans and G. thermoleovorans., QC 20150825

In this review we analyse structure/sequence-function relationships for the superfamily of PLP-dependent enzymes with special emphasis on class III transaminases. Amine transaminases are highly important for applications in biocatalysis in the synthesis of chiral amines. In addition, other enzyme activities such as racemases or decarboxylases are also discussed. The substrate scope and the ability to accept chemically different types of substrates are shown to be reflected in conserved patterns of amino acids around the active site. These findings are condensed in a sequence-function matrix, which facilitates annotation and identification of biocatalytically relevant enzymes and protein engineering thereof., QC 20150827

An efficient single-enzymatic cascade approach for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines has been developed, which applies the amino donor 3-aminocyclohexa-1,5-dienecarboxylic acid spontaneously tautomerizing to reach reaction completion with excellent ee values., QC 20130109