Converting an Esterase into an Epoxide Hydrolase

摘要

Divergent evolution has created superfamilies of enzymes with the same protein fold, but different catalytic abilities. For example, the alpha/beta-hydrolase superfamily enzymes all catalyze reactions involving a nucleophilic attack: ester, amide, epoxide, and alkyl halide hydrolysis, cyanide addition to aldehydes forming a carbon-carbon bond as well as several others. Many of these enzymes, and especially lipases and esterases, accept a wide range of substrates, each with high stereoselectivity, making them versatile catalysts for organic synthesis.