The ever increasing catalogue of natural product biosynthetic pathways has outpaced the physicochemical study of the responsible enzymes. While we frequently know the genes and possibly even the gene products responsible for the biosynthesis of structurally unique natural products, we are often at a loss to explain the actual chemistry by which these compounds are constructed. It will only be through a detailed enzymological understanding of these biosynthetic pathways that they may be adapted and targeted for use in wider biomedical and biotechnological endeavors. To reach these goals, we have investigated the chemical mechanisms of several biosynthetic enzymes that catalyze unusual transformations or use common coenzymes in unexpected ways.  Some recent results of these efforts will be presented.

Mechanistic studies of novel transformations in biocatalysis

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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