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  • Using enzymes to tame nitro...
    Ye, Yuxuan; Cao, Jingzhe; Oblinsky, Daniel G; Verma, Deeptak; Prier, Christopher K; Scholes, Gregory D; Hyster, Todd K

    Nature chemistry, 02/2023, Letnik: 15, Številka: 2
    Journal Article

    The formation of C-N bonds-of great importance to the pharmaceutical industry-can be facilitated enzymatically using nucleophilic and nitrene transfer mechanisms. However, neither natural nor engineered enzymes are known to generate and control nitrogen-centred radicals, which serve as valuable species for C-N bond formation. Here we use flavin-dependent 'ene'-reductases with an exogenous photoredox catalyst to selectively generate amidyl radicals within the protein active site. These enzymes are engineered through directed evolution to catalyse 5-exo, 6-endo, 7-endo, 8-endo, and intermolecular hydroamination reactions with high levels of enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that radical initiation occurs via an enzyme-gated mechanism, where the protein thermodynamically activates the substrate for reduction by the photocatalyst. Molecular dynamics studies indicate that the enzymes bind substrates using non-canonical binding interactions, which may serve as a handle to further manipulate reactivity. This approach demonstrates the versatility of these enzymes for controlling the reactivity of high-energy radical intermediates and highlights the opportunity for synergistic catalyst strategies to unlock previously inaccessible enzymatic functions.