New Biotransformations Using Engineered Enzymes and Catalytic Antibodies

• Research unit: COST
• Project number: C98.0106

Key words (English)

Catalytic Antibodies; Enzyme Engineering; Enzyme Evolution; Aldolases; Epoxides; Diels-Alder Cycloadditions; Enantioselective synthesis; disfavored reactions

Research programs (English)

COST-Action D12 - Organic Transformations: Selective processes and Asymmetric Catalysis

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise: Universität Bern Departement für Chemie und Biochemie

Partners and International Organizations (English)

A, B, HR, CZ, DK, F, D, H, IRL, I, LV, NL, N, PL, P, RO, SI, E, S, CH, GB

Abstract (English)

Our working group has focused on two avenues of research in biocatalysis. First we have investigated the chemistry of catalytic antibodies and the research tools needed to discover these catalysts, which concerns the design and synthesis of transition state analogs, and the developement of high-throughput screening assays for catalysis. This first area involved the groups of Gouverneur, Reymond, and Crotti. Second we have pursued our interest in the structure, activity and evolution of transaldolase enzymes. Mechanistic and structural studies helped uncover new aspects of these biocatalysts. We have also set up new systems to carry ou in vitro evolution of these enzymes towards new functions. This second area involved the groups of Fessner, Sprenger, Schneider, Berry, and Reymond.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: COST-DB of the State Secretariat for Education and Research Hallwylstrasse 4 CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland Tel. [phone] Swiss Project-Number: C98.0106