Structure–function relationships of epoxide hydrolases and their potential use in biocatalysis

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 1800; no. 3; pp. 316 - 326
• Main Authors: Widersten, Mikael, Gurell, Ann, Lindberg, Diana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2010
• Subjects: Biocatalysis; Catalysis; Catalytic Domain; Directed evolution; Epoxide hydrolase; Epoxide Hydrolases - chemistry; Epoxide Hydrolases - metabolism; Epoxy Compounds - chemistry; Epoxy Compounds - metabolism; Mechanism; MEDICIN; MEDICINE; Models, Molecular; New enzymes; Oxygenases - chemistry; Oxygenases - metabolism; Protein Conformation; Protein Subunits - chemistry; Stereospecificity; Structure–activity relationship; Substrate Specificity; Biocatalysis; Directed evolution; New enzymes; Stereospecificity; Epoxide hydrolase; Structure–activity relationship; Mechanism
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1878-2434; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.11.014

Chiral epoxides and diols are important synthons for manufacturing fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The epoxide hydrolases (EC 3.3.2.-) catalyze the hydrolytic ring opening of epoxides producing the corresponding vicinal diol. Several isoenzymes display catalytic properties that position them as promising biocatalytic tools for the generation of enantiopure epoxides and diols. This review focuses on the present data on enzyme structure and function in connection to biocatalytic applications. Available data on biocatalysis employed for purposes of stereospecific ring opening, to produce chiral vicinal diols, and kinetic resolution regimes, to achieve enantiopure epoxides, are discussed and related to results gained from structure–activity studies on the enzyme catalysts. More recent examples of the concept of directed evolution of enzyme function are also presented. The present understanding of structure–activity relationships in epoxide hydrolases regarding chemical catalysis is strong. With the ongoing research, a more detailed view of the factors that influence substrate specificities and stereospecificities is expected to arise. The already present use of epoxide hydrolases in synthetic applications is expected to expand as new enzymes are being isolated and characterized. Refined methodologies for directed evolution of desired catalytic and physicochemical properties may further boost the development of novel and useful biocatalysts. The catalytic power of enzymes provides new possibilities for efficient, specific and sustainable technologies to be developed for production of useful chemicals.