A tandem enzymatic strategy to enhance the scope of Calkylation of small molecules via the in situ formation of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) cofactor analogues is described. A solventexposed channel present in the SAM-forming enzyme SalL tolerates 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine (ClDA) analogues modified at the 2position of the adenine nucleobase. Coupling SalL-catalyzed cofactor production with C-(m)ethyl transfer to coumarin substrates catalyzed by the methyltransferase (MTase) NovO forms C-(m)ethylated coumarins in superior yield and greater substrate scope relative to that obtained using cofactors lacking nucleobase modifications. Establishing the molecular determinants which influence C-alkylation provides the basis to develop a late-stage enzymatic platform for the preparation of high value small molecules.

This Concept article describes the latest developments in the emerging area of late-stage biocatalytic alkylation. Central to these developments is the ability to efficiently prepare Sadenosyl methionine (SAM) cofactor analogues and couple this with enzymatic alkyl transfer. Recent developments in the enzymatic synthesis of SAM cofactor analogues are summarized first, followed by their application as alkyl transfer agents catalyzed by methyltransferases (MTases). Second, innovative methods to regenerate SAM cofactors by enzymatic cascades is reported. Finally, future opportunities towards establishing a generalized platform for late-stage alkylation are described.

RNA is the most mercurial of all biomacromolecules. In contrast to DNA, where the predominant role is the storage of genetic information, the biological role of RNA varies; ranging from a template-based intermediary in gene expression to playing a direct role in catalysis. Their high turnover and metabolic lability makes the detection of specific sequences particularly challenging. This review describes the latest synthetic biological developments that enable the direct imaging of RNA both in vitro and in their native cellular environment.

Atandem enzymatic strategy to enhance the scope of C-alkylation of small molecules via the in situ formation of Sadenosyl methionine (SAM) cofactor analogues is described. As olvent-exposed channel present in the SAM-forming enzyme SalL tolerates 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine (ClDA) analogues modified at the 2-position of the adenine nucleobase.C oupling SalL-catalyzed cofactor production with C-(m)ethyl transfer to coumarin substrates catalyzedb yt he methyltransferase (MTase) NovOf orms C-(m)ethylated coumarins in superior yield and greater substrate scope relative to that obtained using cofactors lacking nucleobase modifications.E stablishing the molecular determinants that influence C-alkylation provides the basis to develop al ate-stage enzymatic platform for the preparation of high value small molecules.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a significant global pathogen for which traditional antibiotic treatment is not recommended. Aurodox inhibits the ability of EHEC to establish infection in the host gut through the specific targeting of the type III secretion system while circumventing the induction of toxin production associated with traditional antibiotics.