Noncanonical Amino Acids in Biocatalysis

Abstract

In recent years, powerful genetic code reprogramming methods have emerged that allow new functional components to be embedded into proteins as noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) side chains. In this review, we will illustrate how the availability of an expanded set of amino acid building blocks has opened a wealth of new opportunities in enzymology and biocatalysis research. Genetic code reprogramming has provided new insights into enzyme mechanisms by allowing introduction of new spectroscopic probes and the targeted replacement of individual atoms or functional groups. NcAAs have also been used to develop engineered biocatalysts with improved activity, selectivity, and stability, as well as enzymes with artificial regulatory elements that are responsive to external stimuli. Perhaps most ambitiously, the combination of genetic code reprogramming and laboratory evolution has given rise to new classes of enzymes that use ncAAs as key catalytic elements. With the framework for developing ncAA-containing biocatalysts now firmly established, we are optimistic that genetic code reprogramming will become a progressively more powerful tool in the armory of enzyme designers and engineers in the coming years.

Exploring enantioselective recognition of dTMP-Co-bpe coordination polymer for natural amino acids using molecular simulations and circular dichroism

“…The binding constants (K b ) were determined by analyzing UV-Vis absorption data using the Benesi-Hildebrand relationship outlined in eqn (1). This involved comparing the absorbance values (A o and A) of the initial CP-1 without amino acids and their presence, respectively, along with the absorption coefficients ε G and ε H-G .…”

“…Table 2 presents the binding constant (K b ) values determined through UV-visible spectroscopy, confirming alignment with the outcomes from molecular docking investigations. The free energy (ΔG b ) associated with the CP-1 /amino acid interaction was definitively calculated based on the binding constant (K b ) using eqn (1).…”

“…Amino acids serve as the basic building blocks of proteins. 1 They are of vital importance in biological systems. It is necessary to investigate the stereochemical configurations of amino acids, which exist in two enantiomeric configurations.…”