Superoxide-mediated O2 activation drives radical cyclization in ergot alkaloid biosynthesis

Conventional heme enzymes utilize iron–oxygen intermediates to activate substrates and drive reactions. Recently, Chen et al. discovered a novel NADPH-independent superoxide mechanism of heme catalase EasC, which facilitates an O2-dependent radical oxidative cyclization reaction during ergot alkaloi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yuanyuan Jiang, Zhong Li, Shengying Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Engineering Microbiology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667370325000219
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Summary:Conventional heme enzymes utilize iron–oxygen intermediates to activate substrates and drive reactions. Recently, Chen et al. discovered a novel NADPH-independent superoxide mechanism of heme catalase EasC, which facilitates an O2-dependent radical oxidative cyclization reaction during ergot alkaloid biosynthesis. This enzyme coordinates superoxide-mediated catalysis by connecting spatially distinct NADPH-binding pocket and heme pocket via a slender tunnel, offering a novel perspective on the catalytic mechanisms of heme enzymes in nature.
ISSN:2667-3703