Fe-containing Enzymes and ATP-grasp Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Bioactive Natural Products 

 Abstract:

Natural products have long served as a rich source of inspiration for the development of therapeutics and have driven significant advances in chemical synthesis and the life sciences. Their structural complexity and diverse bioactivities are often the result of unique enzymatic transformations. In this seminar, I will present our recent biochemical and structural studies of key enzymes important to natural product biosynthesis. Specifically, I will highlight our work on three types of Fe-containing enzymes involved in the production of the anticancer compound dolastatin 10, anti-UV mycosporine-like amino acids, and various flavonoids. Additionally, I will present our latest research on ATP-grasp enzymes in the biosynthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids, focusing on their characterization, engineering, and potential applications. This research not only deepens our understanding of enzyme function but also opens new avenues for the discovery and development of novel bioactive compounds.