Exploiting the reversibility of natural product glycosyltransferase- catalyzed reactions

Changsheng Zhang, Byron R. Griffith, Qiang Fu, Christoph Albermann, Xun Fu, In Kyoung Lee, Lingjun Li, Jon S. Thorson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

256 Scopus citations

Abstract

Glycosyltransferases (GTs), an essential class of ubiquitous enzymes, are generally perceived as unidirectional catalysts. In contrast, we report that four glycosyltransferases from two distinct natural product biosynthetic pathways-calicheamicin and vancomycin-readily catalyze reversible reactions, allowing sugars and aglycons to be exchanged with ease. As proof of the broader applicability of these new reactions, more than 70 differentially glycosylated calicheamicin and vancomycin variants are reported. This study suggests the reversibility of GT-catalyzed reactions may be general and useful for generating exotic nucleotide sugars, establishing in vitro GT activity in complex systems, and enhancing natural product diversity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1291-1294
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume313
Issue number5791
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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