Boron catalysis in a designer enzyme. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38720081/)

These scientists wanted to find a way to make enzymes, which are like tiny machines in our bodies that help chemical reactions happen, even more powerful and useful. They discovered a new type of enzyme that contains a special ingredient called boronic acid, which is not normally found in nature. This special enzyme can help speed up a specific reaction where some molecules called hydroxyketones are turned into oximes.

To make this enzyme, the scientists had to change the genetic code of the enzyme to include the boronic acid. They then tested different versions of the enzyme to see which one worked the best. They used special tools like X-ray crystallography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and a type of spectroscopy called (11)B NMR to study how the enzyme was working.

In the end, they found that this new enzyme with boronic acid was able to do the job better than any other enzymes they had seen before. This discovery shows that by changing the genetic code, scientists can create enzymes that are even better at helping with chemical reactions, opening up new possibilities for making useful things in the future.

Longwitz L., Leveson-Gower RB., Rozeboom HJ., Thunnissen AWH., Roelfes G. Boron catalysis in a designer enzyme. Nature. 2024 May;629(8013):824-829. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07391-3. Epub 2024 May 8.