Methods in Enzymology: Thiamine pyrophosphate-dependent enzymes Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)-dependent enzymes are a diverse group of ubiquitous enzymes. They have in common the use of the biologically active form of vitamin B1 as a cofactor, which gives them the ability to catalyze the formation or cleavage of carbon-sulfur, carbon-oxygen, carbon-nitrogen, and especially carbon-carbon bonds.
The specific characteristics of TPP-dependent enzymes, related to both the chemistry of thiamine pyrophosphate and their organization into multimeric subunits, have always aroused the interest of scientists. During these last years they developed original experimental approaches, and also new analytical tools to study, understand and modulate the activity of these enzymes. In the first section of this volume, we propose to address a wide range of methods related to TPP-dependent enzymes as target in health and agrochemistry. Then in a second section, we will focus more particularly on TPP-dependent enzymes in biocatalysis, and in particular on the associated techniques in the field of enzymatic engineering and repurposing. In a third section, we will then address an exciting topic, namely that of the assimilation of one-carbon compounds such as formaldehyde. We will see how TPP enzymes are a tool of choice in biotechnology to address this issue. Finally, we will focus on dual cofactor TPP-dependent enzymes and multi-enzyme complexes using structural and metabolic approaches.
- Provides detailed descriptions of innovative and original methodological approaches described by the world’s leading experts in thiamine pyrophosphate-dependent enzymes
- Each chapter of the volume will allow the reader to have a complete description of a panel of techniques associated with the subject addressed. The reader can easily adapt it if necessary to his own research theme
- From the gene encoding a TPP-dependent enzyme to the enzyme optimized by directed evolution. From the three-dimensional structure of a TPP-dependent enzyme, to rational drug design for selective inhibition, or even from the knowledge of TPP-dependent enzymes to the implementation of artificial metabolic pathways for biotechnology. Here are some non-exhaustive examples that will allow the reader to understand this family of enzymes as well as the current methodological approaches implemented in this context