Organic transformations catalyzed by engineered yeast cells and related systems

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis and Organic Synthesis
• Enzymology and Molecular Biology

Background:

• Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is widely used for asymmetric ketone reductions in organic synthesis.
• Traditional methods for improving stereoselectivity often involve selective inhibition.
• Recent advances leverage genomic data to refine yeast-based catalytic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of genome sequencing data on improving stereoselectivity in yeast-mediated asymmetric ketone reductions.
• To expand the catalytic capabilities of yeast beyond reductions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing data from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome sequencing project to guide improvements in stereoselectivity.
• Employing selective inhibition techniques.
• Overexpressing a bacterial Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase to introduce new catalytic functions.

Main Results:

• Genome data is beginning to enhance the stereoselectivity of asymmetric ketone reductions.
• The catalytic repertoire of yeast has been successfully expanded.
• Chiral ketone oxidations are now achievable through yeast biocatalysis.

Conclusions:

• Genomic insights are revolutionizing yeast biocatalysis for asymmetric synthesis.
• Baker's yeast offers a versatile platform for both ketone reductions and oxidations.
• This work expands the synthetic utility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in organic chemistry.