Molecular design and catalytic function of a B12-enzyme mimetic

Developing artificial holoenzymes requires attention to the molecular design, not only of the active site, but also of its microenvironment, which in the naturally occurring enzyme is provided by the apoprotein. Microenvironmental effects play a major role in determining the catalytic performance of an enzyme. Using the development of a B12-dependent holoenzyme mimetic as an example, the important factors and concepts underlying the approaches to developing an artificial holoenzyme are discussed.