Recent advances in imine reductase-catalyzed reactions

Area of Science:

• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Chiral amines and heterocycles are crucial pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Novel and selective synthesis strategies are in high demand.
• Imine reductases (IREDs) offer stereoselective routes to these compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in applying imine reductases for chiral amine and heterocycle synthesis.
• To focus on IREDs in reductive aminations and N-heterocycle formation.
• To summarize IRED applications in asymmetric hydrogenation and cofactor specificity engineering.

Main Methods:

• Application of imine reductases in reductive aminations of aldehydes and ketones.
• Integration of IREDs with other biocatalysts (e.g., oxidases, transaminases) for N-heterocycle synthesis.
• Engineering of imine reductase cofactor specificity (NADPH to NADH).

Main Results:

• Imine reductases effectively catalyze the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines via reductive amination.
• Combined biocatalytic approaches enable the synthesis of saturated substituted N-heterocycles.
• Recent studies show IREDs' potential in promiscuous asymmetric hydrogenation and cofactor specificity modification.

Conclusions:

• Imine reductases are versatile biocatalysts for producing valuable chiral amines and heterocycles.
• Their application in synthetic chemistry is expanding, offering sustainable and selective routes.
• Ongoing research in enzyme engineering promises further expansion of IRED utility.