Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025

Structural Biology and Analytical Chemistry Approaches for Characterizing C-Glycoside Metabolic Enzymes in Human Gut Microbiota
Published on: May 23, 2025
Enzymatic CN bond formation and cleavage reaction: Advances and perspectives
Yaoyun Wu1, Wei Song2, Wanqing Wei3
1School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.; School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Abstract:
Cofactor-(in)dependent enzymatic systems (CNases) play a pivotal role in catalyzing the formation and cleavage of CN bonds, a critical reaction for producing a wide range of chemicals. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the classification, structural characteristics, reaction mechanisms, and the impact of protein engineering on the performance of key enzyme groups, including ATP-dependent CNases, nicotinamide-dependent oxidoreductases, flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent oxidoreductases, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate dependent CNases, 4-methylideneimidazole-5-one-dependent CNases, radical CNases, metallo-CNases and cofactor-independent CNases. The latest advancements in cofactor-dependent enzymatic systems for CN bond formation and cleavage are summarized, with a focus on key applications. Future perspectives are also discussed regarding the potential of these enzymatic systems in establishing efficient biorefineries.
Related Concept Videos
C–C Bond Cleavage: Retro-Aldol Reaction
In the first step, as depicted in Figure 1, the base deprotonates the β-hydroxy ketone at the hydroxyl group to form an alkoxide ion.
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
Radical Formation: Overview
Radicals from spin-paired molecules:
Radicals can be obtained from spin-paired molecules either by homolysis or electron transfer. While two radicals are formed in the former, an electron is added in the...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Amines: Enamine Formation Mechanism
Introduction to Enzymes
Most enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed. Enzymes contain one or more active sites that...
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...

