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Halogenases and dehalogenases: mechanisms, engineering, and applications
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China. tanghongzhi@sjtu.edu.cn.
Natural Product Reports
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Nature
Area of Science:
- Biocatalysis and Synthetic Biology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) are vital in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials.
- Traditional synthesis of HOCs involves hazardous reagents and environmental pollution.
- Biocatalytic approaches using halogenases and dehalogenases offer sustainable alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in halogenase and dehalogenase research.
- To highlight the integration of these enzymes in biosynthetic and remediation platforms.
- To discuss future directions for industrial and environmental applications.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme discovery and characterization
- Protein engineering for enhanced activity and stability
- Development of scalable biocatalytic platforms
- Mechanistic studies of halogenation and dehalogenation reactions
Main Results:
- Expanded repertoire of halogenases (electrophilic, radical, nucleophilic) and dehalogenases.
- Engineered enzymes (e.g., tryptophan halogenases, fluorinases) show improved efficiency.
- Demonstrated potential for biocatalytic HOC production and pollutant degradation.
- Progress in integrating enzymes into synthetic biology and bioremediation strategies.
Conclusions:
- Halogenases and dehalogenases provide eco-friendly routes for HOC synthesis and degradation.
- Protein engineering and platform development are key to unlocking industrial potential.
- Further research on enzyme stability and robustness is essential for widespread application.
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