title: Enzymatic asymmetric synthesis by decarboxylases.
abstract: Decarboxylation reactions using microbial cells or enzymes are increasingly being used for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds because of their high degree of regio- and stereo-specificity. Pyruvate decarboxylase, benzoylformate decarboxylase and phenylpyruvate decarboxylase enzymes are capable of acyloin-type condensation reactions leading to formation of chiral alpha-hydroxy ketones, which are versatile building blocks in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Availability of three-dimensional structures of some decarboxylases in recent years has facilitated understanding of reaction mechanisms and the creation of mutants with enhanced activity and stability.
authors: Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada. opward@sciborg.uwaterloo.ca
authors: O P
authors: OP
authors: Ward
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Singh
mesh_terms: D000090:Acetoacetates / Q000378:metabolism; D002262:Carboxy-Lyases / Q000378:metabolism*; D003653:Decarboxylation; D006038:Glyoxylates / Q000378:metabolism; D008314:Malonates / Q000378:metabolism; D008333:Mandelic Acids; D010667:Phenylpyruvic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D019289:Pyruvic Acid / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000090:Acetoacetates; D006038:Glyoxylates; D008314:Malonates; D008333:Mandelic Acids; D010667:Phenylpyruvic Acids; C012482:phenylglyoxylic acid; D019289:Pyruvic Acid; C030290:malonic acid; D002262:Carboxy-Lyases; C031606:phenylpyruvic acid