Repurposed Biocatalysts from Neglected Bacteria

Exploring specialized biosynthetic pathways to discover intriguing biocatalysts is a promising new approach that complements traditional enzymology-based strategies. Many of the most exciting biocatalysts have been discovered “off the beaten track,” and various mechanistically intriguing pathways could not have been found using established biosynthesis genes as a guide. In this talk, I will present cases of unusual, repurposed enzymes that catalyze key steps in the biosynthesis of virulence factors, antibiotics, and toxins in neglected bacteria. Structural and mechanistic insights not only provide insight into the evolution of biocatalysts, but also have translational value for applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Christian Hertweck is Head of Department Biomolecular Chemistry at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and holds a Chair at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. After his PhD in Organic Chemistry at University of Bonn and MPI for Chemical Ecology, he has been Feodor Lynen postdoctoral fellow at UW Seattle. His research focuses on natural products and their biosynthesis in neglected microbes. He is speaker of the CRC ChemBioSys, elected member of the Leopoldina, and received various awards, including the Leibniz Prize and an ERC Advanced Grant.

Moderation: Professor Dr. Uwe Bornscheuer