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Prenylated flavins: structures and mechanisms
Author(s) -
Bloor Samuel,
Michurin Iaroslav,
Titchiner Gabriel R.,
Leys David
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.16371
Subject(s) - flavin group , decarboxylation , prenylation , prenyltransferase , carboxylation , cofactor , chemistry , covalent bond , stereochemistry , enzyme , catalysis , biochemistry , organic chemistry
The UbiX/UbiD system is widespread in microbes and responsible for the reversible decarboxylation of unsaturated carboxylic acids. The UbiD enzyme catalyzes this unusual reaction using a prenylated flavin (prFMN) as cofactor, the latter formed by the flavin prenyltransferase UbiX. A detailed picture of the biochemistry of flavin prenylation, oxidative maturation, and covalent catalysis underpinning reversible decarboxylation is emerging. This reveals the prFMN cofactor can undergo a wide range of transformations, complemented by considerable UbiD‐variability. These provide a blueprint for biotechnological applications aimed at producing hydrocarbons or aromatic C–H activation through carboxylation.