Unlocking the Secrets of Styrene Monooxygenases: A Battle of Residues

Styrene monooxygenases are special enzymes that can tell the difference between left and right-handed molecules. These are known as enantiomers. They are part of a bigger family called Group E flavoprotein monooxygenases, or GEMs. These enzymes are great at making one enantiomer more than the other in a reaction. However, figuring out how to control which enantiomer is made more is a big challenge. This is because scientists don't fully understand how these enzymes work. One type, called (R)-selective styrene monooxygenases, or (R)-SMOs, is particularly interesting. These enzymes can switch which enantiomer they make more when they react with certain molecules. This switch is a big clue for scientists. It helps them figure out how these enzymes control which enantiomer is made. In a recent study, scientists took a close look at an (R)-SMO from a type of bacteria called Streptomyces. They found four important parts of the enzyme that help control which enantiomer is made. Two of these parts are close to the reaction site, and two are farther away. The study showed that these parts work against each other, like a tug-of-war. The size of the parts close to the reaction site and the parts farther away can change which enantiomer is made. This is a big deal because it helps scientists understand how these enzymes work. It also helps them make new enzymes that can make more of one enantiomer than the other. This could be really useful. It could help make better drugs and other useful chemicals. But it's important to remember that this is just one small step. There's still a lot more to learn about how these enzymes work. Scientists need to keep studying them to make even more progress.