Researchers uncover how enzymes evolve molecular selectivity

An international research team, including scientists from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), has identified how enzymes develop the ability to distinguish between highly similar molecules. The study, published in Nature Communications, focused on a group of plant enzymes called borneol dehydrogenases (BDHs), which are involved in the formation of camphor.

Researchers discovered that enzyme selectivity is not solely determined by changes in the catalytic active center. Instead, changes at other sites on the protein also play a decisive role in how an enzyme recognizes specific molecular forms. This is particularly significant for the production of mirror-image molecules, such as the two forms of 1-borneol.

Understanding this evolutionary mechanism has major implications for biotechnology. High selectivity is essential in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fragrances, as using the incorrect mirror-image variant of a molecule can lead to ineffective treatments or unintended side effects in medicines like penicillin and cyclosporine.