Enantio- and regioselective ene-reductions using F420H2-dependent enzymes

Abstract

In the past decade it has become clear that many microbes harbor enzymes that employ an unusual flavin cofactor, the F₄₂₀ deazaflavin cofactor. Herein we show that F₄₂₀-dependent reductases (FDRs) can successfully perform enantio-, regio- and chemoselective ene-reductions. For the first time, we have demonstrated that F₄₂₀H₂-driven reductases can be used as biocatalysts for the reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones and aldehydes with good conversions (>99%) and excellent regioselectivities and enantiomeric excesses (>99% ee). Noteworthily, FDRs typically display an opposite enantioselectivity when compared to the well established FMN-dependent Old Yellow Enzymes (OYEs).