Technical University of Munich
Assistant Professorship of Protein Chemistry (Prof. Zeymer)
Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8
85748 Garching b. München
Artificial Metalloenzymes and Photoenzymes
Our research focuses on the rational design and directed evolution of artificial metalloenzymes and photoenzymes. We aim to engineer novel biocatalysts and study their structure and molecular mechanism.
Enzymes are widely used as efficient, selective, and sustainable catalysts. However, the development of artificial enzymes for reactions that go beyond the nature’s synthetic repertoire remains a major challenge. We combine the versatility of transition metal catalysis and photocatalysis with the superb selectivity provided by proteins to generate novel enzymes. Catalyst optimization is done by directed evolution, a techniques that mimics natural selection in the laboratory.
Structure
Abstract: Incorporating metal cofactors into computationally designed protein scaffolds provides a versatile route to novel protein functions, including the potential for new-to-nature enzyme catalysis.…
Chemical Science
Abstract: De novo designed metalloenzymes and photoenzymes are a valuable addition to the biocatalytic toolbox. We previously introduced PhotoLanZymes (PLZ), a family of lanthanide-dependent photoredox enzymes…
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Abstract: Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a bacterial redox cofactor enabling enzyme catalysis in various sugar and alcohol dehydrogenases. However, its proposed additional role as a “longevity vitamin” lacks…
Structure
Abstract: In this meet-the-author Q&A, Structure's editor-in-chief, Karin Kühnel, speaks to Cathleen Zeymer from the Technical University of Munich about her research group's recent Structure paper entitled…
ACS Catalysis
Abstract: The design of artificial photoenzymes by incorporating synthetic chromophores into proteins represents a promising strategy to achieve non-natural biocatalytic transformations with high levels of…
ACS Chemical Biology
Abstract: The specific incorporation of lanthanide ions is a promising strategy to equip biomolecules with a new function. Their long-lived luminescence, strong anomalous X-ray scattering, paramagnetism, Lewis…
Angewandte Chemie - International Edition
Abstract: Photoenzymatic catalysis facilitates stereoselective new-to-nature chemistry under mild conditions. In addition to the rational design of artificial photoenzymes, naturally occurring redox enzymes can…
Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English
Abstract: "The most important future application of my research would be the integration of designer enzymes into biocatalytic processes in industry… If I were a piece of lab equipment, I would be a plate…
JACS Au
Abstract: Photocatalysis is a versatile and rapidly developing field with applications spanning artificial photosynthesis, photo-biocatalysis, photoredox catalysis in solution or supramolecular structures,…
Faraday Discussions
| Title | Dates | Duration | Type | Lecturer (assistant) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Seminar of the Chair of Protein Chemistry |
|
2 | SE | |
| Research Internship Biochemistry 1 (CH0554) |
|
16 | FO | |
| Research Internship Biochemistry 2 (CH0555) |
|
12 | FO | |
| Research Internship with Focus on Chemical Aspects (CH0510) |
|
8 | FO | |
| Special Aspects of Biochemistry |
|
7 | MT |