Evolution of coenzyme 3PG-F420 published in mBio

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Our new paper on the evolution of the coenzyme F420 derivative 3PG-F420 is online!

Here, we could show that only two mutations in a key biosynthetic enzyme are sufficient to evolve a new cofactor derivative. Based on a crystal structure we obtained together with Michael Lammers from Greifswald University, we achieved the specificity switch in the lab using site-directed mutagenesis. This work sheds light on how metabolic diversity evolves and furthermore revealed how the biosynthesis of coenzyme F420 and its derivatives is controlled.

Congratulations and many thanks to all collaborators and coauthors, especially to Mahmudul as the first author!

The paper is available from the mBio website here.

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