Unveiling 14 novel 2-hydroxy acid racemization and epimerization reactions in the lactate racemase superfamily.

ABSTRACT: 2-hydroxy acids are organic carboxylic acids ubiquitous in the living world and are important building blocks in organic synthesis. Recently, the lactate racemase (LarA) superfamily, a diverse superfamily of 2-hydroxy acid racemases and epimerases using the nickel-pincer nucleotide (NPN) cofactor, has been uncovered. In this study, we performed a taxonomic analysis of the LarA superfamily, showing the distribution of lactate racemase homologs (LarAHs) sequences across the three domains of life. Subsequently, we overexpressed and purified nine LarAHs and investigated their biochemical properties and substrate specificities. We show that LarAHs from the lactate racemases group are more promiscuous than previously thought, with some members showing high specificity towards glycerate or 2-hydr

SUBMITTER: Urdiain-Arraiza J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11770544 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature