A de novo peroxidase is also a promiscuous yet stereoselective carbene transferase

Abstract

By constructing an in vivo assembled, catalytically proficient peroxidase, C45, we have recently demonstrated the catalytic potential of simple, de novo-designed heme proteins. Here we show that C45s enzymatic activity extends to the efficient and stereoselective intermolecular transfer of carbenes to olefins, heterocycles, aldehydes and amines. Not only is this the first report of carbene transferase activity in a completely de novo protein, but also of enzyme-catalyzed ring expansion of aromatic heterocycles via carbene transfer by any enzyme.