Periodic Report Summary 2 - NORACHEM (Novel radical chemistry for complex peptide synthesis and engineering)
The NoRaChem project aims to investigate the mechanism of novel radical SAM enzymes catalysing RiPPs (Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides) modification. During the frame of the project, a focus has been made on radical SAM enzymes involved in methyl transfer reactions and thioether bonds formation. We have been able to gain novel mechanistic insights into the complex chemistry of these emerging enzymes and to discover novel reactions within this superfamily of enzymes. These findings will be important for a better understanding of RiPP biosynthesis and the development of novel antibiotics.