
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Williams, S. J. 
A1  - Withers, S. G. 
T1  - Glycosynthases: Mutant Glycosidases for Glycoside Synthesis
JF  - Australian Journal of Chemistry
JO  - Aust. J. Chem.
Y1  - 2002
VL  - 55
IS  - 2
SP  - 3
EP  - 12
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/CH02005 
N2  - Glycosynthases are engineered mutant glycosidases that catalyse the formation of a glycosidic bond from a glycosyl donor and an acceptor alcohol. They are constructed by mutation of the enzymic nucleophile of a retaining glycosidase to a small non-nucleophilic residue. To date, five glycosynthases have been reported capable of synthesizing a range of &#946;-glycosidic linkages. Methods to integrate protecting groups into glycosynthase-mediated glycosylations have been developed that broaden their applicability and enable finer control over product formation. Mutagenesis studies have improved the catalytic power of the original Abg glycosynthase, and a general methodology has been developed that allows the rapid screening of libraries of mutant glycosynthases for catalysts with improved activity. A method for determining aglycon substrate specificity has been developed to define the limits of substrate variation tolerated by a parent glycosidase and thence the derived glycosynthase. Together, these developments portend a bright future for the discovery of new glycosynthases and their widespread application as catalysts to assist in the rapid and efficient assembly of complex glycoconjugates. 
ER  -

