Structure-Guided Modulation of the Catalytic Properties of [2Fe−2S]-Dependent Dehydratases

The FeS cluster-dependent dihydroxyacid dehydratases (DHADs) and sugar acid-specific dehydratases (DHTs) from the ilvD/EDD superfamily are key enzymes in the bioproduction of a wide variety of chemicals. We analyzed [2Fe−2S]-dependent dehydratases in silico and in vitro, deduced functionally relevant sequence, structure, and activity relationships within the ilvD/EDD superfamily, and we propose a new classification based on their evolutionary relationships and substrate profiles. In silico simulations and analyses identified several key positions for specificity, which were experimentally investigated with site-directed and saturation mutagenesis. We thus increased the promiscuity of DHAD from Fontimonas thermophila (FtDHAD), showing >10-fold improved activity toward D-gluconate, and shifted the substrate preference of DHT from Paralcaligenes ureilyticus (PuDHT) toward shorter sugar acids (recording a six-fold improved activity toward the non-natural substrate D-glycerate). The successful elucidation of the role of important active site residues of the ilvD/EDD superfamily will further guide developments of this important biocatalyst for industrial applications.