Artificially evolved enzyme tackles tricky cross coupling

Directed evolution has created an enzyme that catalyses a challenging carbon–carbon bond formation reaction for synthesising structurally complex antibiotics.

Identified around 20 years ago, arylomycins demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial activity but because they are so tricky to make, they are not yet used in the clinic. Composed of a lipid tail and a macrocyclic core, they target a different bacterial process from existing treatments – a valuable addition to our limited antibiotic arsenal.