HDR defense:
Emergence of a Superfamily of Enzymes within the Microbiome: Mechanistic, Functional, and Structural Diversity of Radical SAM Enzymes
Radical S‑adenosyl‑L‑methionine (SAM) enzymes constitute one of the largest and most diversified enzyme superfamilies in living organisms. They participate in numerous biological processes, ranging from the biosynthesis of cofactors, vitamins, and modified peptides to DNA repair and RNA modification.
My research has primarily focused on two major groups of radical SAM enzymes: the SPASM/Twitch‑domain enzymes and the vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin)‑dependent enzymes, especially for their roles in post‑translational modification of peptides and proteins. Our work has elucidated previously unknown enzymatic mechanisms and demonstrated that the catalytic diversity of these enzymes rests on their modular architecture. It has also revealed the major contribution of these emerging enzymes to the biosynthesis of post‑translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), which represent a promising source of new antibiotics and play a key role within the microbiome.
- Yanyan LI, Directrice de recherche, MNHN, CNRS – Reviewer
- Myriam SEEMANN, Directrice de recherche, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS – Reviewer
- Djemel HAMDANE, Directeur de recherche, Sorbonne Université, CNRS – Reviewer
- Muriel GONDRY, Directrice de recherche, I2BC, Université Paris-Saclay – Examiner
- Frédéric AVENIER, Professeur, Université Paris-Saclay – Examiner
