Abstract 2549 Engineering Glycyl Radical Enzymes for Selective Hydrocarbon Functionalization

X-succinate synthases (XSSs), which are members of the glycyl radical enzyme (GRE) superfamily, play a critical role in the anaerobic degradation of hydrocarbons, allowing microbes to metabolize hydrocarbons without the need for oxygen. These enzymes utilize radical chemistry to carry out challenging C-H bond activations, making them powerful tools for biocatalysis and environmental remediation. Understanding and engineering GREs like benzylsuccinate synthase (BSS) and methylalkyl-succinate synthase (MASS) expand the potential for selective functionalization of hydrocarbons under anaerobic conditions.