Abstract 1996 Engineering Benzylsuccinate Synthase: Towards Enhanced Substrate Scope and Biocatalytic Potential

One of the prototypical members of the glycyl radical enzyme superfamily, benzylsuccinate synthase (BSS), catalyzes the stereoselective addition of fumarate to toluene, forming a new C-C bond and generating (R)-benzylsuccinate through a radical-mediated mechanism. This transformation is the first step in the anaerobic degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons, placing BSS as a key enzyme in bioremediation strategies and potential biocatalytic applications. Our research aims to elucidate the substrate promiscuity of BSS and engineer variants with improved catalytic properties.