Analysis of Laboratory-Evolved Flavin-Dependent Halogenases Affords a Computational Model for Predicting Halogenase Site Selectivity

Flavin-dependent halogenases catalyze selective halogenation of electron-rich aromatic compounds without the need for harsh oxidants required by conventional oxidative halogenation reactions. Predictive models for halogenase site selectivity would greatly improve their utility for chemical synthesis. Toward this end, we analyzed the structures and selectivity of three halogenase variants evolved to halogenate tryptamine with orthogonal selectivity. Crystal structures and reversion mutations revealed key residues involved in altering halogenase selectivity. Density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations are both consistent with hypohalous acid as the active halogenating species in FDH catalysis. This model was used to accurately predict the site selectivity of halogenase variants toward different synthetic substrates, providing a valuable tool for implementing halogenases in biocatalysis efforts.