Efficient Chemical and Enzymatic Syntheses of FAD Nucleobase Analogues and Their Analysis as Enzyme Cofactors.

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) is an essential redox cofactor in cellular metabolism. The organic synthesis of FAD typically involves coupling flavin mononucleotide (FMN) with adenosine monophosphate, however, existing synthesis routes present limitations such as multiple steps, low yields, and/or difficult-to-obtain starting materials. In this study, we report the synthesis of FAD nucleobase analogues with guanine/cytosine/uracil in place of adenine and deoxyadenosine in place of adenosine using chemical and enzymatic approaches with readily available starting materials, achieved in 1-3 steps with moderate yields (10-57 %).

Double agent indole-3-acetic acid: mechanistic analysis of indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase AldA that synthesizes IAA, an auxin that aids bacterial virulence.

The large diversity of organisms inhabiting various environmental niches on our planet are engaged in a lively exchange of biomolecules, including nutrients, hormones, and vitamins. In a quest to survive, organisms that we define as pathogens employ innovative methods to extract valuable resources from their host leading to an infection. One such instance is where plant-associated bacterial pathogens synthesize and deploy hormones or their molecular mimics to manipulate the physiology of the host plant.