Publication: Characterization of a two-component kinase that initiates the bacterial catabolism of hydroxyphenylethanones

Summary: While there is significant interest in leveraging bacteria to break down organic matter for biotechnology and bioremediation applications, the enzyme pathways within these microbial machines are often poorly understood. In this paper, the authors characterize a two-component kinase enzyme that helps to degrade compounds derived from lignin, a prominent component of plant biomass. Using biochemical assays and structural analysis, the team investigated the conditions for optimal enzyme activity, the reaction mechanism, and the scope of molecules the enzyme can modify.