Molecular identification of an enzyme reported over 60 years ago
Phys.org
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Researchers have successfully identified an enzyme first reported over 60 years ago, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding metabolic processes in bacteria. The study focuses on sugar acids, compounds derived from oxidized aldose monosaccharides, and their associated metabolic genes. Typically, these genes are located separately on bacterial genomes for C4 and C5/C6 sugar acids. However, the researchers discovered that in several bacteria, including the marine bacterium *Paracoccus litorisediminis*, these genes form a single cluster. Within this cluster, they identified a homologous gene to GL300_RS07945, a protein belonging to the SDR (short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase) superfamily. Notably, GL300_RS07945 was previously classified as a "function unknown" gene due to its low amino acid sequence similarity—less than 30%—to any known functional proteins.
The identification of GL300_RS07945's function is a major advancement in molecular biology. By linking it to specific metabolic pathways, researchers have provided new insights into how bacteria process sugar acids. This discovery not only sheds light on the role of previously uncharacterized genes but also opens up potential applications in biotechnology and metabolic engineering. The clustering of metabolic genes for different sugar acids suggests a coordinated regulation mechanism that could be harnessed for industrial processes or bio-based chemical production.
This study underscores the importance of revisiting historical enzyme discoveries with modern genomic tools. By bridging gaps between old observations and new molecular techniques, scientists can unlock novel biological functions and enhance our understanding of metabolic diversity in bacteria. The findings also highlight the potential for identifying previously unknown enzymes and their roles in microbial metabolism, paving the way for future research into unexplored areas of bacterial genetics and biochemistry.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/26/2026