Sialidases evolution

A convenient chemoenzymatic access to sialic acid mimetics as important inhibitors of influenza sialidases has been established by Nelson et al. (Fig. 35b) [191, 192]. Application of a pyruvate-dependent sialic acid aldolase improved by directed evolution disclosed a new route to the core structure of important pharmaceuticals, such as zanamivir (Relenza ). 

Woodhall T, Williams G et al (2005) Synthesis of screening substrates for the directed evolution of sialic acid aldolase towards tailored enzymes for the preparation of influenza A sialidase inhibitor analogues. Org Biomol Chem 3 1795-1800... 

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