Proteins that Control Stereochemistry

Researchers have long wondered how cells are able to manufacture just one mirror image structure, or stereoisomer, of certain chemicals. Stereoisomers often have very different chemical properties, and chemists spend much time trying to isolate stereoisomers in the lab. Recently, scientists identified a protein that controls the production of only certain stereoisomers of phenol compounds. Researchers in this area are attempting to identify other dirigent or "guiding" proteins. In the chemical industry, dirigent proteins will improve production of existing drugs and likely make possible the synthesis of new drugs.

"New 'Guiding' Protein Discovered," by Jocelyn Kaiser, Science, vol. 275, page 306, January 17, 1997

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