Probing Transition State Analogy in Glycoside Hydrolase Catalysis

Our understanding of the mechanisms of many biological processes that occur in cells has allowed us to have an elementary understanding of the complexity of such systems. Recent efforts on carbohydrate-processing enzymes, which are central to life, coupled with the emergence of enabling technologies have allowed physical organic and biological chemists to hone our understanding of enzymatic transition state structures. Additionally, computational chemists have continued the concurrent development of the principal components that give rise to enzymatic rate acceleration. This review will begin by introducing the concepts of transition state stabilization and the use of linear free energy relationships. The review will also cover recent experimental studies on transition state analogy in the context of glycoside hydrolase enzymes.