Cover Feature: Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction and Comprehensive Computational Simulations Unmask an Efficient PET Hydrolase with the Wobbled Catalytic Triad (ChemSusChem 10/2025)

Abstract

The Cover Feature illustrates how enzymes, originating from ancient harsh environments, possess the ability to hydrolyze bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET), a key intermediate in the degradation of PET, prevalent in modern society. The ASR-PETase was constructed by using ancient sequence reconstruction technology, enabling the hydrolysis of BHET into terephthalic acid, which accelerates PET recycling. The highlighted residues within ASR-PETase emphasize the ancient mechanisms with a wobbled catalytic triad that facilitate the hydrolysis. More information can be found in the Research Article by X. Li and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202402614).