Asparagine-803 in the C-terminal transactivation domain of human hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 α-subunit is hydroxylated by factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH-1) under normoxic conditions causing abrogation of the HIF-1α/p300 interaction. NMR and other analyses of a hydroxylated HIF fragment produced in vitro demonstrate that hydroxylation occurs at the β-carbon of Asn-803 and imply production of the threo-isomer, in contrast with other known aspartic acid/asparagine hydroxylases that produce the erythro-isomer.

The development of broad-spectrum metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) inhibitors is challenging due to structural diversity and differences in metal utilisation by these enzymes. Analysis of structural data, followed by non-denturing mass spectrometric analyses, identified thiols proposed to inhibit representative MBLs from all three sub-classes: B1, B2 and B3. Solution analyses led to the identification of broad spectrum inhibitors, including potent inhibitors of the CphA MBL (Aeromonas hydrophila). Structural studies revealed that, as observed for other B1 and B3 MBLs, inhibition of the L1 MBL thiols involves metal chelation. Evidence is reported that this is not the case for inhibition of the CphA enzyme by some thiols; the crystal structure of the CphA–Zn–inhibitor complex reveals a binding mode in which the thiol does not interact with the zinc. The structural data enabled the design and the production of further more potent inhibitors. Overall the results suggest that the development of reasonably broad-spectrum MBL inhibitors should be possible.

Engineering biology applies synthetic biology to address global environmental challenges like bioremediation, biosequestration, pollutant monitoring, and resource recovery. This perspective outlines innovations in engineering biology, its integration with other technologies (e.g., nanotechnology, IoT, AI), and commercial ventures leveraging these advancements. We also discuss commercialisation and scaling challenges, biosafety and biosecurity considerations including biocontainment strategies, social and political dimensions, and governance issues that must be addressed for successful real-world implementation. Finally, we highlight future perspectives and propose strategies to overcome existing hurdles, aiming to accelerate the adoption of engineering biology for environmental solutions.