Thiamin-dependent enzymes: new perspectives from the interface between chemistry and biology

Abstract

Identification and enzymological study of the multitude of thiamin (vitamin B1)-dependent enzymes open new ways to investigate metabolic regulation and disease treatments. The significant contribution of enzymes employing thiamin diphosphate as a coenzyme to solving medical and biotechnological problems is highlighted, together with the currently underestimated role of the enzymes in controlling the levels of the non-coenzyme thiamin derivatives.