:But now, we've found another difference between this pair of enzymes, their structural stability. While SodM was gaining new catalytic function, it was also evolving to be more stable than its ancestral SodA: doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2026.1…

Which can alter the electronic and redox properties of the metal cofactor, thereby altering its catalysis: doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag0…

We've been using them as a tool to understand how evolution can switch the catalytic metal-preference. It does so by changing residues in the secondary coordination sphere (close, but not touching the metal)... : doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-1…

As a result, the two protein share very high sequence similarity (75% identity), identical structures, and very similar coordination environments: doi.org/10.1039/c7cp06829h

We are hiring again! A PhD position is available in my lab @IBBPAS in Warsaw. Come and join us for a study into the evolution of a fascinating family of copper storage proteins (Csp). You'll develop biochemical and bioinformatic skills, and join a fun multidisciplinary team.

A group of researchers from @IBB (including me!) are running the relay marathon again this year. This time for charity: Rak’n’Roll, who work to improve the quality of life of patients receiving treatment for cancer. Please donate here: rejestracja.maratonwarszawsk…

When we combined the data from our analysis of a whole load of SodFM variants, we observed this remarkable correlation between metal preference (cambialism ratio; Fe-activity / Mn activity) and redox properties.

Then we studied that pair in biochemical detail to identify residues in the metal’s secondary coordination sphere that had changed during neofunctionalisation to change its metal-preference: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-1…

SodFMs come in three ‘flavours’ based on the metal specificity of their catalysis: they can be highly Mn-preferring (inactive with Fe), highly Fe-preferring (inactive with Mn), or ‘cambialistic’ (active with either metal). Yet they all have the same structure.

The ups and downs of academic life: a story told in two Acts (from two consecutive days)