Halogenases: structures and functions

Over 5000 halogenated natural products have been reported so far, many of these arising from the marine environment. The introduction of a halogen into a molecule can significantly impact its bioavailability and bioactivity. More recently enzymatic halogenation has been used to enable late stage functionalisation through site-selective halogenation and cross-coupling. Halogenases are becoming increasingly valued tools. This review outlines the various classes of halogenases that have been discovered, and examines these from both a structural and a mechanistic perspective, reflecting upon the many recent advances in halogenase discovery.