Amine dehydrogenases: a versatile class of enzymes in the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines and amino alcohols

Amine dehydrogenases (AmDHs) are a versatile class of enzymes that catalyze the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds with amino donors. The development of engineered AmDHs and the discovery of naturally existing AmDHs represent two powerful strategies for identifying new AmDHs, thereby enabling the expansion of the diversity and scope of the biocatalyst class. This review summarizes the recent advances in this field, including the discovery of AmDHs through various approaches, the engineering of AmDHs for the synthesis of structurally diverse amines, representative examples of green cascade reactions employing AmDHs, as well as future opportunities to extend the application of this enzyme class in biocatalysis.